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Path: senator-bedfellow.mit.edu!bloom-beacon.mit.edu!howland.erols.net!gatech!news-relay.ncren.net!nntp-xfer.ncsu.edu!news
From: [email protected] (Zeydy Ortiz Laureano)
Newsgroups: soc.culture.puerto-rico,soc.culture.latin-america,soc.answers,news.answers
Subject: SOC.CULTURE.PUERTO-RICO: Introduction and FAQ
Followup-To: soc.culture.puerto-rico
Date: 9 May 1997 17:45:48 GMT
Organization: North Carolina State University
Lines: 1690
Sender: [email protected] (Zeydy Ortiz Laureano)
Approved: [email protected]
Distribution: world
Message-ID: <[email protected]>
Reply-To: [email protected] (Zeydy Ortiz Laureano)
NNTP-Posting-Host: styx.csc.ncsu.edu
Summary: This document contains information about SOC.CULTURE.PUERTO-RICO
(charter, netiquette, and related questions), PUERTO RICO
(festivities, national symbols, and Internet resources) and about
VISITING PUERTO RICO (where to go, where to stay, and where to
get more information).
Originator: [email protected]
Xref: senator-bedfellow.mit.edu soc.culture.puerto-rico:36709 soc.culture.latin-america:58375 soc.answers:7786 news.answers:102089

Archive-name: puerto-rico-FAQ
Posting-Frequency: monthly

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S O C . C U L T U R E . P U E R T O - R I C O

Introduction and
Frequently Asked Questions

June 6, 1996
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Welcome to soc.culture.puerto-rico! This article contains information
about this group, about Puerto Rico and about visiting Puerto Rico. I
hope that the information provided is useful to you and that you decide
to participate in the group and contribute with your ideas.

! In this issue I have corrected the information about "Where to stay in
! Puerto Rico?" that was missing from previous postings. Also, the
! section on "Where can I get information about Puerto Rico in the Web?"
! is constantly updated.

New area code for Puerto Rico: Effective March 1, 1996, the area code
for Puerto Rico is 787. The old area code (809) can still be used
until the end of the year.

This posting is in Usenet digest format. If your news reader supports
the digest format, press Ctrl-G (^G) to go to the next question.
Otherwise, search for the next line with "Subject:" at the beginning.
Changes to this file are now marked with an exclamation mark (!) at
the beginning of the line.

You can read a hypertext version of this document in the World Wide Web
at< http://www.cis.ohio-state.edu/hypertext/faq/usenet/puerto-rico-FAQ/
faq.html > or retrieve the most recently posted version from
< ftp://rtfm.mit.edu/pub/usenet/news.answers/puerto-rico-FAQ >.

The information is correct to the best of my knowledge. If you find an
error, let me know the correction. Contributions from other people are
also included and I have tried to give proper credit to the authors. If
you have any comments and wish them to be included, send me a message.
Also, if you want to change any of the comments you have provided,
let me know and I will make the changes accordingly.

You can copy and redistribute this file in whole or in parts only for
personal and/or non-commercial purposes as long as you give proper
credit to the sources including information on contributors at the end
of each section and the following information:
Document: SOC.CULTURE.PUERTO-RICO: Introduction and FAQ
Distribution Date: June 6, 1996
Maintainer: Zeydy Ortiz Laureano <[email protected]>
Archive: < ftp://rtfm.mit.edu/pub/usenet/news.answers/puerto-rico-FAQ >

If you have any ideas, suggestions or comments on how to improve this
file (or just want to say hello), please, send me a message. Also, if
you find any information on the Internet that may be included here,
let me know.

Zeydy Ortiz Laureano
<[email protected]>

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Subject: TABLE OF CONTENTS:

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SOC.CULTURE.PUERTO-RICO
-> Charter
- Topics of discussion
- Posting Policy
- Language
- BORIKEN
-> What is BORIKEN?
-> Reminders
-> Summary of things to remember
-> I do not understand Spanish. Why don't you write in English?!?
-> I am trying to practice Spanish. Will I get flamed if I write
to this newsgroup in my poor Spanish?
-> Can't you write proper Spanish?!?!
-> Why don't you use diacritical marks (accent marks,
tildes, dieresis) in soc.culture.puerto-rico?
-> How do I create a kill file?

PUERTO RICO
-> Patron Saint Festivals
-> Christmas Celebrations
-> National Symbols
-> Where can I get information about Puerto Rico in the Web?
-> Where can I get image files of Puerto Rico?
-> Who is providing Internet services in Puerto Rico?

TRAVEL INFORMATION
-> Do I need a passport?
-> What places should we visit in Puerto Rico?
- San Juan Metropolitan Area
+ Old San Juan
+ Metropolitan San Juan
- Northeast and Offshore Islands
- South Coast
- West Coast
- Northwest
- Mountains
-> Where to stay in Puerto Rico?
- San Juan Metropolitan Area
- Northeast and Offshore Islands
- South Coast
- West Coast
- Northwest
- Mountains
-> What are Paradores Puertorrique~nos?
-> Where can I get more tourist information?

UNANSWERED QUESTIONS
-> Other festivities
-> What to do with an annoying person?

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Subject: SOC.CULTURE.PUERTO-RICO

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Soc.culture.puerto-rico was proposed for creation in the BORIKEN
mailing list some time in January of 1994 by Mauricio A. Hernandez
<[email protected]>. After the initial period of discussion
and the voting (YES: 355, NO:23) the group was created in April 6, 1994.

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Subject: Charter

Name: soc.culture.puerto-rico
Status: unmoderated
Description: Puerto Rico's culture, politics, and society

- Topics of discussion:
Soc.culture.puerto-rico will be a newsgroup dedicated solely to the
discussion of issues related to the life, culture, and politics
affecting the nearly 5 million Puerto Ricans living in the island, in
the mainland USA, and around the world.

- Posting Policy:
Soc.culture.puerto-rico will be unmoderated. Contributors must use
their own judgement to decide the relevance of their articles to the
topics discussed in soc.culture.puerto-rico. Discussions that are only
relevant to a very few individuals should be moved to e-mail.

- Language:
Spanish is Puerto Rico's principal language. Thus we expect Spanish
to be the dominant language in the newsgroup. Nevertheless, a large
part of Puerto Ricans who have access to USENET know and use English as
a second language. Therefore, articles written in English will be as
welcomed as those written in Spanish.

- BORIKEN:
Soc.culture.puerto-rico will not be initially gatewayed to the list
server BORIKEN ([email protected]). However, the possibility of a
link will remain open and will be decided later by the members of the
BORIKEN list server.

Contributions: Mauricio A. Hernandez <[email protected]>

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Subject: What is BORIKEN?

BORIKEN is a mailing list administered by the University of Puerto Rico
to exchange information about the society and culture of Puerto Rico.
If you want to participate in the discussion, send a message to
[email protected] with the message: SUB BORIKEN Name Last Name.
You can leave blank the Subject line. Messages to the group should be
sent to [email protected].

If you are having problems trying to subscribe to BORIKEN, try sending
your subscription message to LISTSERV%[email protected] and
messages to the group to BORIKEN%[email protected].

Some readers of soc.culture.puerto-rico are or were in the BORIKEN
mailing list.

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Subject: Reminders

Due to differences in the experiences in the life of every person,
disagreement and misunderstanding are very likely to occur. We can
learn from each other and broaden our knowledge if the arguments are
kept in focus and not as personal attacks.

Before posting to soc.culture.puerto-rico, please read the newsgroup
news.announce.newusers to understand the Usenet community. The
following documents describe what is expected to be the proper behavior
in newsgroups.

