The Netherlands

One of the best things about traveling to foreign places is how my five senses just seem to go on high alert. Suddenly, I am more aware of my surroundings and my place in it. This time, to be fair, I wasn't venturing into completely unfamiliar territory. The photo above was taken in Utrecht, the Netherlands about two weeks ago. Although it was my first time in this charming city, I've been in the Netherlands before. Someone very special in my life is from this low-lying country, which is famous for its windmills, tulips and cheese.

My first time in the Netherlands didn't count for much of an experience, as I was only in Amsterdam for a weekend. However, over the course of two more visits, I've realized how wonderful this little country really is. What really impresses me about the Netherlands is how environmentally concerned people are. Supermarkets actually charge shoppers for plastic bags. As a result, most people bring their own. The Dutch also have one of the highest recycling rates in the world. Throughout the country, you'll also see windturbines.

Trains and bikes seem to be the most popular mode of transportation. Practically everyone owns a bike. The country is quite flat, so I guess it just makes perfect sense. I also think it's wonderful how all the towns seem to be connected by bike paths ("fietspad" in dutch). The country is said to have thousands of them. Don't get me wrong though, there still is a lot of traffic despite the exorbitant gas prices. Back here in Puerto Rico, as well as the U.S, people are complaining about paying over $1.00/liter (which amounts to around $3.50/gallon). This pales in comparison to what drivers pay in the Netherlands, where prices are nearly double.

Perhaps, one of the highlights of my recent trip was my ability to actually practice my Dutch! Although my knowledge is quite limited, I was able to understand a lot of the street signs, billboards, etc. I was also able to order my food (and ask for the bill) all on my own. Although most Dutch can speak English, out of respect and to the best of my ability, I like being able to communicate with the locals in their own language. Besides, I like languages. Isn't it wonderful when you can express yourself in different ways?

Hillary's Victory

I've been away from Puerto Rico for two weeks, and came back just in time for the Democratic primary election frenzy. At this moment, according to the latest projections, Hillary is said to have captured over 60% of the votes. This is not a surprise, as Puerto Ricans love the Clintons. However, it remains to be seen what the voter participation rate is, but I have a gut feeling it won't be too high. Most Boricuas just don't see the point of voting in the primaries, since they can't even vote in the presidential elections come November.

In the past, Puerto Rico has never played a crucial role in deciding who the presidential candidate should be for either political party. With this year's election, everything has changed. Suddenly, the candidates actually have to fly down here! So, what has been Puerto Rico's reaction? Unfortunately, I just don't feel the excitment or an abundance of energy here. Having just come back from Europe, where I was asked on several occasions about the election, there seems to be more interest amongst Europeans than Puerto Ricans when it comes to this year's U.S presidential elections.

The fight for the Democratic nomination is near its end. Obama is so close to winning it. Hillary's victory in Puerto Rico is interesting though. Perhaps, it does show how most Latinos do support her. Personally, I can't wait for this whole Hillary vs. Obama duel to be over with. Isn't it time for us to say 'enough is enough'?

(Photo Credit: Ramón Tonito Zayas/El Nuevo Día)

Destinations: Isabela and Playa Jobos

To all the moms out there... Happy Mother's Day! I wanted to take
my Mom out and break-out of our usual Sunday routine, and venture out of San Juan! So, I chose to head out to Isabela, which is located in the Northwestern part of Puerto Rico. We had lunch at a very low-key, casual beachside restaurant. The photo above was our view... Yes, that's why I enjoy the Caribbean so much! The name of this beach is called Playa Jobos, which is really pretty and well-known for surfing. It's about another 30 minutes or so from Isabela's plaza center.

After lunch, we just drove around and ended up taking a small road off the highway. It was completely unmarked but I saw a few cars entering, and it looked like there was a pretty beach towards that direction. Turns out that this area was filled with festivities, including a live salsa band! However, what interested my Mom most was the shack selling fresh fish! That's it on the left.

Isn't it great when you encounter something fabulous just out of the blue and completely unexpected? My Mom and I had a great time today. Sun, beach, fresh fish, what more can you ask for? Hmm... I did have something else on my mind... ice cream! Near the center of Isabela, I saw a Rex Cream, an ice cream chain established by a Chinese immigrant (who happens to be my Dad's friend!), and it just made me so happy! Most of all, I shared a lovely day with my Mom.

The Joy of Running

Last year, I was fortunate enough to participate in my first ever 10K running event. I found the experience to be absolutely exhilirating. The energy of the crowd, and the hundreds of runners, just keeps you going. It truly is mind over matter. I vowed to do it again. Unfortunately, I was in New York on the day of the run this year and wasn't able to participate. So, I've been searching for another opportunity and found one! This time, it'll be actually in Germany, a country that I'll be visiting for the very first time. Perfect!

I have a passion for running, as well as traveling. So, why not combine the two? I actually came across this event while doing a random Google search. It also just so happened that I had plans to travel to Europe. This 10K run is taking place in Essen, Germany. I am really looking forward to it! My only regret is that I won't be able to do the half-marathon. By the time I found out about it, it was too late to train for it. In all honesty, I don't have time to train for it either.

For the past few weeks, in order to prepare for the 10K, I've been running more and it feels great. The reason why I enjoy this sport so much is because it keeps me sane. Running has helped me both in good times and bad. When I lived in New York, I would run across the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges almost every morning. It was fantastic. There are certain runs that will forever be etched in my memory. I once ran in the midst of a snowstorm, rainstorm, as well as a subway strike, where there were hundreds of pedestrians walking across the bridges. They were all very interesting experiences indeed, and I look forward to many more to come.