9.12.2007

Bienvenidos a Rincon

Well, we wanted a big change and we got it. Rincon's bright blue sky, rich green foliage and crystal clear oceans is the perfect muse for any poet. You will experience all the colors of the earth here. What's most interesting is between 2-4 pm, it pours like clockwork everyday. We've settled at John and Yolanda (Mario’s cousin)’s guesthouse, Dos Angeles Del Mar. They've been so wonderful to us—cooking for us, driving us around the island, giving us room and board downstairs by the pool, which I fully take advantage of! Although Mario and I both caught a cold upon arrival, we're motivated to get Banana Dang up and running by November.

It’s been a month, but it feels like several. I have to admit that I miss my comfortable old life in SoCal but I do know I would’ve had many regrets if I didn’t leave to pursue a lifelong dream of opening my own coffeehouse very close to the beach—especially with Mario. My favorite new quote: “Every oak tree began with a couple of nuts who firmly stood their ground.”

However, a month in PR and I haven’t even touched the ocean! It’s been flat as a pancake or too big (at least for me) to surf. We’re also keeping busy readying up the biz: dusting, priming, painting, re-painting, raking, washing, chopping bananas—YES, we have two BANANA plants in our backyard!—all this in 85 percent humidity.

Our place is starting to come alive: A/C unit's been installed, driveway’s been paved, downstairs' interiors got color and we even picked out some cool modern furniture. We will soon make a trip to San Juan to get our La Marzocco espresso machine. We also met the Mayor of Rincon at his new building downtown where the municipality gave us the endorsement for our business. Next, the government has to sign off—then we have to get a blood test (required to serve food), took a health class and up next: get our patent! On the downside, the contractor who promised he’d finish our remodeling work before we arrived (plumbing + electricity) is a month late on the job. This is normal pace for PR. The locals “work to live—not live to work.”

Still, my only regret in moving is that I never learned Spanish although I'm picking up a little everyday. A majority of the residents do speak English, but whether they want to or not is another story. For a primarily English-only speaking citizen, it is fairly easy, however, to get by in Rincon (means “corner”). A lot of pro surfers and international travelers frequent this area and Americans from the mainland have opened several restaurants and shops in town.

Contrary to popular belief, Puerto Rico is no desert island. The Commonwealth of PR is a self-governing part of the U.S. where its citizens have the same control over their internal affairs as do the 50 U.S. states. However, they do not vote in national elections, only in national primaries. No federal income tax collected here, but as part of the U.S. legal system, most federal laws do apply. In Rincon you will find: Home Depot, Sam’s, Quizno's, Denny’s—even Pier 1. Surprisingly, NO Starbucks! Yes, the "big green" is nowhere to be seen in this part of the island.

We are getting a major lifestyle change: adjusting to a new culture, building a new business, and (for me) learning a new language. In mid-October we move upstairs into our home and in 2 weeks our personal belongings and trusty Scion will be arriving. It will feel nice to experience freedom on wheels again!

We hope this blog finds everyone well.
Con Amor, T2 + Mario