* Rules for Posting to Usenet
by Mark Horton <[email protected]>
< ftp://rtfm.mit.edu/pub/usenet/news.answers/usenet/posting-rules/part1 >
* A Primer on How to Work with the Usenet Community
by Chuq Von Rospach <[email protected]>
< ftp://rtfm.mit.edu/pub/usenet/news.answers/usenet/primer/part1 >
* Hints on Writing Style for Usenet
by A. Jeff Offutt VI <[email protected]>
< ftp://rtfm.mit.edu/pub/usenet/news.answers/usenet/writing-style/part1 >

If you like sarcasm, also read:
* Emily Postnews Answers Your Question on Netiquette
by Brad Templeton <[email protected]>
< ftp://rtfm.mit.edu/pub/usenet/news.answers/usenet/emily-postnews/part1 >

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Subject: Summary of Things to Remember

Never forget that the person on the other side is human.
Don't blame system admins for their users' behavior.
Never assume that a person is speaking for their organization.
Be careful what you say about others.
Be brief.
Your postings reflect upon you; be proud of them.
Use descriptive titles.
Think about your audience.
Be careful with humor and sarcasm.
Only post a message once.
Please rotate material with questionable content.
Summarize what you are following up.
Use mail, don't post a follow-up.
Read all follow-ups and don't repeat what has already been said.
Double-check follow-up newsgroups and distributions.
Be careful about copyrights and licenses.
Cite appropriate references.
When summarizing, summarize.
Mark or rotate answers or spoilers.
Spelling flames considered harmful.
Don't overdo signatures.
Limit line length and avoid control characters.
Please do not use Usenet as a resource for homework assignments.

From: "A Primer on How to Work with the Usenet Community"
by Chuq Von Rospach <[email protected]>
< ftp://rtfm.mit.edu/pub/usenet/news.answers/usenet/primer/part1 >

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Subject: I do not understand Spanish. Why don't you write in English?!?

For most of us, Spanish is our native language. We are more comfortable
communicating with each other in the language that is most natural for
us. I am sorry that you may not understand our postings. However, if
you have a question feel free to post in English. It is very likely
that you will get a kind response in English.

Read the section on "Language" in the charter for more details
(see "Charter").

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Subject: I am trying to practice Spanish. Will I get flamed if I write
to this newsgroup in my poor Spanish?

I have noticed that some people that claim to speak Spanish as their
first language do not write Spanish correctly in this newsgroup for
different reasons (see also "Can't you write Spanish correctly?!?!").
So, I don't think you will get flamed for your writing. Most people
appreciate your efforts in learning our language and will try to get
the idea of what you are trying to say. However, if you feel that
your message may not be understood, include the English version in
your post.

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Subject: Can't you write Spanish correctly?!?!

Yes we can, thank-you-very-much. However, spelling flames are not
appreciated in Usenet groups and soc.culture.puerto-rico is not an
exception. Please consider the following facts:
- Not all the participants in this group have the time to correct
every single word we type.
- Spanish automatic spelling checkers are not widely available.
- There exists a great number of Puerto Ricans who lived most of
their lives in the mainland USA and whose first language is
English.
- For some, this newsgroup is one of the few places where they can
practice writing in Spanish. Trying to embarrass people because
of their spelling tend to inhibit them, as well as others
reading in the sidelines, from participating in the group.

Please, do not embarrass yourself by trying to embarras others with
spelling flames. But if you must become a speaker for the "Real
Academia de la Lengua Espa~nola", please do so by e-mail.

Contributions: Mauricio A. Hernandez <[email protected]>

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Subject: Why don't you use diacritical marks (accent marks, tildes, dieresis)
in soc.culture.puerto-rico?

Not all terminal support the Extended Character Set needed to display
the special characters (e.g., vowels with accent marks). Some terminals
will simply not display the character or replace it with another making
your message very difficult to understand. For example, if I were to
write "Hernandez" using an 'a' with an accent mark, some terminals might
show this as "Hernndez" or as "Hern@ndez". To work around this
situation, some people have adopted the following strategies:

- Accent marks:* Place the mark after the letter (Mari'a, Jose').
* Use upper case (MarIa and JosE).
* Don't use an accent mark.

- Tildes: * Place a tilde (~) before or after the n (puertorrique~nos).
* Place a circumflex (^) before the n (puertorrique^nos).
* Use "ny" instead (puertorriquenyos).
* Use "nn" instead (puertorriquennos).
* Use "nh" instead (puertorriquenhos).
* Use upper case n (puertorriqueNos).
* Don't use a tilde (usually not recommended)

- Dieresis: * Place a colon after the letter (Mayagu:ez).
* Place a double quote after the letter (Mayagu"ez).
* Don't use a dieresis.

Your posting will be more readable if you use characters that can be
displayed at every terminal type. If you can see the characters
correctly in your terminal, it does not mean that everyone will be able
to see them as well. Those who wish to read an article that includes
special characters, refer to the document by Jorge Donato available at
< ftp://vision.ee.tulane.edu/pub/donato/spa.html >. Also, a filter to
to eliminate the special characters (for Unix systems) can be found at
< ftp://vision.ee.tulane.edu/pub/donato/ascfil >.

Contributions: Mauricio A. Hernandez <[email protected]> and
Jorge Donato<[email protected]>

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Subject: How do I create a kill file?

Some news readers support the creation of a file, called "kill file",
to limit the articles that are accessed. The main purpose of the file
is to mark as read some articles based on some pattern. You can
eliminate all messages from a particular subject or a given person.

The following information is specific to the rn/trn news reader. [If
you have information for other news readers, send me a note with the
instructions. <[email protected]>]

Pressing a 'k' when reading an article you can mark as read all
articles with the same subject as the current one. Pressing 'K' will
do the same but will also add a line to the local kill file such that
the every time you read the group, articles with the same subject are
marked as read.

You can edit directly your kill file using control-K (^K). You can add
a line such as:
/unwanted subject/:j
to eliminate all articles that contain the string 'unwanted subject' in
the Subject: line.

To discard articles from a particular person, add
/^From:.*e-mail address/h:j
to the kill file where 'e-mail address' is the login name and the
complete site where the person is posting messages. You will need to
add a backslash ('\') before each dot in the site address.

For more information, read the "rn killfile FAQ" in news.answers or
< ftp://rtfm.mit.edu/pub/usenet/news.answers/killfile-faq > and the
manual pages for your news reader.

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Subject: PUERTO RICO

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Puerto Rico is a Caribbean Island located about a thousand miles
southeast of Miami between the Dominican Republic and the U. S. Virgin
Islands. It is roughly 100 by 35 miles with a population of about
3.8 million people. Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States
of America and we have common citizenship, currency and defense.
Although Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens, residents of Puerto Rico do
not pay federal income tax (but neither can they vote in presidential
elections). Over 2 million Puerto Ricans live in the United States,
primarily in the northeast.

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Subject: Patron Saint Festivals

Every year, each town celebrates patron saint festivals (fiestas
patronales) in honor of the area's patron saint. The festivities
include religious processions since they were originated as a Catholic
tradition. However, they have adopted other elements of African and
local origin. They also include games, regional food, music and dance.

