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What It's Like To Move To Paradise For The Winter

Living on the Puerto Rican island time

Kirsten Ward

Dec 04, 2016

Wesley College

What It's Like To Move To Paradise For The Winter

Kirsten Ward

I have just moved back to Puerto Rico for the winter. If there's a legit phobia for cold weather, I have it. Just to paint a mental picture for you, it's your typical tropical island with beautiful views and even more beautiful people. It may look typical but isn't actually typical at all.

This morning in the kitchen, I heard some honking and yelling only to find my roommate stuck in the car with the shifter (the thing you use to put the car in drive - I'm no car expert here) hanging off. Causing a nice little 5-6 car back up casually in front of our house. Of course, people were getting out of their cars to help as I ran out of the house to save the day.

This little town attracts all the good vibes and some of the most genuine people I've ever met. There's no question to as of why I want to waste my twenties here. With only three days of being here, I can't tell you how many people have offered to help us with anything we need. It's great to know that there are other people out there so selfless and caring.

It has quite the character as well. Being behind the wheel, the roads transform into what seems like a series from Mario Kart. Paying attention has never been more of a major key and you don't always have to stop at the red lights.

Drinking at any hour of the day is a standard. Don't worry about any judgment. I cringe watching people drink Medalla's at Tamboo at 10 in the morning while I'm struggling with an intense hangover. Accepting that rum and cheech now run through your veins will help get you by a little easier.

I'm really struggling with words because no matter what I say or how I describe things, it's just a place that you have to experience for yourself. Like seeing horses being transferred in a pickup truck, watching a sunset at goat house after you've scaled a concrete wall to get to the roof, watching the locals drive by with large speakers on top of their cars blaring music, attending a gringo mania or laying on the horn while driving up a hill you can't see past.

I love this place and I've never felt more at home.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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What It's Like To Move To Paradise For The Winter

Living on the Puerto Rican island time

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All names should be "unisex names."

1. Communicating via email can be awkward.

2. Appointments usually accompany weird looks.

3. Introducing yourself to someone is never without a hitch.

4. You’ve probably thought about changing your name.

5. You’re often asked why you have the name you do.

6. You get excited when you meet someone of your gender with your name.

7. You feel awkward when you meet someone of the opposite gender with your name.

8. You’ve had someone say to you, “I knew a [your name], but they were [your opposite gender].”

9. You’ve heard a bad joke/pick-up line or two about your name before.

10. People are surprised when they see you.

11. You’re extra sensitive to other unique or unisex names.

12. You’ve fought with your parents about it.

13. All things considered, you’re happy your name makes you unique.

You know that all of these things apply to you. You'll just never tell.

I get it... I'm pale.

1. At least I can't lose you in a crowd!

2. Oh my goodness your skin is like glow-in-the-dark.

3. Can't you just get fake tan?

4. Do you tan or just burn?

5. Your kids are going to look like Casper the Friendly Ghost!

6. *holds arm against your arm* Look how much darker I am compared to you!

7. *holds pale arm against another pale arm* Aw, at least you're darker than her!

8. I laid out by the pool almost every day over break!

9. I haven't used sunscreen since I was, like, five.

10. *adjusts selfie lighting to their face* Oops, where'd you go??

11. *after working out* Your face is SO red!

12. *wears white* Look! You're all one color!

13. You need to get some sun.

14. Aren't you excited for summer?

The struggle bus is real.

1. Child prodigies:

2. Hearing other musicians in the practice room next door and accepting that you will never be as talented as them:

3. That anxiety that takes over before every performance:

4. Taking a million 0 credit classes:

5. When there's a paper due the next day, but you have to attend yet another concert in order to pass a 0 credit class:

6. When your friends try to encourage you after a performance, even though you are criticizing everything in your mind:

7. Knowing that there's always that one professor during juries:

8. The oh-so-attractive band/choir uniforms:

9. Realizing that a college campus is maybe not the best atmosphere to finish your latest composition:

10. Hearing "Oh, you sing opera? I LOVE Phantom of the Opera!" for the hundredth time:

11. When people think finals week is a breeze for you.

12. When you're drowning in the stress that comes with 18+ credits (and not to mention all those 0 credit classes) and people ask you how you are:

13. When it all comes down to it, though, you know that at the end of the day, music is your passion:

Because you need it in your life.

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6. holds arm against your arm Look how much darker I am compared to you!

7. holds pale arm against another pale arm Aw, at least you're darker than her!

10. adjusts selfie lighting to their face Oops, where'd you go??

11. after working out Your face is SO red!

12. wears white Look! You're all one color!