Life in Puerto Rico: Shopping, Cost of Living, and Bizarre Roadkill

[@SpanishandGo]

Thanks for watching, guys! Do you think Puerto Rico expensive? Also, join us on Patreon for BTS content!: www.patreon.com/spanishandgo ¡Saludos! -Jim

[@asifalic8392]

Spanish and Go nice vedeos. can i get a job there or any latin country

[@hornybastard3902]

SPA & GO.THANKS 4 YOUR VLOG GUYS.NO P.R.IS NOT THAT EXPENSIVE CONSIDERING THAT MOST PRODUCTS R IMPORTED IT GOT WORSE AFTER MARIA🇵🇷🇲🇽🇺🇸...

[@asifalic8392]

HORNY BASTARD can u find me a good job there dear

[@Kiaxiou]

You can find cheaper prices on a supermarket a normal one like econo and pueblo

[@makebayeargins4719]

Its expensive at a 'colmado' as we call it. Its cheaper at any supermarket.

[@ofeliaotero7721]

That's not a supermarket is a little grocery store is very expensive I recomend a Econo supermarket, Amigo, Pueblo, supermax, real supermarkets and more, more cheaper.

[@SpanishandGo]

Ofelia Otero we know, and thank you for the tip! But as we mentioned in the video, we didn’t have a car and this was the closest place to our apartment. We go to Mr. Special now. Thanks for watching! -Jim

[@Mrs.KeiBang]

Exactly what I was going to say! Walmart tends to have good prices too! Also, I’m so glad to see you are living somewhere else than San Juan! Cabo Rojo seems like a chill place to live! You have to go to Buyé beach!! It’s my favorite of the area! Ps, Just found your page recently and I’m really enjoying the content! Bienvenidos a Puerto Rico!!

[@iarylee_doodle_studio]

True that! I was about to say so before I see your comment. If they go to Econo or even Walmart is gonna be cheaper. Those superetts are really expensive.

[@ernfrid123]

Ofelia Otero Correcto, como dice Ofelia esto es un pequeño negocio que nosotros llamamos Colmado o colmaditos... En las tiendas principales te cuesta de 20 hasta 50% menos del precio que ustedes pagaron. De igual manera es muy cierto que estas carreteras que andaban no tenián aceras por donde andar sin estar tan espuesto al peligro del tráfico. Esto pasa mucho en área de carreteras que llamamos rurales o carreteras terciarias. Ya irán conociendo poco a poco y irán economizando más en poco tiempo....😃✌🏼🇵🇷☝🏼👍🏼

[@rosemariezapata6859]

Very true, also it depends where you shop. Not all of our grocery stores have packaged fruits and veggies . Its usually just in you’re corner store or colmado

[@daniellelopez3698]

You HAVE to make your own sofrito at home!!! Store bought is NOT the same :(

[@CherryColada]

Damn right!

[@normagonzalez7470]

Totalmente de acuerdo...en mi familia jamás se compró hecho. Un detalle que pocos saben. La mezcla verde NO SE LLAMA SOFRITO sino RECAO. Lo que ahora se llama RECAO es CULANTRO, el finito es CILANTRILLO. Se usan los dos...La razón porque se trastocado los nombres es porque cuando se decía "voy a hacer el sofrito, se refería al acto de sofreír el RECAO en la salsa con el achiote, el jamón, el tocino...etc

[@deeds_3026]

Verdad my mum ALWAYS makes it at home

[@internalcyanide11s2]

True that shit taste like ASS so my grandma teached me how to do it

[@heather4089]

Son nuevos en la isla. Denle tiempo a aprender la cultura de la isla!!

[@LaVidaMoraPuertoRico]

Just FYI..I am from this area. Down this same road ..many businesses have a farmers table or a corner and sell some things like bananas, piña, plantains, root vegetables etc that are not imported or pre packaged. Keep a look out..they are not always there. ♡ But you can get lucky. Enjoy your stay!

[@SpanishandGo]

Thanks for the tip! We’ll be watching out for that. This is our new home, so we appreciate the advice. Do you still live in the area? ¡Saludos! -Jim

[@LaVidaMoraPuertoRico]

@@SpanishandGo Yes we do. I live also in Cabo Rojo..about 10 minutes from where you are living it seems. Going by your video footage. I moved from NYC and love it. Bienvendios!

[@SpanishandGo]

Vida Mora Puerto Rico Awesome! Let us know when the area and maybe we can meet up sometime. Thanks for the tips. ¡Saludos! -Jim

[@LaVidaMoraPuertoRico]

I am headed to the festival de China in Las Marias. Are you planning on going?

[@SpanishandGo]

Vida Mora Puerto Rico Yeah, May told me about that! We’ll be there. Shoot us a email if you want to meet up - spanishandgo.com/contact. -Jim

[@eve2099]

First thing that’s a must in PR is a car 🚗

[@SpanishandGo]

Ivette Sumter we have one now and it’s been so helpful! We felt kinda trapped without it. ¡Saludos! -Jim

[@ms.glorimar]

Sad, but true. Out of San Juan (and even within San Juan) public transportation isn't the best, either. At least now Uber is an option.

[@MyOwnBossPR]

I bike all around San Juan Metro!!! kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3KVf3SgaMlrabM

[@kevinmoynihan5118]

I know Europe has more public transport so you don’t need a car but where in the world is it reasonable to walk to different towns unless they are part of the same metro area andaré all just suburbs of the same city or whatever. I have never seen anywhere where it is easy or safe to just walk down the highway over to another town? How is this a Puerto Rican thing?

[@MyOwnBossPR]

Kevin Moynihan Anything is possible! I’ve met people to bike from San Juan to Caguas, San Juan to El Yunque, and I plan to bike around the island! I also make a living on a bike. There are situations when you need a vehicle, that’s when I’ll just choose to rent one.