Following is a list, ordered by date, of the festivals that are
celebrated in each town. The festivities last ten days, including the
date listed, and activities are held evenings on weekdays and all day
on weekends.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOWN PATRON SAINT DATE
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aguas Buenas Los Santos Reyes Jan. 6
Corozal La Sagrada Familia Jan. 9
A~nasco San Antonio Abad Jan. 17
San Sebastia'n San Sebastia'n (of course) Jan. 20
Lajas La Virgen de la Candelaria Feb. 2
Manati' La Virgen de la Candelaria Feb. 2
Mayagu:ez La Virgen de la Candelaria Feb. 2
Coamo La Virgen de la Candelaria Feb. 2
Coamo San Blas Feb. 3
Loi'za Aldea San Patricio Mar. 17
Ciales San Jose' Mar. 19
Gurabo San Jose' Mar. 19
Luquillo San Jose' Mar. 19
Pe~nuelas San Jose' Mar. 19
Lares San Jose' Mar. 19
Patillas San Benito Mar. 31
Guaynabo San Pedro Ma'rtir Apr. 29
Arecibo Apo'stol San Felipe May 1
Bayamo'n La Santa Cruz May 3
Trujillo Alto La Santa Cruz May 3
Maunabo San Isidro May 15
Sabana Grande San Isidro Labrador May 15
Carolina San Fernando May 30
Toa Alta San Fernando May 30
Barranquitas San Antonio de Padua June 13
Ceiba San Antonio de Padua June 13
Dorado San Antonio de Padua June 13
Guayama San Antonio de Padua June 13
Isabela San Antonio de Padua June 13
Maricao San Juan Bautista June 24
Orocovis San Juan Bautista June 24
San Juan San Juan Bautista June 24
Toa Baja San Pedro Apo'stol June 30
Arroyo Virgen del Carmen July 16
Barceloneta Virgen del Carmen July 16
Cata~no Virgen del Carmen July 16
Cidra Virgen del Carmen July 16
Culebra Virgen del Carmen July 16
Hatillo Virgen del Carmen July 16
Morovis Virgen del Carmen July 16
Ri'o Grande Virgen del Carmen July 16
Villalba Virgen del Carmen July 16
Aibonito Santiago Apo'stol July 25
Fajardo Santiago Apo'stol July 25
Gua'nica Santiago Apo'stol July 25
Loiza Aldea Santiago Apo'stol July 25
Santa Isabel Santiago Apo'stol July 25
San Germa'n San Germa'n (of course) July 31
Comerio El Santo Cristo de la Salud Aug. 6
San Lorenzo San Lorenzo (of course) Aug. 10
Cayey Ntra. Sra. de la Asuncio'n Aug. 15
Adjuntas San Joaqui'n & Santa Ana Aug. 21
Rinco'n Santa Rosa de Lima Aug. 30
Juana Diaz San Ramo'n Nonato Aug. 31
Hormigueros Ntra. Sra. de la Monserrate Sept. 8
Jayuya Ntra. Sra. de la Monserrate Sept. 8
Moca Ntra. Sra. de la Monserrate Sept. 8
Salinas Ntra. Sra. de la Monserrate Sept. 8
Cabo Rojo San Miguel Arca'ngel Sept. 29
Naranjito San Miguel Arca'ngel Sept. 29
Utuado San Miguel Arca'ngel Sept. 29
Yabucoa Los Angeles Custodios Oct. 2
Aguada San Francisco de Asi's Oct. 4
Naguabo Ntra. Sra. del Rosario Oct. 7
Vega Baja Ntra. Sra. del Rosario Oct. 7
Yauco Ntra. Sra. del Rosario Oct. 7
Cano'vanas La Virgen del Pilar Oct. 12
Ri'o Piedras La Virgen del Pilar Oct. 12
Quebradillas San Rafael Arca'ngel Oct. 24
Aguadilla San Carlos Borromeo Nov. 4
Guayanilla La Inmaculada Concepcio'n Dec. 8
de Mari'a
Humacao La Inmaculada Concepcio'n Dec. 8
de Mari'a
Juncos La Inmaculada Concepcio'n Dec. 8
de Mari'a
Las Mari'as La Inmaculada Concepcio'n Dec. 8
de Mari'a
Las Piedras La Inmaculada Concepcio'n Dec. 8
de Mari'a
Vega Alta La Inmaculada Concepcio'n Dec. 8
de Mari'a
Vieques La Inmaculada Concepcio'n Dec. 8
de Mari'a
Ponce Ntra. Sra. de la Guadalupe Dec. 12

Contributions: Jimmy Gonzalez Luna <[email protected]> from the
book of Jennie Sosa de Remy, "Etiqueta y Tradiciones Puertorrique~nas",
Art Printing Inc., pp. 242-243, 1980.

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Subject: Christmas Celebrations

In Puerto Rico, as well as most of Latin America, Christmas traditions
have their roots in Catholicism. Due to contact with other cultures,
some of these traditions have evolved and changed through time. Some
customs have lost their religious meaning and become secular events
where everybody, regardless of religious affiliation, participate.

Here is the calendar of celebrations for the Christmas holidays in
Puerto Rico.

MISAS DE AGUINALDO [Nine consecutive nights before Christmas Eve]
- In the Catholic tradition these masses are celebrated with music
and carols. They are celebrated at dawn (between 5:00 and 6:00am)
during nine days before Christmas Eve.
- The favorite music instruments to use during these masses, and
throughout the season, are: "el cuatro" (a small guitar); the
guitar; "el gu:iro" (a hollow wood shell made from the skin of a
fruit called "higuera"); and "maracas" (made from the same fruit
as the "gui:ro", but smaller and round).
- These masses originated in Mexico and Central America, to motivate
the Native Americans to join Christianity. Native Americans in
Mexico used to celebrate the birth of their Sun God during
December, with music and dancing. Catholic missionaries
incorporated these custom to their masses to make them more
appealing to the Natives and facilitate the transition from one
faith to another.
- From Mexico, this custom spread to the Caribbean. It is unknown in
South America and Spain.

MISA DE GALLO [December 24 at midnight]
- In the Catholic Church, this mass is celebrated on December 24 at
midnight. Its purpose is to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Like in
the "Aguinaldo" mass, there is music and singing, but the
atmosphere is more solemn.

NOCHEBUENA [Christmas Eve - December 24]
- A special dinner or party is organized by many families to
celebrate the birthday of Jesus at home.
- The menu varies from one family to another, but it usually
includes a special dish, like baked chicken or turkey, and roasted
pork or ham.
- The main dish is accompanied by Spanish rice with pigeon peas,
local vegetables like cooked green bananas, fried plantains or
cooked yam. Another Holiday dish is called "pasteles". It's made
of mashed green bananas, filled with meat and other vegetables,
wrapped in the leaves of the banana tree (the leaves are only for
wrapping, we don't eat them). They are cooked in boiling water.
- We also have Holiday desserts like: "arroz con dulce" (rice cooked
with spices, sugar, milk, and coconut milk) and "tembleque" (a
custard made with cornstarch, sugar, and coconut milk). They
taste better cool down or cold, when its consistency becomes more
solid.
- The nougat, imported from Spain, is another popular sweet dish
during the Holidays. Nuts are also popular.

NAVIDAD [Christmas - December 25]
- Christians celebrate Jesus' birthday.
- Santa Claus brings gifts to the children who had been good during
the year. This custom originated in the USA, but since the 1940's
has become part of Puerto Rico's Holiday traditions. In other
Spanish-speaking countries like Spain and Mexico is also becoming
popular.
- The Christmas tree is another custom imported from the USA. We
decorate a pine tree (natural or artificial) with lights and
adornments. The houses are also decorated with lights.
- People build "nacimientos" (also called "Belens" or "pesebres",
known in English as cribs or creches). These cribs recreate the
story of Jesus' birth. They are made with scale figures made of
wood, plastic or porcelain. The complexity of the crib varies
from one place to another. Some are simple, with the figures of
Jesus, Joseph, and Mary. Others include the three Wise Men,
shepherds, animals, buildings, etc. In some Catholic churches,
large and elaborate cribs are built as altars for people to visit
them on Christmas Eve.

DIA DE LOS INOCENTES [Day of the Innocents - December 28]
- During this day, Catholics remember the children killed by Herod,
as it is told in the Gospel.
- People used to celebrate this day like a carnival, where some men
dressed as the "evil soldiers of Herod", and went house by house,
"kidnapping" the first-born boy from every family. To recover
their children, the families had to offer the soldiers gifts, and
when the children returned to their homes, a big party was
organized to celebrate the return of the "lost boys".
- In Puerto Rico, this carnival still takes place in one small town
called Hatillo. The whole town joins in the parade and later on
in a big party at the public square. In another town called
Morovis, a similar event takes place, but in a smaller scale.
This carnival originated in the Canaries isles, and were brought
to Puerto Rico by immigrants from that place.
- Today, this day is celebrated in a different way. People make
tricks and stories to fool others, resembling the April Fool's
Day in the USA.

A~NO VIEJO [New Year's Eve - December 31]
- People celebrate the end of the year with relatives and friends,
or going out. The end of year is a symbol of a new beginning,
when people make changes to improve their lives. The major event
occurs at midnight, when everybody greets each other and wishes
good luck and happiness to everyone.
- Some people eat 12 grapes, one for every time the clock rings its
bells to tell time. It is supposed to bring good luck if you can
eat all 12 grapes before the clock stops ringing the bells. Of
course, not everybody have wall clocks with ringing bells, so the
custom varies.
- In Puerto Rico, right at midnight, TV and radio stations broadcast
a famous poem called "El Brindis del Bohemio", which tells the
story of a group of friends together in a bar celebrating the New
Year.
- The celebration continues all night long.

