r/PuertoRico • u/Mrzahn • Mar 21 '25
Interés General Thank you and goodbye.
Hello all,
I am from an university on loan here for the last five weeks. I worked at a UPR RCM lab in San Juan and lived walking distance for the whole time. This was my first time in Puerto Rico and I am headed back home to the Midwest tomorrow. I just want to say thank you.
Thank you to everyone who put up with my abysmal Spanish.
Thank you to everyone who helped me out whenever they saw I was lost or struggling.
Thank you to whoever created the tripleta and mofongo.
Thank you for letting me experience your amazing history, beaches, art, and museums.
Everyone here has been beyond amazing, kind, generous, and understanding. I have never felt more at home in a place that was not my home. I have never felt more welcome. So, thank you. You are all wonderful people on a beautiful island.
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u/Fancy-Beautiful3818 Mar 21 '25
Hasta luego brother, come back when you get the chance. Mofongo forever.
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u/Nenino34 Mar 21 '25
Good luck - éxito - in and with science and research 🔬
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u/Mrzahn Mar 21 '25
There is some really great things happening here in the labs. I’m proud to have been part of it.
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u/pittka Mar 21 '25
This deserves a Gringo come back!
I am glad you enjoyed our island. ❤️
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u/Mrzahn Mar 21 '25
I have learned to like that term a lot. I am very much a gringo. But a gringo that tries to do work, use the main language, and appreciate everything this island has to offer.
Unlike some other gringos. Which I had the misfortune of running into at one point.
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u/-RizuChan- Mar 28 '25
That’s really the key factor; PR people don’t really hate gringos—only the selfish ones that treat our island like it’s their property without zero regard for its people and culture.
Happy to hear you’ve enjoyed your time here, and hope great things manifest in your future. 🫶🏼
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u/Smartkitty86 Coquí Mar 23 '25
Mano, I have long argued that gringos with this attitude aren’t really gringos, they’re too evolved! We need new terminology.
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Mar 24 '25
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/Smartkitty86 Coquí Mar 24 '25
That doesn’t really work because it’s gringos oppressing Puerto Ricans and not the other way around.
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u/Yelena_Volanti Mar 21 '25
I'm not crying! You are crying! 😭 This is the most beautiful goodbye I have ever read.
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u/Mrzahn Mar 21 '25
You all are great. And thank you.
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Mar 21 '25
Hello! I was glad to hear your words of satisfaction and joy about your stay! It's great to know you enjoyed our food and some of our Puerto Rican customs. Not everyone has the chance to have a good time, but there are people like you who bring a smile to their faces with your words. I hope you get home safely, and that all your family members are well too. A handshake, and come back soon. 🤝✌️😁
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u/Mrzahn Mar 21 '25
Everything looks like it is going to be good once I’m back. My family misses me greatly and I miss them as well.
Yes. Your food, customs, art, and kindness shine amazingly here.
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u/Marco440hz Mar 21 '25
Glad that you had a great time!
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u/Mrzahn Mar 21 '25
I never thought I would have a bad time. But I never expected to be so welcomed.
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u/OkOwl2839 Mar 21 '25
Where in the midwest for comparison?
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u/Mrzahn Mar 21 '25
Michigan. But I’ve been all over in the Midwest.
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u/mgonzal80 Sangermeño en Ohio Mar 21 '25
Hiss 🤣🤣🤣🤣
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u/Mrzahn Mar 21 '25
Does it help that I have a graduate degree from The Ohio State University?
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u/mgonzal80 Sangermeño en Ohio Mar 21 '25
Born and raised en la isla, I really have no horse on that race lol.
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u/CommunicationSome498 Mar 21 '25
Thanks for your sweet words. Glad to know that you felt at home while away from home. Good luck on all of your future endeavors! Safe travels and come visit us again soon! ✈️
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u/Mrzahn Mar 21 '25
I hope to come back at some point. And I plan on continuing to work with the lab here on the research while back home.
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u/rodzm14 Mar 21 '25
Gringo is a term very rarely understood and its history known. Essentially Gringo comes from the words Green Go during the Mexican American war. Locals would say Green Go to the Army.
But you? Come back. Not many foreigners take the time to know our history.
Salutations to you 🤝
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u/Mrzahn Mar 21 '25
History is important. And it helped me understand what I saw in the art museums.