[@yaniseljimenez8165]

Lo bueno que compraron en un pequeño negocio cosa que muchos puertorriqueños ya casi no hacen GRACIAS POR CONTRIBUIR CON LOS PEQUEÑOS NEGOCIOS EN LA ISLA😍 La economía en parte esta mal gracias a que preferimos comprar de los multimillonarios antes que de los propios locales. LAMENTO QUE NO HUBIERA UNA RUTA PEATONAL, pero caminar por la calle no es ilegal 😂

[@xNemesiSxPR]

si pero los pequenos negocios no pueden competir, la gente compra lo mas barato y como puedes ver ese supermercado es solo para un resuelve pq con esos precios si haces una comrpa te vas a quiebra. La competencia gana, si no pueden competir pues, esta muy caro ese sitio.

[@katiaotero2392]

No todos tienen para comprar en los pequeños negocios. En mi familia casi no da para lo necesario (buscando especiales) y quieres que le compre a los colmados que venden hasta el triple de caro en la mayoria de las ocasiones. Es bueno contribuir con los de aquí pero no para romper el bolsillo.

[@rebeccagutierrez1401]

Another comment, Puerto Rico has a problem with stray dogs. And iguanas are not native to Puerto Rico, they have actually become a problem.

[@447flower]

Green iguanas are native to Central and South America, but on the Caribbean island of Puerto Rico, they're an invasive species. With no natural predators on the island, their numbers have skyrocketed in recent years, which presents Puerto Rican farmers with a problem: the lizards keep eating their crops.Sep 6, 2015

[@447flower]

Fine Dining May Solve Puerto Rico's Invasive Iguana Problem Kiona Smith-Strickland 9/06/15 4:00pmFiled to: FOOD 41.3K 53 13 Illustration for article titled Fine Dining May Solve Puerto Rico's Invasive Iguana Problem Puerto Rico is overrun with green iguanas, and they’re wreaking havoc on the island’s ecosystem and its economy. Green iguanas are native to Central and South America, but on the Caribbean island of Puerto Rico, they’re an invasive species. With no natural predators on the island, their numbers have skyrocketed in recent years, which presents Puerto Rican farmers with a problem: the lizards keep eating their crops. How bad is it? Hunters found 110 iguanas on a single acre of farmland in Puerto Rico. That’s why some people in Puerto Rico have suggested a creative solution: sell iguana meat as a delicacy. Iguanas are a common part of local diets in many Central and South American countries, and iguana meat sells for about $6 a pound in the U.S., where it’s legal to sell as long as it has been processed in an FDA-approved facility. Much of the iguana meat sold in the U.S., in fact, is from Puerto Rico - where, ironically, the territory’s health department still hasn’t approved it for sale. That’s mostly because of concerns about salmonella, which iguana proponents say can be prevented with sufficient regulation. Puerto Rican culture is also more averse to eating reptiles than the Central and South American countries where iguanas are a native species, although some activists are trying to change that by promoting iguana as a food. It seems to be gaining a foothold in the U.S., at least, according to this video from National Geographic.

[@Dangic23]

Yes...the coffee is finely ground because almost nobody uses the fake coffee brewers that are commonly used in the US.

[@Cattiva]

Dangic23 give up for the percolator ! Yasssss

[@Dangic23]

@@Cattiva The percolator....omg. Its the typical Diner coffee...lol In Puerto Rico, being a premier coffee growing region, using a percolator should be considered a crime...lol

[@Dangic23]

Historically...people used "coladores" to filter the grounds. Moka pots are also commonly used. And of course, traditionally people would get their coffee at a Panadería, which uses real espresso machines. Percolators came in later....convenient to use....but that's about it.

[@TheJaiNetwork]

Your comment makes no sense.. nothing is less fake than whole bean coffee that you grind at home.. that was his point. It had nothing to do with fake brewers in the 50 states.. I won’t say U.S. because PR is USA

[@bassclefpaco]

I have nothing against an espresso. I love one in the afternoon. But when I make my morning coffee I use a french press and like to grind my beans freshly for a better experience.

[@haazeyy-6067]

If USA takes out the John’s act Puerto Rico would be better we wouldn’t be paying double for things and waiting for USA to ship us the things !

[@SpanishandGo]

That would be great, wouldn't it? Hopefully, things change. ¡Saludos! -Jim

[@miguelvaliente1475]

Jones Act

[@anthonylafayette4385]

You can be rest assured if the Jones Act is revoked prices in PR or Hawaii will not go down. That has been proven more than once. I personally couldn't care less, I live in Costa Rica and the Jones Act does not apply here , but that being said, it is more expensive here in CR without the Jones Act than in PR with it. Costs of living like taxes do not go down.

[@tbelj]

@@anthonylafayette4385 those are 2 different economies sir. You cant compare the 2.

[@bradr752]

You are close to correct on the Jones Act. The Jones Act requires all produce and other transport to Puerto Rico to be on US-built ships. If merchandise is in a US ship, no transfer is necessary. If it is on a non-US ship it needs to be transferred. Jones Act sucks, you guys are great!

[@SpanishandGo]

Bradley Rich thanks for clarifying! I’m starting to read about it more now and hopefully we can explain it better in a future video. Thanks for watching! -Jim

[@mjz16]

Bradley Rich. People should be outraged and taking to the streets to end the Jones Act.

[@gavincagle1491]

And the captain must be born in the States and no where else

[@ZimVader-0017]

It's the reason some things are more expensive here than in the States, we're basically paying the ship's fuel and not the actual products. The containers are also very expensive and the companies (like Crowley) that manages those containers monopolized everything. It HAS to be their containers being used, otherwise, it's not going to be shipped.