VISPERA DE EPIFANIA [Epiphany's Eve - January 5]
- Catholics meet in a neighbor's house to pray the rosary and to
honor the three Wise Men (saints in the Catholic faith). This
custom is almost forgotten by the younger generations.
- The children get ready to receive gifts from the three Wise Men by
collecting fresh cut grass in a shoe box. The grass is for the
Wise Men's camels, who are tired and hungry from their long
journey. Some people also put pastries, food and drinks for the
Wise Men under the Christmas tree or along with the grass under
the children's bed.

DIA DE REYES [Three Kings' Day or Epiphany - January 6]
- The children get to open the gifts left the night before by the
three Wise Men (or Kings).
- A party similar to the one celebrated in Christmas day is organized
by the family, with the same Holiday menu and music.
- The Orthodox Church celebrates Jesus' birthday on this day.

OCTAVAS & OCTAVITAS [January 15]
- According to tradition, if you received a visit from a friend or
relative on Three Kings' day, you are supposed to return the
visit eight days later, playing live music and singing songs. The
name "Octavas" comes from the word "octavo" (eighth), since the
event takes place eight days after January 6.
- People still remember this tradition, but is not practiced as
much. Some families choose this day to take off the Christmas
decorations and "officially" end Christmas.

Contributions: Jimmy Gonzalez Luna <[email protected]> from
- Kennedy, Pamela, "A Christmas Celebration: Traditions & Customs from
Around the World". Nashville: Ideals Publishing Corp., 1992.
- Ross & Lopez, "Christmas In Mexico". Chicago: World Books Inc., 1983.
- Sosa de Remy, Jennie, "Etiqueta & Tradiciones Puertoriquen~as".
San Juan: Art Printing Inc., 1980.
- "BOLETIN ARTES POPULARES: LAS FIESTAS TRADICIONALES DE PUERTO RICO".
San Juan: Instituto de Cultura Puertorrique~na, 1980.

~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~

Subject: National Symbols

|\###########| Puerto Rico's flag has a white star in a light blue
| \ | isosceles triangle. It also has five horizontal stripes,
| * >########| three red and two white stripes.
| / |
|/###########|

o_o The Coqui <Eleutherodactylus portoricensis> is a tiny tree
( o ) frog native of Puerto Rico. Its name is derived from the
( | | ) sound of its song that is pronounced <ko-kee>. The coqui
coqui is about one inch long, its skin is smooth and almost
transparent but can be blended with its surrounding.
They hide in moist and dark places.
Image: < http://hpprdk01.prd.hp.com/images/coqui.gif >
Sound: < http://www.shadow.net/~talicea/coqui.wav >

Contributions: Javier Santos <[email protected]>.

~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~

Subject: Where can I get information about Puerto Rico in the Web?

! Every day more information is added to the World Wide Web. Information
! about Puerto Rico can be found in many different places that are
! described in the next few paragraphs. Remember that most of this
! information is provided by voluntary effort of the people that set up
! the page. This section is constantly updated. If you find other
! places with information, send me a note. Also, if there is any change
! in the location of a page, let me know of the change to be able to
! make the update accordingly.

A World Wide Web (WWW) server sponsored by Hewlett-Packard Puerto Rico
is maintained by Jose Pietri. You can find facts about the island, the
latest weather report, images of Puerto Rico, recipes and other
interesting things about our people in there. The URL of this site is
< http://hpprdk01.prd.hp.com/ >.

The University of Puerto Rico maintains information about their
programs of study. The UPR-Rio Piedras campus WWW server is at
< http://www.upr.clu.edu/ > and < http://www_rum.upr.clu.edu/ > for the
Mayaguez Campus.

The Inter American University also maintains information at
< http://coqui.metro.inter.edu > for the Metropolitan Campus and at
< http://ponce.inter.edu > for the Ponce Campus. You can find news
from Puerto Rico in their gopher server at < gopher://ponce.inter.edu >
There is also information and images of the Tibes Indian Ceremonial
Center at < http://ponce.inter.edu/tibes/tibes.html >.

Information about Universidad del Sagrado Corazon can be found at
< http://www.usc.clu.edu >.

Mailing addresses of Puerto Rico's universities are maintained by the
World Wide Classroom at < http://www.worldwide.edu/ci/puerto_rico/ >.

You can find information about cultural activities in "El Cuarto del
Quenepon" at < http://www.upr.clu.edu/cuarto/quenepon.html >. The page
features Puerto Rican artists around the world, articles, electronic
publications, calendar of activities, and call for participation for
cultural events.

A lot of information on Puerto Rico is maintained by Magaly Rivera
! <[email protected]> at < http://www2.ashd.com/~maggy/pr/ >. Note
! the new change of location.

The CIA World Factbook Sheet about Puerto Rico can be also accessed on-
line at < http://www.odci.gov/94fact/country/196.html > or at
< gopher://hoshi.cic.sfu.ca/0/dlam/cia/all/Puerto_Rico >.

Results from the 1992 general elections, the 1993 status plebiscite,
and the 1994 Constitutional Amendments referendum are maintained
by Manuel Alvarez-Rivera <[email protected]> and presented at
< http://info.pitt.edu/~alvarez/elecciones.pr/ >.

At < http://www.where2stay.com/islands/islands/puertorico.html > you can
find some information about where to stay in Puerto Rico.

The Institute for Puerto Rican Policy maintains information about Puerto
Rican issues at < http://www.iprnet.org/IPR/ >. Included are listings
of Puerto Rico's holidays and upcoming events for the community. They
also included statistics about Puerto Ricans in the United States and a
directory of Puerto Rican organizations.

Edgardo Garayua <[email protected]> maintains a page with music
! from Puerto Rico at < http://www.gld.com/personal/boricua/ >.

You can search GolfWeb < http://www.golfweb.com/gws/tgws.html > for
information on golf courses in Puerto Rico (Search for state: PR).

The Government of Puerto Rico now has a Web page. You can find some
statistics about crime and elections, and general information about
Puerto Rico at < http://fortaleza.govpr.org/ >.

! News from Puerto Rico are written weekly by Red Pab and published in the
! gopher server of the Inter American University < gopher://ponce.inter.edu >
! They are sometimes posted by a third party in soc.culture.puerto-rico.
! Orlando Pla <[email protected]> provides news headings and
! summaries from different newspapers in Puerto Rico at
! < http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/luxor/LUXOR19.HTM >. Also,
! WAPA-TV is setting up a server for Noticentro On-line at
! < http://noticentro.coqui.net >. El Nuevo Dia is also setting up a
! page at < http://www.elnuevodia.com/ > or < http://www.notiaccess.com/ >.

! La Cadena Salsoul has a page at < http://www.salsoul.com/ > with the
! top 10 hits of the week, current events, and information about their
! programs.

! Luis Negron Hernandez <[email protected]> maintains a page on
! historic investigations. The page includes information about our
! political, social, and economic history based on studies of the Records
! of the Spanish Governors of Puerto Rico. Visit "Puerto Rico:
! investigaciones historicas" at < http://pages.prodigy.com/PuertoRico/ >.

~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~

Subject: Where can I get image files of Puerto Rico?

You can find more than a 100 image files of Puerto Rico using a client
of the World Wide Web. The site is maintained by Jose Pietri and
sponsored by Hewlett-Packard Puerto Rico. The URL of this site is
< http://hpprdk01.prd.hp.com >.

! Carlos Gutierrez <[email protected]> has a Photo Gallery at
! < http://www.gutierrez.com/ftp/tourism/ >. This page is still under
! construction but it contains many different photos of San Juan, the
! airport and other locations around the Island.

Contributions: Jose Pietri <[email protected]>.

~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~

Subject: Who is providing Internet services in Puerto Rico?

Caribbean Internet Service is an Internet service provider in San Juan.
You can contact them at (787) 728-3992 or 1-800-59-CISCO. Also, you
can check their Home Page at < http://www.caribe.net/ >.

Datacom Caribe, Inc. is now offering Internet services. Check their
Home Page at < http://www.coqui.net/ > for information about their
! services. You can contact them at (787) 753-1771.

