Isla de Vieques is an interesting gem in the Spanish Virgins, exquisite with long, white beaches and mostly undeveloped hillsides, thanks in large part to the US Navy. I'm not sure the people of Puerto Rico, and especially not the 10,000 or so inhabitants of this island would give much thanks to our Navy but it is because of us using it as a bombing range and testing ground that it remains mostly undeveloped. Why? Risk of unexploded explosives throughout the island. At least that's how the story goes. It is known around the world as the site of four years of protests against the Navy, which ultimately led to their departure in 2003. The good news is the former testing ground has been made into a national wildlife refuge and as a result much natural beauty has been preserved. It has a strong Spanish influence and while Puerto Rico is part of the United States, we don't feel like we're anywhere familiar. Most people speak English but not everyone.