[@kpmariner1998]

Nothing typed here is correct. The jones act only applies to cargo moved from one USA port to another USA port. There is this big a-hole here named Nelson Denis. He is a big liar, ignore the BS

[@gabigabriela_ra]

I'm from Cabo Rojo and there's a supermarket in Las Arenas, called Centro Ahorros, just in front of 101 West Restaurant, is cheaper than Ritamar. If you have a car now, you can go to Econo, Mr. Special or Supermercados Pueblo wich are cheaper. They're located like 10 minutes away from Boquerón.

[@joseantonioserrano6103]

They really need a car or a scooter or motorcycle. Cabo Rojo is not pedestrian friendly at all...

[@expatatlarge5286]

im puerto rican also my family is from cabo rojo..and 1 reason that ive not been back in 25 plus years is because of lack of public transportation..i remember waiting for the shared public car station wagon on the side of the road for more than an hour in the hot august sun. unlike in colombia or mexico theres so many different transportation options. Also going back to san juan international airport was a nightmare..we must have taken 4 public cars transferring in 4 different towns.

[@matthewvenis1526]

101 West is a restaurant I visit every time I come back home!

[@marodes9440]

@@joseantonioserrano6103 i agree most of PR is not safe for pedestrians but a lot of people walk anyways

[@TheSantini82]

We say PESO instead of dollar because there was a time when we got our own currency called Peso Puertorriqueño. I love your videos!!

[@angarma]

Friends be careful, walking on the roads here is very dangerous!!!

[@ariffarafat-Bangladesh]

Why?

[@HFroggo]

arafat Bangladesh the crime here these days is off the charts.

[@aidaquiles9802]

You should always walk against traffic so that you can see the cars coming and make sure they can see you. Not safe at all to walk in such narrow roads! Take a "carro publico".

[@TestTest-zx7wn]

There was an assault in a bakery and police is getting sued I think but guy ended dead. Please be careful

[@youraveragemexorican]

@@ariffarafat-Bangladesh packs of wild dogs, and in Vieques there are a LOY of wild horses, cars, criminals, it’s easy to get lost too.

[@gerojimenez302]

All Puerto Rico’s Problem with economy growth is because of the Jones Act my friend.

[@kpmariner1998]

Gero Jimenez incorrect. Learn for yourself and not just be someone else’s parrot...

[@TheEverlong12]

Gero Jimenez Incorrect my friend, is because of CORRUPTION on the government. In PR, we have a painful tax of 11.5% which means we have to pay MORE than the indicated price of a product. The tax percentage (money) is supposed to go to the government so that they can fix the street holes (or pot holes), [...] among other stuff but unfortunately, the government uses the money to waste it on SHIT. Like, (let’s say) the governor of PR traveling to other countries (supposed for business, but have been reported that sometimes he goes to “vacation” with OUR MONEY [yes, I’m a Puerto Rican]), they give (or pay) us LESS money than what they win, they charge our water/electricity MORE than the average monthly payment; also Puerto Rico was on bankrupt a few years ago and for that reason they rose the tax from 7% to the actual (11.5%)...

[@Angie......]

Its because the government is stealing our money, my friend, the government steals from us

[@marias.rivers4704]

Corruption!!!!! Is all the corrupted politicians!!!

[@scottyhaines4226]

@@darrellthompson5468 it doesn't work like that and they don't own the house, they rent.

[@erinstravels]

Wow so much goodness in one video! Groceries, vocab, prices, plastic, snacks, and the Jones Act! You two are on fire! Love it. I remember watching the Bourdain episode about PR and learning about laws that require the island to import its pork (etc). Why this isn’t talked about all the time is beyond me. (No, actually it’s not. It’s all 💵💵)

[@michaelabercrombie7698]

Just for the record no one will ever touch Anthony Bourdain( not even close).

[@SpanishandGo]

Thanks, Erin! You’re right. The more I look into the Jones Act the more I see it as a massive problem not just in Puerto Rico, but for all other US territories and Hawaii. The Act affects them all and unnecessarily inflates the cost of living for the locals. We’ll talk about this more in another video I’m sure. ¡Saludos, amiga! -Jim

[@erinstravels]

@@SpanishandGo Very interested to learn more!

[@SpanishandGo]

Erin's Travels We’ll share more soon! Strange policies we have in the US. ¡Saludos, amiga! -Jim

[@eve2099]

The Jones act is very unfair for Puerto Rico 🇵🇷 and no one has done anything to eliminate it very 😔

[@efrainrondon5753]

Every state plays by the same rules and most are doing very well, blaming the Jones Act is ridiculous and lazy. Maybe if Puerto Rico didn't destroy it's own agriculture things would be cheaper and even though we import most of the food it doesn't come mainly from the US so it's possible to be brought in foreign ships.

[@izphilly1]

Is it true that in Puerto Rico if you try to cut down grass or trees in your own land you get fined ??? I have not been to PR since early 90’s . But I have been hearing all kinds of things that has changed over the years and what I hear saddens me .

[@efrainrondon5753]

@@izphilly1 you have to get a permit before you cut down a tree.

[@addielmartinez9120]

@@efrainrondon5753 a mi me han dicho que el problema con la agricultura puertorriqueña es que cada año durante la temporada de huracan se arruinan los campos.

[@efrainrondon5753]

@@addielmartinez9120 estás repitiendo falacias. Ve y busca la ley de cabotaje y verás que sólo aplica a transporte marítimo doméstico y no es verdad que tenemos huracanes todos los años y además antes la había agricultura en Puerto Rico y también ocurrían huracanes. Póngase a leer y dejé las falacias.