Some bulletin board services in the USA can be accessed in Puerto Rico.
The following is a list of providers with their contact phone numbers
that were reported to give service in Puerto Rico.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
SERVICE PROVIDER TELEPHONE NUMBER REMARKS
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
America Online (800) 827-6364 3 local access numbers
in San Juan and 1 in
Mayaguez-Ponce
CompuServe (800) 848-8199 San Juan access number
Delphi (800) 685-4005 Access to Internet
Genie (800) 638-9636 Local access number in PR
Imagination (800) IMAGIN-1 No local access number
Prodigy (800) 776-3449 No local access number
The Well (415) 332-4335 Access to Internet
Local access number in PR

You may want to check the article "PUERTO RICO: INTERNET & BBS
RESOURCES" posted in our group by Carlos M. Gutierrez. This document
contains many useful information on Internet providers and resources
in Puerto Rico. [Version 1.1 was posted on May 1, 1995]

From: The San Juan Star, May 16, 1994.
Contributions: Carlos M. Gutierrez <[email protected]>,
Karen Larson <[email protected]>,
! and Fernando Cervoni <[email protected]>

~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~

Subject: TRAVEL INFORMATION

If you are going to visit Puerto Rico, the following sections will
(hopefully) help you planning your stay. You will find information on
places to go and to stay while you are in the island and where to find
additional information. Plan ahead, relax, and have fun!

~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~

Subject: Do I need a passport?

Traveling to Puerto Rico is as if you were going to any other state
within the USA. You will only need a passport (and a visa if you are
not a citizen of the USA) if you are coming from another country.

At the airports in Puerto Rico, your luggage will be inspected by the
U.S. Department of Agriculture to make sure you are not carrying
prohibited fruits and plants to the mainland. Travelers carrying
undeclared prohibited items will be fined on the spot. If you want a
copy of what is and is not permitted back on the mainland, write to
the U.S. Agriculture Department, Animal and Plant Health Inspection
Service, Room G-110, Federal Building, Hyattsville, MD 20782.

Consult your travel agent for more details.

~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~

Subject: What places should we visit in Puerto Rico?

There are many places to visit in Puerto Rico. You can stay in San
Juan and visit many historic places dating back to the days of the
colonization. You may also want to go around the island and discover
many other interesting places such as El Yunque - our National Rain
Forest - in Rio Grande, the Arecibo Observatory and the Rio Camuy Cave
Park in and near Arecibo or Hacienda Buena Vista in Ponce.

In the following sections you will find a partial list of the many
places you can visit arranged by region. Whenever available, I have
included a telephone number where you can get more information about
the place, the hours of operation and a brief description. Some of
these places charge a fee and the schedules are subject to change.

From "Que Pasa - Official Guide to Puerto Rico" and "AAA Travel Book -
Bermuda, the Bahamas and Islands of the Caribbean - 1995"

~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~

Subject: Where to go in the SAN JUAN METROPOLITAN AREA

+ OLD SAN JUAN
The old capital city (pop. 438,000) of Puerto Rico has always
fascinated, but now, after all the restoration work that was done for
the 500th anniversary of Columbus' voyage, it's a must-see. Projects
included restoring the Esplanade along the waterfront to its
19th-century splendor and adding new shops and restaurants opposite
the cruise ship docks. The original town, Old San Juan, founded in
1521 (the oldest capital in the USA), sits on a small peninsula
facing the Atlantic Ocean.
Image: < http://hpprdk01.prd.hp.com/images/oldsj.gif >

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
PLACE TELEPHONE NUMBER HOURS OF OPERATION
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

> LA CASITA (787) 722- 1709 Open daily
Puerto Rico Tourism Company information center

> LA PRINCESA (787) 721-2400 Gallery of island art:
Open M-F 9:00am-noon,
1:00pm-4:00pm
Headquarters of the Tourism Company
Image: < http://hpprdk01.prd.hp.com/images/princesa.gif >

> LA FORTALEZA (787) 721-7000 M-F 9:00am-4:00pm
(the fortress) ext. 2211, 2358 except holidays
Tours in English every hour and in Spanish every half hour;
proper attire required.
Image: < http://hpprdk01.prd.hp.com/images/fortalez.gif >

> CASA BLANCA (787) 724-4102 Tu-Su: 9:00am-noon,
(white house) 1:00pm-4:30pm
Museum of family life in 16th- and 17th-century Puerto Rico and
an ethnographic museum with a miniature re-creation of a Taino
village.

> FUERTE SAN FELIPE (787) 729-6960 Museum Open Daily
DEL MORRO (El Morro fort) 9:00am-5:00pm
One of the city's military fortifications, contains a small museum;
tours, orientation, and video presentation available in English and
Spanish
Images: < http://hpprdk01.prd.hp.com/images/morro.gif >,
< http://hpprdk01.prd.hp.com/images/morro2.gif >, and
< http://hpprdk01.prd.hp.com/images/morro3.gif >

> ASILO DE BENEFICENCIA (787) 724-5949 Galleries Open
(home for the poor) (787) 724-5477 W-Su: 9:00am-4:30pm
Headquarters of the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture and several
changing exhibition galleries

> CUARTEL DE BALLAJA (787) 724-5052 Tu-F: 10:00am-4:00pm
(Ballaja barracks) Sa-Su: 11:00am-5:00pm
The Museum of the Americas (in the second floor) features changing
exhibitions, archaeological finds of the Ballaja area and an exhibit
of crafts in the Americas

> IGLESIA DE SAN JOSE (787) 725-7501 M-Sa: 8:30am-4:00pm
(San Jose church) Sunday mass: 12:15pm
Second oldest church in the Western Hemisphere
Image: < http://hpprdk01.prd.hp.com/images/sanjose.gif >

> CONVENTO DE LOS DOMINICOS (787) 721-6866 M-Sa: 9:00am-5:00pm
(Dominican convent)
Institute of Puerto Rican Culture book and music book store

> MUSEO DE PABLO CASALS (787) 723-9185 Tu-Sa: 9:30am-5:30am
(Casals museum)
Collection of memorabilia from the master cellist's legacy to the
people of Puerto Rico holds manuscripts, photographs and videotapes
of Casals Festival concerts

> CASA DE LAS CONTRAFUERTES (787) 724-5477 W-Su: 9:00am-4:30pm
(house of buttresses)
Periodic exhibitions are held in its Museum of Latin American Prints
(second floor). The small Pharmacy Museum displays a 19th-century
drugstore complete with scales and old bottles

> CATEDRAL DE SAN JUAN (787) 722-0861 Daily: 8:30am-4:00pm
(San Juan cathedral)
Contains the marble tomb of the island's first governor Juan Ponce
de Leon and the relic of San Pio, a Roman martyr

> CENTRO NACIONAL DE (787) 722-0621 M-F: 9:30am-5:00pm
ARTES POPULARES Y ARTESANIAS
(Popular Arts and Crafts Center)
A variety of island crafts are displayed and offered for sale

> CASA DEL LIBRO (787) 723-0354 Tu-Sa: 11:00am-4:30pm
(house of books) except holidays
Small museum and library devoted to the art of printing and
book-making

> CAPILLA DE CRISTO Tu: 10:00am-3:30pm
(Christ chapel)
Image: < http://hpprdk01.prd.hp.com/images/ccristo.gif >

> MUSEO DE ARTE E (787) 724-1875 M-F: 8:00am-4:00pm
HISTORIA DE SAN JUAN
(museum of art and history)
Galleries for changing exhibitions

> CASA DE LOS DOS (787) 724-5477 M-F: 8:00am-4:00pm
ZAGUANES (house of the
two foyers)

> MUSEO DEL NINO (787) 722-3791 Tu-Th: 9:30am-3:30pm
(children's museum) Sa-Su: 11:00am-4:00pm
Educational exhibits for children

> MUSEO FELISA RINCON (787) 723-1897 M-F: 9:00am-4:00pm
DE GAUTIER (Rincon de except holidays
Gautier museum)
Former home of one of San Juan's most popular mayors

> EL ARSENAL (787) 724-5949 W-Su: 9:00am-4:30pm
(the arsenal)
Center for changing art exhibitions

> TEATRO TAPIA (787) 722-0407 Call for information
(Tapia theater)
Setting for cultural events

