Puerto Rico isn't the perfect paradise everyone makes it to be, but the truth is, even though it has thousands of critical problems, it was a great place for me to grow in. Rainforests, clear beaches, delicious food, and breathtaking views are just some of the things that make others jealous of not having had the privilege to be from Puerto Rico. This past week, there was a #GrowingUpPuertoRican hashtag trending around twitter, and it made me think of all the epic things you know to be true if you were either born or raised Puerto Rican. Here are a few of them.
1. Vicks. Also known as the medical invention that cures everything.
Breaking out? Use vicks. Head hurts? Use vicks. Muscles aches? Use vicks. Have allergies? Oh baby it's alright. Let me just rub some vicks in your chest and forehead and you'll be as good as new.
2. You practically breathe rice, beans, and some type of meat.
3. People ask you why you're yelling way too often.
I'm from Puerto Rico. Talking loudly is my nature and there is nothing I can do to stop or change that. Therefore, I suggest you give your ears a pep talk and prepare them because if you're going to be around me, that's the price you'll have to pay. Take it or leave it cause I don't see you complaining about it when we Puerto Ricans are the ones bringing life to a party.
4. Goya products are all you know.
Si es Goya, tiene que ser bueno.
5. You clap every time you land somewhere on plane.
6. You master three languages: English, Spanish, and Spanglish.
The truth is, we master Spanglish without even trying. Even though other Latinos speak it as well, we've made it an art.
7. You started drinking alcohol when you were 15 o 16.
The legal age of 18 is just simply irrelevant. Gotta start building up my resistance early so I don't pass out when I go to those clubs. While we're at it, could you bring me one of those $2 medallas? and keep em' coming.
8. Sleeping in on weekends is a nonexistent thing.
The weekends were made to sleep? Are you crazy? No no no no, the weekends were made to clean while playing salsa music in the highest volume. Oh Mark Anthony's on!!!!!!!! Turn up the volume to the max. Thanks!
9. Two words. Mayo-Ketchup.
Seriously, how can people live without it? It's such a tasty combination and literally goes with everything.
10. Your Christmas wasn't complete without a parranda and some coquito.
11. You understand what this means
12. Whenever you felt bad for someone you'd say "Ay Bendito".
Or, in true Boricua form, "dito".
13. You either knew how to dance salsa or you'd be disinherited.
Salsa's in your blood. If you don't know how to dance to it, something's definitely wrong with you.
14. Your Christmas plate looked something like this
15. Every time you saw this in your mom's hand you'd make a run for it.
16. The best way to start a sentence is "mira".
Also known in Boricua language as "mera".
17. Whenever you're in stress you think you're gonna have a "patatu".
18. Your mom would always think she was a doctor.
"Mom, I feel sick. Can you take me to the doctor?"
"What for? I already know you have la monga."