[@DadWithAVision]

Great video. The cultural references are excellent and super entertaining. Keep the English to Spanish translations going for us Spanish learners.

[@rrr-sr2du]

This is my hometown! I've been living in Spain for 12yrs, and I miss it so much. I can't stop crying ❤️❤️❤️ (I always complain about how unwalkable it is when I visit 😂😂)

[@TheDiablo6661]

rrr dónde es eso?

[@jeestra2668]

I live in Puerto Rico all I can say is becareful crossing the Streets we mostly go grocery shopping with our cars

[@caraira]

Yo nunca he escuchado ha alguien decir aceite español... aceite de oliva, sí. And yoohoo is just a chocolate drink... like Quick. Medalla has won beer awards internationally maybe it’s just like Budweiser in how common it is but it’s better in flavorrrr. Good video.

[@karinaluv1D]

123 same para mi es “aceite de oliva”

[@soniacollazo7640]

Claro...pedimos aceite de oliva, la marca es Español, refiriendose a España, no al idioma.

[@chingateison]

Todos los que conozco dicen aceite de oliva pero quizas sea como la gente que le dice carnnation a la leche evaporada.

[@TheGuyfromValhalla]

@@chingateison yea

[@lcross796]

Para mi sería "aceite de oliva" o "aceite Betis."

[@Lanon0987654321]

Yaucono isn't a local coffee it's mixed with imported coffee but still it's pretty good you should try other brands that are really 100% locally made coffee

[@efrainrondon5753]

We only grow 15% of what we eat but we still have a huge trade surplus.

[@efrainrondon5753]

@nokie bokie it means we important most of the food we eat but Puerto Rico still exports more than it imports.

[@efrainrondon5753]

@nokie bokie Puerto Rico is tied for 17th in the world in trade surplus en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_net_exports?wprov=sfla1

[@efrainrondon5753]

@nokie bokie you are correct.

[@kerrymoore5506]

This was a really fun entertaining video. It was great bring us into your new world and it was educational as well. I wish you would have talked a little bit about how the hurricane may have effected some of what we saw on the video but maybe you can show that another time. I hope you had as much fun making the video as I did watching it. You guys are really starting to be one of my favorites to watch. Thank you!

[@SpanishandGo]

Thanks a lot, Kerry! We appreciate the kind words. This was a fun one to make, and we have much more to come soon. ¡Saludos! -Jim

[@lalitajasso]

Damn, living here with no car is horrible! My husband and I spent about a month without a car when we first go here last year and it was awful! After 25+ yrs away from the island, I had to get used to the heat again. My husband was born in the midwest (his family is from Mexico) and he almost died the first time we walked around the neighborhood. 😂 We ended up leaving the metropolitan area and moved to the mountains. Much cooler and he loves it.

[@yvettejones4249]

Puerto Rico has some of the richest most delicious coffee in the world and children are raised on strong coffees like Bustelo. I had my first cup at 3 yrs old and was hooked.

[@rriqueno]

You think its hot now? Wait till the summer. You are going to melt

[@SpanishandGo]

We've been here in the summer before and we were melting. 😅 Thanks for watching! -Jim

[@Angie......]

Oh my god, I know right?!?!

[@yoselynrodriguez177]

Econo Supermarket is more cheap than the smallest one!

[@ronjaycock]

I really enjoyed this video. Also, the frogger idea was great and the execution (overlay). ¡Salud!

[@joshuaortiz4026]

Acabo de encontrar sus videos, me encantan! Vivo aqui en la isla, soy de Carolina! I am an English Teacher, so I share your passion for the language acquisition in social environments! Great Job!

[@AliceRose019]

Not all places on the island are hard to walk around. I lived in Toa Baja and they had sidewalks and cement paths between houses all over the place. Me and my friends use to walk everywhere. Also Yoohoo is really popular over there.

[@maneliSol]

I am beyooooond happy I found your channel!!!!! I was born and raised in PR and now I live in the US and its amazing how things have changed in the island!

[@edification567]

These seem like mainland prices, California anyway. Don't like the Jones Act at all. And the packaging creates so much trash pollution.

[@kevinmoynihan5118]

If you live in California of course they seem normal because like California Puerto Rico has ridiculously high taxes on everything

[@Sie84yv]

Buy only fresh sofrito from the cooler section. Doña Yiya brand sofrito is vegan and my favorite!

[@SpanishandGo]

Thanks for the tip, Rafael! We'll look for it. ¡Saludos! -Jim

[@leerivers1497]

Or just make it fresh yourself. It will taste much better. Store bought isn't the same.

[@zadkielrivera8165]

@@leerivers1497 true Homemade is way better

[@kevinlecointe4224]

Nah! make your own.

[@ZimVader-0017]

One of my professors is from Peru, and he told us that the first time he came to Puerto Rico he was surprised that we ate so much gandules. Said that in South America it's commonly animal food. He liked the arroz con gandules, though 😁 My dad makes a great asopao de gandules, which is kinda like a stew. There should be some basic recipes around, everyone does it differently. He also on occasion makes his own homemade sofrito that he learned from his mom, and it smells so good it makes you cry tears of happiness. That "aceite español" must be regional, though. I've never heard that before, we just call it aceite de oliva here where I live. There's a lot of friendly discord between the different regions because of that, even though we're a small island we still call stuff differently. It's pretty funny

[@ivanss_teacher]

As a Puerto Rican (currently living in Texas) I can tell you many people do use a spicy sauce called "pique" usually done artisanally in local restaurants in the country side. If you keep missing Valentina, I'm pretty sure you can find it in a big supermarket ot Walmart (just go to international foods aisle) but in general Puerto Ricans dont like to "enchilar" all their food

[@SpanishandGo]

santanivan thanks for the tips! We have found some “pique,” but the stuff we’ve tried isn’t very spicy. We’ll keep looking though! ¡Saludos! -Jim

[@wabo_197]

Valentina is in many supermarkets... it is commonly use for Mexican dishes. Also the dried frijoles in the bag are in the supermarkets (not in the colmados).

