Voyage I Volume I, Issue 4 September Edition

This magazine issue’s articles cover places, activities, and projects that in one way or another have been established or achieved due to a common denominator: determination. Determined people are those who persevere to accomplish their goals. Determination is necessary to create special projects, beat the unknown, dare yourself or fulfill any dream.

Determined people made possible the protection of an area designated as the Inés María Mendoza Nature Reserve, an area that we discovered during our voyage in the island of Puerto Rico. This protected natural resource, also known as Punta Yeguas, is home of an impressive cassava plantation, a dream come true as a result of YUCAE Committee’s determination to establish the YUCAE Project’s agroecological farm.

Determination played a major role for the successful establishment of Casa Sol, a sustainable bed & breakfast lodging in Old San Juan. Casa Sol is located in the main historic district of Puerto Rico, also known as the Walled City. A limestone wall used to surround this old city as a result of the Spaniard’s determination to protect the city from foreigners’ attacks. The current remains of the wall are proof of such determination.

A key factor to achieve new activities or difficult outdoor recreations that require skills, courage or strength is determination. To overcome the challenges of Toro Salvaje tour in Toro Verde Park or to take a surf lesson for the first time and ride a wave requires the nonstop-attitude of determined people. Also, a child riding a horse (even if it is similar to a pony ride) is determined to ride the horse and enjoy the experience during the whole time.

Further, determination is sensed every step of the way as you walk on Calle Loíza, an urban street in the City of San Juan. Brave restaurateurs and entrepreneurs have placed bets on themselves and the revitalization of Calle Loíza.

We exhort you to read this issue’s articles to find out about the above-mentioned places, activities and projects.

Enjoy the ecotreasures discovery!

N. Michelle Rodríguez Amadeo