missionary rebuild effort in puerto rico

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The Puerto Rico Trench, also known as the Milwaukee Deep, plunges an astonishing 5.2 miles, or 27,480 feet, into the ocean’s abyss. This makes it the 8th deepest ocean trench globally and the deepest in the Atlantic Ocean.

Mosquito Bay in Vieques, Puerto Rico, holds the Guinness World Record for being the brightest bioluminescent bay on the planet. At night, the water comes alive with a mesmerizing light show, thanks to the presence of microscopic organisms called dinoflagellates. Each gallon of water contains an astonishing number of up to 700,000 dinoflagellates, creating a breathtaking spectacle of light.

El Yunque National Forest in Puerto Rico is the only tropical rainforest in the United States, boasting a tropical climate and an average annual rainfall of 120 to 240 inches. This lush forest is home to over 200 species of trees and plants, including 16 endemic species that are exclusively found in Puerto Rico.

El Yunque National Forest is also a haven for 13 out of the 16 endemic species of coquí frogs in Puerto Rico. The coquí frog holds a special place in Puerto Rican culture as its national animal, renowned for its distinctive “co-kee” call, particularly during the nighttime hours. Prepare for a challenging time sleeping in the rainforest at night, as the coquí frogs’ calls can reach an astonishing 90 decibels, comparable to the roar of a lion.

Puerto Ricans have a unique “spanglish” slang due to the official status of both Spanish and English languages. These spanglish words are exclusively found in Puerto Rico. For instance, the word “Broki” is derived from the English word “brother.” In spanglish, it means “friend,” as in “No hables así de mi broki” or “Don’t talk like that about my friend.”

Puerto Rico boasts an impressive 311 miles of coastline, which is home to at least 300 unique beaches. The Puerto Rican government has officially recognized 248 of these beaches, while some sources even list up to 1,000 when including small and private beaches. Among the most popular beaches are Flamenco Beach on Culebra Island and Luquillo Beach on the main island. These beaches are renowned for their characteristic white sand, similar to that found in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico, holds the distinction as the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in both Puerto Rico and the United States. Established in 1521 as a Spanish colony by settlers, its name has historical roots in the first European expedition to the island.

Christopher Columbus, upon arriving in Puerto Rico in 1493, bestowed the name San Juan Bautista upon the island in honor of St. John the Baptist. Sixteen years later, Juan Ponce de León founded the city of Caparra and assumed the role of the inaugural governor of Puerto Rico.

The Broadway show West Side Story’s iconic song “Maria” might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Puerto Rico’s remarkable recovery from Hurricane Maria in 2017. However, Lin-Manuel Miranda, the renowned Puerto Rican musical creator and star of Hamilton, found inspiration in “Maria” to co-write the song “Almost Like Praying.”

“Almost Like Praying” was a collaborative effort that featured 22 Puerto Rican and Latin artists. It quickly achieved remarkable success, topping the Billboard Digital Songs Sales chart and selling an impressive 111,000 downloads in its first week of release. Moreover, all proceeds from the song were generously donated to support victims and survivors of Hurricane Maria.

Puerto Rico stands out as the sole country where an American citizen can travel by air or sea with only a government-issued ID card, such as a driver’s license.

Among the other countries outside the U.S. that don’t necessitate a passport, the following destinations are notable:

- American Samoa

- Guam

- Puerto Rico

- Mariana Islands

- The U.S. Virgin Islands (including St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas)

What sets Puerto Rico apart is that it is the only one of these countries that doesn’t require both a government ID and a birth certificate. 

Therefore, if you haven’t renewed your passport and are seeking an excellent destination for your next vacation, Puerto Rico should undoubtedly be at the top of your list!

La Fortaleza, the official residence of the Governor of Puerto Rico, is also known as The Fortress or Santa Catalina Palace. It holds the distinction of being the oldest executive residence in continuous use in the Western Hemisphere.

An executive residence is the official home of the head of state, government, governor, or other senior figures of a government.

La Fortaleza was constructed between 1533 and 1540 as a defensive fort to safeguard the newly established capital city of San Juan from sea invasions. Despite numerous modifications and expansions, it retains most of its original architecture, making it a popular tourist destination. Located in the historic district of Old San Juan, La Fortaleza stands as one of the oldest executive mansions in continuous use in the Americas.

In contrast, the White House in the United States did not commence construction until 1792, giving La Fortaleza a remarkable 259-year head start. It’s quite an achievement to maintain that title for so long.