[@Dangic23]

Correct. PR food is good on it's own, which is why piques and salsas are not a common thing.

[@t.i.o.motorsports243]

Santanivan that is totally correct I also move to Texas for now(Houston)but our plans if Buying a place to retire there Anyway thank you for showing My little puerto rico

[@anubis9740]

My grandma use to make pique but a very spicy one even Marcos use to say it was noice because it was super hot and he is from Mexico😁, u need ají is a little jalapeño very spicy and mix it with sweet pepper, vinager, olive oil, garlic, peppercorns, water and let it seat for a couple months and boom done good very hot sauce. But u can add diferente peppers. We use to have in the house medium, hot and super hot. But a lot of Puerto Ricans don't like hot sauce tho or hot food.

[@SilverAbsolutionII]

"Look at how cheap Gas is in Puerto Rico!" We WISH it was that cheap!!! 😂😂😂

[@billieteggers2661]

SilverAbsolutionII yes, it's sold by the litre which is an interesting conflict. I wonder what the reason is for that?

[@juamalik]

Yea the gas prices are lower as it’s controlled by the govt.... living on that side of the island you definitely need a car!

[@hasani1097]

Gas is by the liter in PR. So at $.68 for one gallon you’d be paying around $2.57. It’s about the same as the main land US

[@nothingtosee6514]

Yohoo is very popular in Puerto Rico, especially for us scholars, but it is quite expensive in schools.

[@fania_mania]

I'm from Mayagüez, the city next to Cabo Rojo. I felt so scared for you guys! Walking right next to the highway... It's true, PR is not walkable at all... unless it is right inside town.

[@bh1958bjbj]

My family and 4 kids used to live in Puerto Rico twice while we were growing up. My Dad was in the Air Force. Thank you for the shopping vlog.

[@kiahna5547]

I watched all of the products they showed as if they were new to me 😂😂 I’m freaking Puerto Rican the heck

[@neylahnni_21]

Sameeee 😂😂

[@andrezrodriguez6878]

Just a little recipe for your home made Sofrito: (I'll put the names in Spanish so you don't have problems asking for them) - hojas de culantro - cilantro - cebolla blanca - Ají dulce - ajo - pimiento verde Just put all the ingredients in a blender and that's it. And also, almost every town in PR has a Plaza del Mercado or Town Market where you can find local products more fresh than in a Supermarket.

[@tynaturetye1092]

The frogger game example was so on point, in 😂😂😂. You'll be safe out there. Can't wait to go back to Puerto Rico 'Lovelife'

[@albrio5749]

I used to live and work there for 8 years. I worked for a mayor pharmaceutical and the medicine we produced in PR, FIRST had to be sent to FL and then it came back to PR's pharmacies because of the Jones act. In stead of us, sending supply directly to Walgreen or CVS, it was sent to the USA and then back to PR. Shipping costs (both ways) + whatever taxes it paid on the ports in the USA, got added to the final price once it got back to PR, making drugs a lot more expensive than the mainland. I don't know if the same applies to products produced in PR or NOT. For the record, I'm a gringo... I no longer live there, since the company moved to Costa Rica and i was transferred. Costa Rica's people are really nice and they work hard. So far i haven't bumped into the mess or BS i constantly bumped with in PR. everything is more organized plus Costa Rica's health system is 10k, better than PR's.

[@jelatinosa]

Puerto Rico has so much potential but, everything is a mess and people don't seem to care at all. I'm Puerto Rican living in Puerto Rico, and while I hate to stereotype because their are awesome people here, too many puerto ricans are lazy, selfish and inconsiderate for thing to get better quick enough.

[@michiganwannarbor3255]

When I heard the cashier's Spanish it brought back great memories of growing up in a Puerto Rican neighborhood.

[@dalmaries]

When you get I car if you do you might have more variety and cheaper stuff at bigger chain markets. Wondering what made you move to Boqueron specifically aside from the gorgeous west area beaches

[@rebeccagutierrez1401]

Puerto Rico has Walmart too. You can give an opinion if you think that's a good thing or a bad thing. Either way I shop there sometimes. It's like 35 to 40 minutes from my house. Depending on traffic.

[@joanychula4371]

Boqueron is the "nomads Paradise" bc 4 them is affordable, save, beach , mountain island feeling....✈️🏖👙🇵🇷

[@joanychula4371]

If the couple reply to u , they might add another reason😂

[@viviansoto424]

Another thing is where you are buying food we called that un colmado. Because it's not a chain grocery store. Supermercados Econo it's a chain, so is Selectos and Pueblo. Maybe when you have a car you can go to any of those and probably find more variety.

[@adrianm111]

Too bad it isn't pedestrian friendly there. I love the Frogger reference!!

[@SpanishandGo]

:p I had no idea what it was! Now I can't get the little song out of my head! Hahahaha Thank you for watching and commenting. We just got a car so we'll be exploring more and there won't be any more Frogger for us. ¡Saludos!

[@emmanuelmaldonado8655]

Just because the area that they decided to walk didn't have a side walk doesn't mean is not pedestrian friendly .

[@joemygawd]

I enjoyed the format of this video. It was nice to hear authentic pronunciation of words I've been mispronouncing for a while. Although I am not sure if I will manage to retain anything without going over the video again and again. Maybe a recap at the end. A lightning round so to speak. Thanks!

[@sammy69831]

Good idea i agree

[@rebeccagutierrez1401]

In Puerto Rico we say dollars or pesos. It doesn't matter.