> EL CAPITOLIO (787) 721-7305 M-F - Reservations
(the capitol building) requested
Seat of the bicameral legislature of Puerto Rico with galleries,
friezes, mosaics and exhibition of Puerto Rico's constitution
Images: < http://hpprdk01.prd.hp.com/images/capitol.gif >, and
< http://hpprdk01.prd.hp.com/images/capitol2.gif >

+ METROPOLITAN SAN JUAN

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
PLACE TELEPHONE NUMBER HOURS OF OPERATION
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

* GREEN PARKS:

> BOTANICAL GARDEN (787) 763-4408 Tu-Su: 9:00am-5:00pm

> CENTRAL PARK OF BAYAMON (787) 798-8191 Tu-Su: 9:00am-6:00pm

> MUNOZ MARIN PARK (787) 763-0568 Tu-Su: 9:00am-5:30pm

> MUNOZ RIVERA PARK Daily

* RECREATIONAL PARKS:

> CENTRAL PARK (787) 722-1646 M: 2:00pm-10:00pm
Tu-Th: 8:00am-10:00pm
F: 8:00am-9:00pm
Sa-Su: 8:00am-6:00pm

> PLAZA ACUATICA (787) 754-9500 Water Park & passive
areas open Sa-Su: 10:00am
Passive Areas also
open F: from 3:00pm

> PUBLIC BEACHES (787) 722-1551 Tu-Su: 9:00am-5:00pm
Beaches in Escambron, Puerta de Tierra; Isla Verde, Carolina; Punta
Salinas, Cata~no

* RECREATIONAL AREAS:

> CABRAS ISLAND (787) 729-6960 Daily

> CONDADO LAGOON

> PIN~ONES FOREST (787) 724-3647 Daily: 8:00am-4:30pm

* MUSEUMS:

> CAPARRA RUINS (787) 781-4795 Daily: 9:00am-4:00pm

> FRANCISCO OLLER AND (787) 798-8191 M-F: 8:00am-noon,
HISTORY MUSEUM 1:00pm-4:00pm

> HISTORICAL MUSEUM OF CAGUAS (787) 746-0669 M-F: 8:00am-3:00pm

> JOSE CELSO BARBOSA (787) 798-8191 M-F: 8:00am-noon,
MUSEUM 1:00pm-4:00pm

> LUIS A. FERRE (787) 740-6868 W-F: 8:00am-4:00pm
SCIENCE PARK Sa-Su: 10:00am-6:00pm
Museums of geology/physical sciences, archaeology, transportation and
natural sciences, health pavilion

> LUIS MUNOZ MARIN (787) 755-7979 Tu-Sa: 9:00am-3:00pm
ARCHIVES, MUSEUM AND GARDENS

> MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY (787) 268-0049 M-F: 9:00am-4:00pm
PUERTO RICAN ART
at the Sacred Heart University

> SAN JERONIMO FORT (787) 724-5949 W-Su: 9:30am-noon,
1:00pm-4:30pm
Includes a small military museum

> MUSEUM OF ANTHROPOLOGY, (787) 764-0000 Sa: 8:00am-3:30pm
HISTORY AND ART Ext. 2452
at the University of Puerto Rico

* OTHER SITES:

> BACARDI RUM PLANT (787) 788-1500 M-Sa: 9:00am-11:00am
noon-4:00pm
Expanded tours of plant, small museum and grounds

> CLUB GALLISTICO (787) 791-1557 Sa: 2:00pm-9:00pm
Cockfighting

> EL NUEVO COMANDANTE (787) 724-6060 W,F,Su, holidays: 12:30pm
RACETRACK (horseracing) races from 2:15pm

> PUBLIC MARKETPLACES Daily
Local fruits, vegetables, and products

~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~

Subject: Where to go in the NORTHEAST AND OFFSHORE ISLANDS

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
PLACE TELEPHONE NUMBER HOURS OF OPERATION
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
> VEJIGANTE CRAFT SHOPS Daily: 10:00am-6:00pm
in Loiza

> EL YUNQUE (787) 887-2875 Visitor Centers open
Caribbean National Forest (787) 766-5335 daily: 9:00am-5:00pm
Field Office open M-F
Mountain surrounded by a 28,000-acre/11,332-hectare bird sanctuary and
rain forest. El Yunque is the only tropical rain forest in the U.S.
National Forest system. Bring shoes to take a hike on one of the many
trails. Allow about a half-day for your visit. Talks and tours by
request, camping by permission.
Images: < http://hpprdk01.prd.hp.com/images/elyunque.gif >, and
< http://hpprdk01.prd.hp.com/images/yunque2.gif >

> LAS CABEZAS DE SAN JUAN (787) 722-5882 Open to groups: W-Th
NATURE RESERVE (787) 860-2560 To general public: F-Su
(also known as El Faro) Reservations required
Coral reefs, mangrove swamps, beach and forest can all be visited in this
newly-created nature preserve on the northeast corner of the island.
Visitors may also climb up the old El Faro lighthouse.

> CASA ROIG (787) 852-8380 W-F, Su: 10:00am-4:00pm

> VIEQUES
An island just off the eastern coast, Vieques (along with its smaller
neighbor Culebra) is a quiet place with little commercial development;
those who just want a relaxing beach experience will be quite satisfied
there. The main town is Esperanza, and there's a lighthouse in the old
port town of Isabel Segunda. There's not too much in the way of
accommodations on the island; most people stay in guest houses or in the
Parador near Sun Bay beach. Vieques can be reached by air from San Juan
or Fajardo, and there is also ferry service from Fajardo. Nearly 70% of
the island is under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Navy.

> FORTIN CONDE DE MIRASOL (787) 741-1717 Sa-Su: 10:00am-4:00pm
Vieques (787) 741-8651
Open weekdays for groups by request

> FARO PUNTA MULAS (787) 741-5000 Daily: 8:00am-4:30pm
(lighthouse)
Isabel Segunda, Vieques
Image: < http://hpprdk01.prd.hp.com/images/fuerte.gif >

> CULEBRA
This island and the surrounding islets are a national wildlife refuge
accessible by ferry from the east coast or by plane from the International
Airport in Carolina (SJU). Used by the U.S. military for bombing practice
until 1975, these coral-reef-fringed islands are home to dozens of species
of sea birds, four species of sea turtles, and mangrove forests. Daytime
excursions may be made to Culebrita (old lighthouse, rare flora and fauna),
Cayo Norte and Cayo de Luis Pena. Accommodations are simple--Culebra is
for those who want to get away from the development and faster pace of
the main island.

> CULEBRA NATIONAL WILDLIFE (787) 742-0115 Culebrita and Luis
REFUGE Pe~na islets open daily:
sunrise to sunset
No camping allowed

> ESPERANZA MUSEUM (787) 741-8850 Tu-Su: 11:00am-3:00pm

~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~

Subject: Where to go in the SOUTH COAST

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
PLACE TELEPHONE NUMBER HOURS OF OPERATION
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

> ARROYO TROLLEY BUS (787) 866-1609 Weekends and holidays
Arroyo from 8:00am
Group trips available

> CASA CAUTINO MUSEUM (787) 864-9083 Tu-Su: 8:00am-4:30pm
Guayama

> CENTRO DE BELLAS ARTES (787) 864-0600 W-F: 1:00pm-6:30pm
(Fine Arts Center) Ext. 2306 Sa-Su: 10:00am-6:00pm
Guayama - open Wednesday

> JOBOS BAY NATURE RESERVE (787) 864-0105 Daily: 7:30am-4:00pm
Guayama

> ALBERGUE OLIMPICO (787) 824-2607 Grounds open daily:
(Olympic Lodge) (787) 824-2608 8:00am-10:00pm
Salinas

> COAMO MUSEUM (787) 825-1150 M-F: 8:00am-noon
Coamo Ext. 206 1:00pm-4:00pm

> EL VIGIA HILL - Ponce

> CAJA DE MUERTOS ISLAND (787) 721-5495
Ferries leave from La Guancha Pier, Ponce (service temporarily suspended)
Image: < http://hpprdk01.prd.hp.com/images/c_muerto.gif >

> SERRALLES MUSEUM (787) 259-1774 Tu-Th: 9:30am-4:30pm
Ponce F-Su: 10:00am-5:00pm
Images: < http://hpprdk01.prd.hp.com/images/seralles.gif >
and < http://hpprdk01.prd.hp.com/images/c_serr_2.gif >

