Conditions in Puerto Rico
05 December 2017 | Puerto Del Ray Fajardo
Judy
It does not matter which side of Puerto Rico you are on, or who you ask, the account of the hurricane is similar. Strangers were willing to share their story, “We spent eleven hours, all of us, in the bathroom. The noise was deafening. We could hear things crash into our house and near-by buildings. It seemed as though it was never going to end.”
Many of the Puerto Ricans feel grateful for the help of the United States. They praised the work of the US National Guard, though they wished they could have done more for the people living in the rural areas.
Torben and I spent one night in San Juan, in a B&B called Casa, Sol. It is an inn that is powered strictly by solar. The owner was able to provide his neighbors with charging capabilities for their phones, running water, meals, and laundry immediately after the hurricane. He housed FEMA workers and reporters. He was happy to be of so much help. Though he did tell us, prior to the hurricane his neighbors poked fun at him for not being connected to the grid.
The drive from San Juan to Fajardo was easy. The roads were clear of debris. Most intersections were manned by policemen. We saw many fallen trees and power poles. Buildings without roofs, down signs and billboards. But to be honest, it was difficult to tell what was in ruin before the hurricane verses what damage was caused by the hurricane.
We have been impressed with the strength and patriotisms to stick it out and rebuild Puerto Rico, not to say there isn’t still a mass exodus. A worker here in Puerto del Rey told us he has to move his family to the states. His two daughters need to be in school.
It seems to be an island of have and have nots. The devastation seems to have divided the two social economies even further apart. Here at the marina it is business as usual for the exception of power on the docks. The restaurant is open. Gulf carts with workers buzzing up and down the gangway. Christmas decorations are popping up. The marina is two thirds full. Most boats are in pristine condition.