[@marlowmarlowe8529]

In my country we call money dinero

[@passdabluntcuz9992]

Diineroo lol

[@astridb9700]

I grew up sayings "dolares"

[@alexanderramos9492]

Love your videos!! Keep up the good work 👍🏼 By the way Pueblo Super market and Econo or Costco are awesome to go grocery shopping.

[@ZimVader-0017]

Pueblo and Econo are local too.

[@jdemirchyan8411]

Hola amigos, por favor tell us more phrases y palabras about everyday usage, as more as it is possible. Hope to watch that ones. Y muchas gracias por the previous videos. My respects Jose D.

[@Shopokun]

I'm loving your videos on Puerto Rico! I really appreciate when people come to the Island to enjoy our culture as much as we do! You guys are great! P.S. I don't know if you have a car already but you could use our taxi system or UBER if you need to go around, so that way you could travel a little safer and don't have to cross the roads like that! Enjoy Borinquen!

[@Vespillo12]

Lol!I used to drink YooHoo when I lived in PR. Nice video!

[@LorialRoballo]

First of all, this video channel is GENIUS. Second, you live in Boqueron?! That’s my favorite place to get seafood. And third, you’re from Minnesota too?!? I am! And I’m moving to Puerto Rico. (For third time) :)

[@leegruen7]

I used to watch Vegan Vlogs and that guy grows so many fruits and vegetables in Puerto Rico. Hope you can find a more affordable place to buy your food :-)

[@glorisol26]

You don't watch Hayden anymore? He is such a great human being and has done so much in the farm! He has done great videos lately traveling around the island.

[@nildamedina8665]

Hi guys!!! I’m boricua 🇵🇷and Saludos from NJ✌🏼OMG I love it!!! BOQUERON is our 😻hot spot when me and my family go to PR....we love it🥰

[@FamiliaAmore]

You’re are amazing guys ❤️🇵🇷 Hermosa pareja y un canal de muy buen contenido ❤️ Éxito 🙌🏼😊

[@loca1243]

Platanutres salted are better in my opinion

[@eliagron8750]

Hi Jim and May, I used to live in Combate, I still live in the west nearby. For your groceries I would recommend what I do, go to the web for the weekly supermarket ads, like shoppersdepuertorico.com .You can download them to your phone and analyze what to buy, prices, sells when doing your shopping list.. Econo, Selectos. Mr. Special. even Walgreens. At Mr. Special supernarket they will honor the price of the items of the other supermarket, unless it is a unique supermarket brand. Example. This week you will find 4 dz. of eggs for $5 at Econo, this they will not honor cause they don't carry the sale brand. But compared to the price you found in the eggs you will save alot in your trip to Econo. You do not need to buy 4 , you can buy 1 for $1.25 instead of the $2.99. Another place you would like for detergents is Walgreens. Get their reward card before buying. This last week they had the All detergent you showed just for $2.99, and if you bought 2 they would return $2.99 in register rewards so that means you get back what you paid for the second one and on your next transaction, same visit buy anything else with this money. This week they have Arm & Hammer for $1.99. If you want we can meet, I can also cook for you 😊. I have many more ideas to share but don"t want to extend this comment to much. Hope these hints helps a little. Have a great time. Enjoy!

[@Coayuco]

Your correct about the Jones Act.. Travel to the mountain region Las Indieras, Maricao, Las Maria, and Yauco. Many have animals and vegetable gardens. Fresh milk is not imported, but farmed locally and distributed daily.

[@CandyOh1]

So glad you got a car! Cute little market with good breakfast and baked goods! You will save money now that you have a car! ❤️

[@SpanishandGo]

And we get to explore more!

[@Jojoous]

Hey guys! I’m from Puerto Rico, living in the area of San Juan/ Bayamón and I found funny that you guys mentioned that people call olive oil “aceite español” because I’ve never heard of that in my entire life living in Puerto Rico! Also, el sofrito tastes way more better when you prepare it from scratch because you’re using fresh herbs and vegetables and you don’t have to use like additional flavors or colorant, etc. I’m actually enjoying a lot your content from a person who was born in the island and still lives here. But also things in San Juan and Bayamon are really different at the same time. If you guys need any recommendations or help with something you can let me know and I’ll be there to help you. Keep up the good work!

[@kawaiicordero0707]

I love this channel! You guys seem so sweet! Also I’m Puerto Rican and I’m learning a lot from another perspective! You know stuff that we don’t usually pay attention to or notice! Also I drink Yoo-hoo 😭 I love it it’s my childhood! Haha

[@TangerineTravels]

The transparent frogger overlay part had us cracking up!

[@SpanishandGo]

😅Had to make light of an otherwise dangerous situation. Drivers are crazy here! ¡Saludos! -Jim

[@fullblessings]

Puerto Rico does have a lot of more dry beans, and stuff you can't find there, maybe you should try a different supermarket

[@fullblessings]

Also there are cheaper markets

[@pjusino5]

A place like that in my book is a convenient store, that's why is going to be more pricy. Glad to see in others videos that you guys have a car already. In PR is really difficult to do stuff without a vehicle, unless you live in the capital (San Juan).Grocery stores can be a little cheaper.

[@rebeccagutierrez1401]

They call it Spanish olive oil because that one comes from Spain. Get it? The Spanish. Many of us are proud of our European heritage.

[@Dangic23]

Exactly. In the US people are used to using olive oil from Italy. In PR, from Spain.

[@BethJehovah]

I bet you are.

[@israelmartinez6867]

Love you guys!!! You are a breath of fresh air... Love the videos of my beautiful island... And on a separate note dude, you are a very blessed man, she is an absolute gem. God bless you both.

