San German...Strangled by Progress
Written: Dec 27 '99 (Updated Jan 13 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Still a lovely part of the world
Cons: Modernization has destroyed much of the charm and beauty
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| amsquare's Full Review: San German |
Thirty years ago I traveled to San German, Puerto Rico to visit my sister. She was a student at InterAmerican University, an English language institution located on a picturesque campus in the rolling hills of the southern fringe of that historic city.
I was enchanted with the narrow streets, the Spanish architecture, the plazas and churches (especially the unpretentious Porta Coeli). Most delightful of all were the people. They were gracious, modest and very generous. I was treated with warmth and respect wherever I went. They lived simply and proceeded at a leisurely pace. I very quickly slowed down and felt almost unburdened from my cares.
The surrounding countryside was dotted with small brightly painted wooden houses. They were in the valleys, on the hills, and along the serpentine roads leading to La Parguera (with it's phosphorescent bay) and Boqueron with it's quaint populace and gorgeous beach.
On a recent return visit I saw what "progress" has done to the home of "Heaven's Gate." The traffic on those narrow streets is heavy and persistent, fast food restaurants garishly display their signs from the many strip malls which ring the town. There is little evidence of the casual atmosphere which lingers lovingly in my memories.
La Parguera has developed high-priced housing overlooking the bay, and Boqueron, once my favorite place on Earth, is full of condos, bars and cheap tourist shops.
Mind you, a first visit will still impress many. But those of us who remember the fragile, innocent beauty and charm of years past, can't help but feel a significant loss.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
amsquare
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Reviews written: 18
Trusted by: 4 members
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