Snapshots
of the Caribbean
Part 10:
Criollo Food and Free Drinks
Our final evening in Puerto Rico is spent eating yet more
delicious criollo food (although I have decided that I don't
really like mashed plantains) and talking to some locals
in a bar. We meet a guy named Marco who relocated here from
California a few years back. I can see why he moved here
- the island seems to combine the best aspects of the Caribbean
and the US, with a high quality of life and friendly atmosphere.
Marco suggested we spend our final day with one of Puerto
Rico's most famous companies, and we decided to follow his
advice.
While
Barbados produces many brands of rum including Malibu and
Mount Gay, Puerto Rico is famous for one in particular -
Bacardi. Although originally a Cuban company, Bacardi no
longer operates in Cuba and has its regional base in Puerto
Rico.
On
arrival at the Bacardi visitors centre we are presented
with tokens for free drinks. Although it is still morning,
I cannot fail to be tempted by a lime daiquiri. During the
tour, we learn about the history of the Bacardi family,
the production methods used, and we are also treated to
a cocktail-making demonstration. One of the facts learned
is that, strictly speaking, when you order a daiquiri, it
must be made with Bacardi rather than any other brand of
rum. In the gift shop, you can buy rum that has such a high
alcohol content that you are not permitted to take it on
board aeroplanes
I settle for a bottle of raspberry-flavoured
rum instead.
All
too soon, we find that it is time for us to get back to
the airport. We bid a fond farewell to Puerto Rico, and
vow to return so that we can explore more of the island.
By the time we fly over Barbados it is dark, and from the
air I pick out familiar landmarks - the highway, the supermarket,
and the open-air swimming pool shimmering under its floodlights.
I have not lived in Barbados for very long, but I have the
unmistakeable feeling of coming home.
- LD, 2004, Barbados -
additional
information about the trip and the author
can be found here