[@ailindelvalle7483]

We love garlic...try plantains without garlic too.. very good!

[@keirazirkle8546]

i love yoo-hoos. I was kinda disappointed there was less vocabulary and conversations in Spanish, but a very interesting video. Love your channel.

[@SpanishandGo]

Thanks, Keira! We have a mix of travel and Spanish lesson videos on the channel. If you want full Spanish conversations, I encourage you to check out our podcast "Learn Spanish and Go" - spanishandgo.com/podcast Or our playlists for learning Spanish on KZbin: Travel Spanish Lessons: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bnaTiXx8Z9p9ebM Spanish Language Tips: kzbin.info/www/bejne/opXGhaB5msmqb5o I hope that helps! Thanks for watching. -Jim

[@dreammerchant4442]

My Family in CAYEY Jajome bajo still grow for themselves..

[@Victoria-cm4jr]

I'm binging on your videos. You guys are a gorgeous couple. Love that you rescued some island dogs. Stay safe.

[@iarylee_doodle_studio]

Guys next time go to a Farmers Market so you could see the variety of fresh products that grows in Puerto Rico. But it was a nice video. Thanks for sharing!!! And enjoy the platanutres🙆💗😍😍😍😍😍😍 yum!!!

[@saraymartinez6296]

I also wish to thank you for your videos. Hopefully people will see them and visit the island again.

[@funtimevideos2160]

Good video. Prices very similar to where I live in Tennessee except eggs more expensive there. Thanks for the video !

[@SpanishandGo]

FunTime Videos That’s interesting. I wonder why eggs are more expensive here. There are tons of chickens on the island. Thanks for watching! ¡Saludos! -Jim

[@mwuahchiloo9092]

you guys should be vloggers but i love your content thanks for sharing!

[@myriamcrespo7412]

Yoo-hoo and Coco Rico, love it. Try it!!

[@armandocardona4478]

ABSOLUTELY LOVE YOUR VIDEO! I'd like to clarify though that the Jones Act doesn't actually prohibit ships from docking in Puerto Rico directly from foreign destinations it's just that the bulk of products sold in Puerto Rico come from the US mainland and that most foreign shipping companies don't consider it cost-effective to set up a separate trading route specifically for Puerto Rico and just ship their products to ports in the US mainland where the stuff is then distributed to all 50 States and the US Territories including Puerto Rico. What the Jones Act DOES require is that all goods transported from the US mainland to Puerto Rico MUST be carried in US-built vessels owned and operated by US companies and crewed by US citizens or US nationals and such vessels happen to have the most expensive shipping rates in the world and THAT'S the reason prices in Puerto Rico are higher across the board than in the US mainland (remember, you can't ship stuff to Puerto Rico by rail or truck and air transport is inadequate to meet the needs of 3.2 million people). On average, items in Puerto Rico cost 10% to 15% more than in the US mainland but sometimes prices are 20% or 25% higher than in the US mainland. When you factor in that average income in Puerto Rico is about half that of Mississippi, which is the poorest State of the Union, it's easy to appreciate why 45% of the people of Puerto Rico live below congressionally-established Federal poverty levels: higher prices and lower income are the mother of all double whammies. The Jones Act also makes prices for many items higher in Hawaii than in the US mainland but Hawaii has a higher income per capita than Puerto Rico so the impact of higher prices is lessened considerably. All of the above has two other interesting consequences: first, that US shipping companies have their most profitable routes anywhere in the world from the US mainland to Puerto Rico, because Puerto Rico's population is 3.2 million, which is actually double Hawaii's population, and all the other US Territories average 100,000 inhabitants each, and Puerto Rico actually imports 85% of the food it consumes and 3.2 million people require A LOT of shipping; and that Puerto Rico, measured as a separate market, is the US mainland's fourth largest trading partner, after China, the UK and the European Union. P.S. In a dramatic display of congressional inconsistency, the US Virgin Islands, alone among all US States and Territories, is exempted from the Jones Act.

[@JosephMartinezPR]

The USVI is exempt from the Jones Act.

[@armandocardona4478]

@@JosephMartinezPR - You are of course ABSOLUTELY RIGHT & I stand corrected--& have consequently amended my answer.

[@tashapiazza8808]

Sofrito is supposed to be green, so the one you saw called recaito is sofrito the other was a tomatoe sauce mixed with sofrito

[@Pops6185]

Yup, plus best to make your own sofrito.

[@olivaroserosario8252]

Tell that to Goya she was just reading the label Goya makes their sofrito red because they add tomato paste ...

[@danielelizabeth2688]

I used to live in Tenn. and my mother lived in Mich. She would come down to visit and take a bunch of YooHoo back with her (didn't have it in MI) for her boss, who was from El Salvador. He LOVED that stuff. Personally, I think it's too sweet!

[@joseantonioserrano6103]

Those iguanas are a pest on the Island. They are not native to Puerto Rico and they are destroying crops. Las Arenas is where I usually buy stuff when I'm over there. BTW, Cabo Rojo has different "Poblados" like Boqueron, Combate, Puerto Real, Joyuda, Buye, etc, and they are all apart. That is why its so difficult getting around on foot. Cabo Rojo is a big town so get a car... LOL! About the coffee... you can get coffee beans, but in those small stores you will not get them. You should go to a bigger store where you can get coffee beans and vegetables from Puerto Rico or to a Farmer's Market. A lot of produce from Puerto Rico is sold to the big stores. You can actually go to a Walmart and see a lot of the local produce. Most Puertorican coffee is from the western part of Puerto Rico. Try visiting Yauco if you love coffee. Peso was the original monetary system of Puerto Rico. It was changed to dollars around 1920's and that is why a lot of people still called the money pesos instead of dollars.