> CASA PAOLI - Ponce (787) 840-4115 M-F: 10:00am-noon
2:00pm-5:00pm

> MUSEUM OF PUERTO RICAN (787) 844-9722 W-Su: 9:00am-noon
MUSIC - Ponce 1:00pm-5:30pm

> PONCE HISTORY MUSEUM (787) 844-7071 M, W-F: 10:00am-5:00pm
Sa: 10:00am-9:00pm
Su: 11:00am-7:00pm

> PONCE MUSEUM OF ART (787) 848-0511 Daily: 10:00am-5:00pm
(787) 848-0505
Image: < http://hpprdk01.prd.hp.com/images/museo.gif >

> TIBES INDIAN CEREMONIAL (787) 840-2255 Tu-Su: 9:00am-4:00pm
CENTER
Bilingual tours available
Images: < http://hpprdk01.prd.hp.com/images/tibes.gif >,
< http://hpprdk01.prd.hp.com/images/tibes2.gif >,
< http://hpprdk01.prd.hp.com/images/tibes3.gif >,
< http://hpprdk01.prd.hp.com/images/tibes4.gif >,
< http://hpprdk01.prd.hp.com/images/tibes5.gif >,
and < http://hpprdk01.prd.hp.com/images/tibes6.gif >.

> HACIENDA BUENA VISTA (787) 722-5882 Groups: W-Th
Ponce (787) 848-7020 General Public: F-Su
Reservations Required

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Subject: Where to go in the WEST COAST

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
PLACE TELEPHONE NUMBER HOURS OF OPERATION
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

> GUANICA
Site of the first U.S. troop landing in 1898, is now noted for the Guanica
Forest Reserve. It has 48 rare tree species, earning it a place on UNESCO's
list of Biosphere Reserves. Several beaches are also part of the reserve.
Also interesting are the abandoned buildings of a sugar mill near the town.

> CABO ROJO WILDLIFE REFUGE (787) 851-7258 M-F: 7:30am-4:00pm

> EL FARO
Cabo Rojo lighthouse
Image: < http://hpprdk01.prd.hp.com/images/elfaro.gif >

> SAN GERMAN
An old town with colonial buildings, San German (pop. 35,000) can easily
be seen in a few hours. Be sure to visit the Porta Coeli Chapel and
religious art museum.

> PORTA COELI CHURCH (787) 892-5845 Tu-Su: 9:00am-noon
San German 1:00pm-4:00pm
Oldest church in the USA to remain intact. It's museum display wooden
statues, paintings, ornaments and liturgical objects.

> RAMIREZ DE ARELLANO Y (787) 892-8870 W-Su: 10:00am-noon
ROSELL ART MUSEUM 1:00pm-3:00pm
San German
Art museum and library displays collections of religious art and objects.

> MAYAGUEZ
If driving around the western end of the island, stop in this bustling
town (pop. 100,000) to look around and perhaps purchase the locally-made
embroidery. Sights include the Federal Agricultural Experiment Station,
the university and the zoo. Side trips are also possible to Monte del
Estado, Phosphorescent Bay and San German.

> MAYAGUEZ ZOO (787) 834-8110 W-Su: 9:00am-4:00pm

> BOTANICAL GARDENS OF THE (787) 831-3435 M-F: 7:00am-4:00pm
TROPICAL AGRICULTURAL
RESEARCH STATION - Mayaguez

> MONA ISLAND (787) 723-1616
(787) 721-5495
Reached only by chartered boat, primitive camping permitted with
reservation
Image: < http://hpprdk01.prd.hp.com/images/mona.gif >

> MUNDILLO SHOPS
Downtown Moca, Isabela, Aguada and Aguadilla

> LAS CASCADAS (water park) (787) 882-3310 Daily: 10:00am-6:00pm
Aguadilla (during the Summer)

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Subject: Where to go in the NORTHWEST

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
PLACE TELEPHONE NUMBER HOURS OF OPERATION
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

> LAKE GUAJATACA WILDLIFE (787) 896-7640 Tu-Su: 6:00am-6:00pm
REFUGE
For fishing

> CAGUANA INDIAN CEREMONIAL (787) 894-7325 Daily: 9:00am-4:30pm
PARK - Utuado (787) 724-5477
Image: < http://hpprdk01.prd.hp.com/images/caguana.gif >
Raytrace: < http://hpprdk01.prd.hp.com/images/Cpark.gif >

> ARECIBO OBSERVATORY (787) 878-2612 Tu-F: 2:00-3:00pm
Su: 1:00-4:30pm
Open to the public for self-guided tours (visits limited to an observation
deck in front of the dish); grounds closed Monday, Saturday and holidays;
group tours must reserve in advance.
Images: < http://hpprdk01.prd.hp.com/images/radiotel.gif >,
and < http://hpprdk01.prd.hp.com/images/radiot2.gif >
Information at < http://www.naic.edu/ >

> RIO CAMUY CAVE PARK (787) 898-3100 W-Su: 8:00am-4:00pm
last tour at 3:50pm
or when the park reaches
its daily capacity of
1500 visitors
These 16 caves in a rain forest, accessible via a guided tram/walking
tour, offer a chance to see the world's third-largest underground river.
(Those with proper equipment are allowed to explore on their own.)

> LA CUEVA DE CAMUY (787) 898-2723 M-Sa: 9:00am-5:00pm
Su: 9:00am-8:00pm

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Subject: Where to go in the MOUNTAINS

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
PLACE TELEPHONE NUMBER HOURS OF OPERATION
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

> MUNOZ RIVERA LIBRARY MUSEUM (787) 857-0230 F-Su: 8:00am-noon
1:00pm-4:30pm

> MUNOZ MAUSOLEUM Daily: 8:00am-noon
1:00pm-4:30pm

> MARICAO FISH HATCHERY (787) 838-3710 M-F: 7:30am-noon
1:00pm-4:00pm
Sa-Su: 8:30-4:00pm
Tours by appointment

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Subject: Where to stay in Puerto Rico?

There are many places to stay around the island. The following is a
list of some of them arranged by region. The list includes telephone
numbers to obtain more information and make reservations.

Legend:
* Paradores (Country Inns)
# Guest Houses
+ Resorts

Information about some of these places can be found in the Web at
< http://www.christwh.com/islands/islands/puertorico.html >.

From "Que Pasa - Official Guide to Puerto Rico", and
R. Paniagua, "Puerto Rico Winter '94"
Contributions: J. W. Chardine <[email protected]>

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Subject: Where to stay in the SAN JUAN METROPOLITAN AREA

OLD SAN JUAN, SAN JUAN
# Casa San Jose (787) 723-1212
# Escenario (787) 721-5264,721-5286
Gran Hotel El Convento (787) 723-9020

PUERTA DE TIERRA, SAN JUAN
Caribe Hilton (787) 721-0303
Radisson San Juan (787) 729-2929

MIRAMAR, SAN JUAN
Excelsior (787) 721-7400
Miramar (787) 722-6239
Olimpo Court (787) 724-0600
Toro (787) 725-5150, 725-2647

CONDADO, SAN JUAN
# Aleli by the Sea (787) 725-5313, 723-3895
Ambassador Plaza (787) 721-7300
# Arcade Inn (787) 725-0668, 728-7524
Atlantic Beach (787) 721-6900, 721-6901
Best Western Pierre (787) 721-1200
# Canario Inn (787) 722-3861
Canario by the Lagoon (787) 722-5058
# Canario by the Sea (787) 722-8640
# Casablanca (787) 722-7139
La Concha (787) 721-6090
Condado Beach (787) 721-6888
Condado Lagoon (787) 721-0170
Condado Plaza (787) 721-1000
Condado San Juan (787) 724-5657
Dutch Inn & Tower (787) 721-0810
# Embassy (787) 725-8284, 725-2400
Portal (787) 721-9010
# Prado Inn (787) 728-5925, 728-5136
Radisson Ambassador Plaza (787) 721-7300
Ramada Condado (787) 724-5657
Regency (787) 721-0505
Tanama Princess (787) 724-4160
# Wind Chimes (787) 727-4153

