Kaitebeck

Today is our last day in Puerto Rico and in the morning we rode the “subway” through new San Juan. This railway is much like the DC metro system but on consists of 16 stops. This system also differs because it is computer based and runs on a very strict schedule. The conductor does not run the rail but rather the opening and closing the doors. The computer program adjusts the speed of the train to ensure it arrives to the stations on time and if unable to arrive, another train is dispatched to ensure all passengers are on schedule. New San Juan is very similar and very different from any main land major city. It has metropolitan like structures, tall towers and offices, but there is no separation of class. The poor live right up ... read more

El Yunque National Forest is the only thing on today’s agenda. El Yunque National Forest is located on the Caribbean Island of Puerto Rico in the Greater Antilles group. The El Yunque National Forest is the sole tropical rain forest in the U.S. National Forest System. The forest’s relatively small 28, 000 acre size belies its importance. It differs significantly from all the other U.S. National Forests because of its year-round tropical climate and immense biodiversity. The Luquillo Mountains rises to 3,533 ft. above sea level comprise most of the forest land. Their steep slopes can sometimes receive rainfall of over 200 inches (508 centimeters) at higher elevations. The rain forest is noted for its biodiversity; it is “home” to thousands of native plants including 150 fern species, 240 tree species; 88 of these are endemic ... read more

So our day begins with a trip to Arecibo Radio Telescope, the largest radio telescope in the world. But before I get to that, I must talk about the terrain of the drive. Now the roads here aren’t what you would expect in the States. These roads are narrow, no guard rails, and follow the contour of the land. Why you ask, because this island is right on the fault line between the North American and Caribbean plate which makes it prone to earthquakes every now and again. This causes a risk in building bridges since the upkeep would cost so much from the risk of the earthquakes and the landslides as well. The Puerto Rican government saw it to be more finically sound to make roads which follow the contours of the land rather that ... read more

So this is my first time as a Traveler blogger. And since this one is first within a US territory, I thought it would be a good start. Today I arrived in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico with my Geog 399 class from Salisbury University. We flew into San Juan and are here to explore the Puerto Rican physical and human geography. I can tell you that I am VERY excited. Though we are still techanically on US soils, I feel like I am in a different place all together. You can already tell the differences here. The signs are spanish first, and english second (if there is any). There are so many street vendors too! Everywhere. Also, and this is before lecture has started, tonight the 10 of us (thats how many are in the class) went ... read more