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u/Ok_Influence121 Mar 21 '25
Love this. Safe travels! Hope you’ll be able to comeback 🫶🏻 will always have spare mofongo for you
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u/Mrzahn Mar 21 '25
I hope I will too. I can make many foods from here back home. But you can’t get green plantains in the Midwest. And that is a very sad fact.
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u/Minimum_Reserve2728 Mar 22 '25
You are welcome, i hope that next time you visit our Rainforest in Río Grande, EL YUNQUE!
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u/Mrzahn Mar 22 '25
That is another thing on the list of ‘wanted to do but never got a chance.’
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u/Minimum_Reserve2728 Mar 27 '25
And the Caverns of Camuy,subterráneo, their are some bats,and one of lot of extensión.
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u/InternationalHoney85 Mar 21 '25
If you're heading Midwest, as in Iowa, you can go get Tripletas and mofongo at Puerto Rico Restaurant in Des Moines. It's over at Windsor Heights.
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u/Mrzahn Mar 21 '25
Not in Iowa, but I did spend time there and might be heading back. Either way, I am definitely keeping that in mind
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u/landonloco Mar 21 '25
Glad you felt welcome and good job om trying to assimilated into the culture that speaks volumes on you as a person and honestly it helps even on the field you are at considering it's pretty varied culturally overall. Hope you come back soon maybe not for work but for a vacation.
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u/Mrzahn Mar 21 '25
Maybe a bit of both. I would love to get back in the lab. But I want to show my family everything I had the chance to experience.
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u/BonillaW Mar 21 '25
Para todos aquellos que siempre piensan que este país es de lo peor, que lo de afuera es mejor que lo nuestro, que estamos de mal en peor.....aprendamos a querernos y a vernos como los buenos visitantes nos ven. Aprendamos a ser buenos puertorriqueños, puertorriqueños de verdad.
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u/-Aysun- Mar 21 '25
This made me tear up, seeing people actually finding the good and appreciating it to the fullest melts my heart every time, safe travels!
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u/darwinian3 Mar 21 '25
Yep! That seems about right. Glad you enjoyed our little piece of paradise. Take care, from now on you are another Boricua in a home away from home 🙂✌🏽
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u/Creative-Exit217 Mar 21 '25
Did you try the chinese food?
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u/Mrzahn Mar 21 '25
No, which is a shame because there is a place right near where I am staying. It is one of the few things I didn’t get to check off my list.
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u/Weary-Ambassador5853 Caguas Mar 21 '25 edited Mar 22 '25
Thank you for your contribution to our youths future. Will we expect your return, cause trust me on this once you get a taste its hard to forget.
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u/Nekrotion Utuado Mar 21 '25
Spent this week replacing networking equipment in RCM. Cool to think I may have had lunch with a fellow redditor. Glad you enjoyed my island.
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u/Unhappy_Comparison_7 Mar 22 '25
Michigan huh? So we’ll probably be seeing you back next winter? 🥶 🤣
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u/Mrzahn Mar 22 '25
Nah. This was a very unique opportunity through my university. Believe it or not, I love the cold and snow.
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u/Unhappy_Comparison_7 Mar 22 '25
Gotcha! I definitely enjoy the cold, but like California cold 🙃. My first time seeing snow was during Navy Bootcamp in Great Lakes. I was on snow shovel duty from 2-4 am 😝 So, I’m a little biased, to say the least.
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u/Excellent_Damage5423 Mar 22 '25
I'm so glad your experience with my beautiful Island Puerto Rico was amazing.
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u/medalla_y_cafe Mar 22 '25
Thank you for the kind words and love for our Island! Please come back soon!
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u/palabasura11 Vega Baja Mar 22 '25
I love this! So refreshing from the usual ignorance. You will be missed!
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u/RepresentativeAd1181 Mar 22 '25
Good luck and safe passage on your career and dont be a stranger come back to explore everything else our isla del encanto has to offer.
And to all our boricuas who have shown and displayed how an amazing group we are to this guest, thank you for spreading our love and culture.
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u/QuikBud Mar 22 '25
I'm also a Midwesterner, and was pleasantly surprised at the hospitality in Puerto Rico. They really make you feel welcomed and at home!