OCEAN PARK, SAN JUAN
# Beach Buoy Inn (787) 728-8119
# Condesa (787) 727-3698, 727-3900
# Hosteria del Mar (787) 727-3302
# Numero 1 on the Beach (787) 727-9687
# Tres Palmas (787) 727-4617, 727-5434

ISLA VERDE, CAROLINA
# Borinquen Royal (787) 728-8400
Carib-Inn (787) 791-3535
Casa de Playa (787) 728-9779
# Casa Mathiesen Inn (787) 726-8662, 727-3223
Don Pedro (787) 791-2838
# El Patio (787) 726-6298, 726-6953
Empress Oceanfront (787) 791-3083, 791-4950
ESJ Towers (787) 791-5151
# Green Isle (787) 726-4330, 728-5749
Holiday Inn Crown Plaza (787) 253-2929
International Airport (787) 791-1700
Mario's (787) 791-3748
Playa (787) 791-1115, 791-5945
Sands (787) 791-6100
San Juan (787) 791-1000
Travel Lodge (787) 728-1300

DORADO
Hyatt Regency Cerromar (787) 796-1234
Hyatt Dorado Beach (787) 796-1234

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Subject: Where to stay in the NORTHEAST AND OFFSHORE ISLANDS

CEIBA
# Ceiba Country Inn (787) 885-0471

FAJARDO
+ Conquistador (787) 863-1000
Delicias (787) 863-1818
# Fajardo Inn (787) 863-5195
* Familia (787) 863-1193

HUMACAO
+ Palmas del Mar (787) 852-6000

LUQUILLO
* Martorell (787) 721-2884, 889-2710

PATILLAS
Caribe Playa (787) 839-6339
# Villa del Carmen (787) 839-7536

CULEBRA
# Posada la Hamaca (787) 742-3516
Villa Fulladoza (787) 742-3576

VIEQUES
# Casa del Frances (787) 741-3751
# Crown's Nest (787) 741-0033
Ocean View (787) 741-3696
# Sea Gate (787) 741-4661
# Water's Edge (787) 741-1128

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Subject: Where to stay in the SOUTH COAST

GUAYAMA
Posada Guayama (787) 866-1515

PONCE
Days Inn (787) 841-1000
Holiday Inn Ponce (787) 844-1200
Melia (787) 842-0261, 842-0262
Ponce Hilton (787) 259-7676, 259-7777

SALINAS
Marina de Salinas (787) 752-8484, 824-3185

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Subject: Where to stay in the WEST COAST

AGUADA
* J. B. Hidden Village (787) 868-8686

AGUADILLA
Cielo Mar (787) 882-5959
Cima (787) 890-2016,890-2017
* Faro (787) 882-8000
Hacienda El Pedregal (787) 891-6068

CABO ROJO
* Boquemar (787) 851-2158
Boqueron Beach (787) 851-7110,851-7100
Cuestamar (787) 851-2819
* Joyuda Beach (787) 851-5650
* Perichi's (787) 851-3131

GUANICA
Copamarina Beach (787) 821-0505

GUAYANILLA
Pichi's (787) 835-3335

LAJAS
# Nautilus (787) 899-4565
* Posada Porlamar (787) 899-4015
# Viento y Vela (787) 899-4698, 899-3030
* Villa Parguera (787) 721-2884, 899-3975

LAS MARIAS
# Gutierrez (787) 827-2087, 827-3453

MARICAO
* Hacienda Juanita (787) 721-2884, 838-2550
Image: < http://hpprdk01.prd.hp.com/images/hacienda.gif >

MAYAGUEZ
Embajador (787) 833-3340
Holiday Inn Mayaguez (787) 833-1100
Mayaguez Hilton (787) 831-7575, 724-0161
Palma (787) 834-3800
* Sol (787) 834-0303

RINCON
Horned Dorset Primavera (787) 823-4050
* Villa Antonio (787) 823-2645, 823-2285

SAN GERMAN
* Oasis (787) 721-2884, 892-1175

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Subject: Where to stay in the NORTHWEST

ISABELA
Costa Dorada Beach (787) 872-7255

QUEBRADILLAS
* Guajataca (787) 721-2884, 895-3070
* Vistamar (787) 721-2884, 895-2065

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Subject: Where to stay in the MOUNTAINS

ADJUNTAS
Monte Rio (787) 829-3705
Villas de Sotomayor (787) 829-5105, 829-1717

COAMO
* Ba~nos de Coamo (787) 721-2884, 825-2186

JAYUYA
* Hacienda Gripi~nas (787) 721-2884, 828-1717

UTUADO
* Casa Grande (787) 721-2884, 894-3939

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Subject: What are Paradores Puertorrique~nos?

Paradores Puertorrique~nos (Puerto Rican Country Inns) is (officially)
an organization sponsored by the Puerto Rico Tourism Company that
promotes the use of the "paradores" around the island. The "paradores"
are inexpensive compared to the hotels and are located outside of the
San Juan Metropolitan Area. If you need more information you can call
721-2884 in San Juan, 1-800-981-7575 outside the San Juan Metropolitan
Area or 1-800-443-0266 from the USA. You can also contact them
individually. See "Where to stay in Puerto Rico?" for the phone
numbers and locations of the Paradores (they are marked with *).

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Subject: Where can I get more tourist information?

The best source of tourist information is the free, quarterly magazine
"Que Pasa - Official Guide to Puerto Rico" produced and distributed by
the Puerto Rico Tourism Company. You can get a copy of the publication
at airports and hotels in Puerto Rico or by contacting the office
or representative nearest to you mentioned below.

You can contact the Puerto Rico Tourism Company in San Juan at (787)
721-2884 or call toll free (800) 223-6530. There are representatives
of the Tourism Company around the USA in Atlanta, GA, Boston, MA,
Dallas, TX, Denver, CO, Detroit, MI, Hartford, CT, Houston, TX,
Orlando, FL, Philadelphia, PA, San Francisco, CA, St. Louis, MO, and
Washington, D. C. Also, there are offices of the PR Tourism Company
in the following cities:

> Los Angeles, CA
3575 W. Cahuenga Blvd.
Suite 560
Los Angeles, CA 90068
(213) 874-5991
Fax: 874-7257

> Madrid, Espa~na
Calle Serrano
1 2 izda. 28001
Madrid, Espa~na
(341) 431-2128
Fax: 577-5260

> Miami, FL
200 S. E. First Street
Suite 700
Miami, FL 33131
(305) 381-8915
Fax: 381-8917

> Milan, Italy
Via E. Segre' 3 -- 20052
Monza, Italy
(39/39) 748-820
Fax: 749-472

> New York, NY
575 Fifth Ave., 23rd floor
New York, NY 10017
(800) 223-6530
Fax: (212) 818-1866

> Paris, France
Express Conseil 5 bis.
Rue Du Louvre 75001
Paris, France
(331) 4477-8800
Fax: 4260-0545

> Tokyo, Japan
Kasho Building 2-14-09
Nihombashi, Chuo-ku
Tokyo 103, Japan
(03) 3272-3060, 3273-2445

> Toronto, Canada
2 Bloor Street West
Suite 700
Toronto, Ontario M4W 3R1
(416) 969-9025
Fax: 969-9478

> Weisbaden, Germany
Kreuzberger Ring 56
D-6200 Weisbaden 32, Germany
(49611) 744-2880

From "Que Pasa - Official Guide to Puerto Rico"

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Subject: UNANSWERED QUESTIONS

~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~

This section includes a brief description of other questions to be
included in this document. Contributions to answer them can be sent
to the group or preferably to me at <[email protected]>.

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Subject: Other festivities

In Puerto Rico we celebrate many festivities during the year in
different towns. Examples of those festivities are: Festival de las
Flores in Aibonito, Festival del Guineo, Festival de la Novilla,
el Carnaval in Ponce.

I would like to compile a list with the name of the different
celebrations, dates, places and a description of the festivity.

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Subject: What to do with an annoying person?

One too many times I have seen this question pop up in our newsgroup.
Some people have proposed different strategies to deal with annoying
persons in the Internet. I plan to compile the different approaches
and make suggestions on their effectiveness.
--
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Zeydy Ortiz Laureano [email protected]