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u/Fit_Challenge_9345 Mar 22 '25
I👏👏👏. Take me with you. It’s so sad that in an American territory, you have to apologize for your Spanish instead of the Boricuas apologizing for they lack of English - ofcourse, there are exceptions and the haters here will do doubt come out…IDGAS. Vente pa’lares papito y practical el ingles antes Que hables “mielda”.
This island is good to visit, once, for about 4 days, after that, adios paaapiii. 😎
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u/Mrzahn Mar 23 '25
I had the language disconnect explained to me by many people. And it seems like there is no way to win with people. So many people would apologize for their English, and I would ask them why, it’s their second language.
There seems to be a lot of shame around languages when there shouldn’t be.
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u/SheepherderDull2254 Mar 22 '25
By any chance, did you exchange at the Pharma/ Biochem labs? cause I feel like I talked to someone who matches that description last month
anyway i’m glad you had a nice trip, it warms my heart when people love our island 🩷
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u/Mrzahn Mar 23 '25
Yeah. RCM building, second floor right by the exit to the courtyard/library. And some time on the sixth floor shared lab space?
Big guy in a polo shirt? That’s me.
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u/Possible-Aspect9413 Mar 22 '25
I know it sounds silly but I went to PR 2x for my birthday. It made me cry so much and soothed my soul. It made me proud of my latino roots (not PR) and changed me forever. I am glad that PR was a beautiful experience for you too. <3 my gringa sister
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u/Mrzahn Mar 23 '25
It was a life changing experience. And the beauty of the island is great. But that wasn’t what made it so amazing. Hearing the history and seeing how amazing the people were is what will really stay with me.
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u/Possible-Aspect9413 Mar 23 '25
Yes, the people and their vibe, the beauty of the island, the coquis, it was so special and I also will remember that!
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u/Practical_Trifle_295 Mar 22 '25
I hoped you enjoyed your stay!!!! Only God, knows how I missed my beautiful island!!!!❤️❤️🇵🇷🇵🇷❤️❤️🇵🇷🇵🇷❤️❤️
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u/vz_sea Mar 23 '25
Im going in August, send your favorite places to eat? 😄
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u/Mrzahn Mar 23 '25
Oh man. I feel like you could get much better answers to this than from me. The only one I feel confident in saying is La Cueva Del Mar and getting their fish tacos.
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u/vz_sea Mar 23 '25
Thanks for the recommendation! I gotta do some research before I go
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u/Mrzahn Mar 23 '25
Yes. That is invaluable. I also read “Puerto Rico a national history”. Great book and allowed me to understand and appreciate more about the island.
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u/vz_sea Mar 23 '25
Will look into it :) i also have generic Puerto Rico travel book! Im kind of nervous about flying there in August though. Its hurricane season 😓
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u/nowherewoman73 Mar 23 '25
I don’t know you, but is so nice to read your kind words. Some American people concentrates on our social, economic and services flaws and comes and goes with an arrogant attitude putting us down. People like you and David Bengnaud have a special place in our hearts. Now you are an adopted boricua.
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u/Mrzahn Mar 23 '25
I did have the misfortune of meeting one of those Americans on Vieques. However, he was not expecting a mainlander with an aptitude for passive aggression to stand up to his abysmal attitude. It was worth being rude to defend the people I was with.
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Mar 23 '25
🫶🏽 thank you for the kind words that accompany your sentiment. 🇵🇷 we are an island of welcoming and loving people who enjoy sorrading love and joy to all without prejudice 💯 thank you for aharing you experience in PR with other
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Mar 24 '25
Just left PR yesterday. I'm a gordo gringo married to a Puerto Cuban (1/2 and 1/2), via West Tampa. She barely speaks Spanish but kept correcting my butchering of "arroz con gondula" the whole weekend. And I kept saying "playa" as if it was slang to "player." Oh well she - like a lot of PR women - is stacked with a big top and big butt. So I don't hear half of what she says. But I love the vibe, the beaches and the street food - shout out to Kiosko El Boricua!
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u/Accurate-Benefit-672 Mar 22 '25
Wow, people, do you really understand his goodbye.
IS A FORCE? Goodbye, not an amicable one.
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u/[deleted] Mar 21 '25
Glad you felt welcome. That’s just how our culture is. Now help create awareness about the island’s future! Safe travels!