[@ive43reyes51]

Wow we didn't know that lol, thanks for the comment.

[@deivigerman11]

Hi, I'm from dominican republic 🇩🇴 I like all your videos they are useful

[@elkat_bori_pr7791]

There is whole bean coffee but you wont find it on mini markets

[@ahorrandoencupones49]

Wao, los encontré de casualidad y me encanta lo que ustedes hacen. gracias por mostrarnos a mi hermosa isla de puerto rico, 💕⭐🏠🎁🎉

[@jannelysaviles4714]

Benditooo those places are only for emergency groceries cause their cost is so much higher than big supermarkets

[@TonyMontana-fi8fo]

Hi there,in my Town in Mayaguez,I think is Carretera # 2 that there is a lot of Mango trees,you don't see many fruit trees because the Hurricanes knocks them down,and nobody bothers to re plant them,since it take so long to start giving fruits.At the Colegio de Agricultura they do have all kinds of fruit trees.

[@wabo_197]

We definitely need more agriculture in our island but that is a growing movement right now, specially agroecological. The problem with it is political and historical because since the island was force into being a Colony, every agricultural system was limited to the monoculture for exportation for the economic gain of certain people, creating at the same time a local colonial economy of dependence, with the main products being imported, making local production non financially reliable and with too little or non government support. A eso hay que añadir las dificultades financieras a las que quedan expuestas las personas que se dedican a la agricultura, ante las demandas económicas y la crisis que enfrenta el país, la inflación y control de los precios y la competencia que busca beneficiar los productos importados sobre la producción y los comercios locales. Monsanto tiene una gran cantidad de los terrenos de cultivo, otorgados por el gobierno, provocando un gran desbalance y daño agro ecológico que perjudica la agricultura local y sustentable. Incluso la producción agrícola local suele estar disponible a través de mercados cooperativos agroecológicos y a través de entregas a domicilio porque no hay una conexión o apoyo del sistema establecido. Aquí también entran los interesas capitalistas de ciertas personas y comercios que no les interesan la autosuficiencia alimenticia sino el valor monetario que puedan sacar a cada producto. A su solicitud les puedo enviar referencias de agricultura local.

[@wabo_197]

Lo mismo con el sistema de transporte. En Puerto Rico había un tren que corría a través de la isla y fue eliminado por Estados Unidos cuando tomó la isla como colonia. El sistema de trasporte que se ha ido construyendo es a beneficio de los interesas capitalistas, o sea de los automóviles, por lo que el sistema de transporte colectivo o área para ciclistas y peatones son ineficientes o inexistentes, lo que continúa provocando un ciclo de dependencia, inseguridad y falta de salud y bienestar general.

[@judithdejesus7326]

Excellent comment, janramce!

[@judithdejesus7326]

@@wabo_197 True ! Also, Henry Ford & the USA automobile industry made complaints & promoted the Congress to make laws to control on Puerto Rico's transportation. They ended up with the previous strategic mass transport that Puerto Rico had. Unfortunately, the industry & government not helping common people all was on their benefit $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ & that is why private transport is a must if you live far from central cities transports. Also mass transports do not functions 24 hours.

[@jelatinosa]

Muy bueno sus comentarios.

[@normagonzalez7470]

Eso es cierto. Esa es la triste situación nuestra.

[@cristymatias2245]

To avoid packaging you need to go to the "plaza del mercado". Where local farmers sell their goods. Head to downtown usually near the plaza on each municipality. Of course on big supermarkets it might be cheaper but they dont sell that many local products.

[@misterfignewton4395]

There are chains of supermarkets like ECONO with much more competitive grocery prices. Also good to see you guys purchased a car since those roads are obviously too dangerous to walk and play FROGGER!

[@lolapr9668]

Yesss, go to a supermarket, the prices are better

[@jacmorales5314]

I am from Puerto Rico, the prices over there are the same than here in Vermont. By the way I love Yahoo drinks. I missed the Sun and the food. I envy you guys.

[@andreapizarro0919]

🙋🏻‍♀️Hola, Thankyou for sharing ,My Family is Puertorico I visit every summer. In regards to stuff being expensive yes it is plus their tax I believe is like 11% When you get a car along the side of some roads you have the locals selling Vegetables and fruits that are not imported ,when I’m their I’m about supporting the locals not The big franchise company’s because I have the same ones here in NYC.you could also check out Pueblo supermarket,or Econo.. Saludos desde Nueva york 🙋🏻‍♀️🇵🇷

[@SpanishandGo]

Andrea Pizarro ¡Hola! Thanks for the tips and for watching! We’re loving Puerto Rico. We can live with the price difference, but thought it was worth sharing with people who haven’t been here before. ¡Saludos desde Cabo Rojo! -Jim

[@maritzacintron5803]

I live in Boquerón too! Love your videos! Waiting for one comenting our spanglish!

[@plissabarrett7358]

You Hoo is actually good! But rich, I don't often get it,too sweet for me.

[@passionforyarn1990]

My grandmother was a farmer in Puerto Rico. When you explore the land you'll see that lots of pples grow their own foods like fruit and veggies. Lots of vegan live there and also vegans from the u.s moved there.. their is a huge vegan community there. Am proud to say that my father who lives there is also a vegan. Happy exploring

[@michaelabercrombie7698]

She doesn't know Frogger???!!! Oh the humanity!!

[@MrPony2005]

Nice video guys! 😁👍🏼

[@ailindelvalle7483]

People don't walk in Puerto Rico!..

[@FamiliaAmore]

Ailin Delvalle Muy cierto ☝️Es muy necesario un auto! 🇵🇷❤️🙌🏼🌴

[@ailindelvalle7483]

@@FamiliaAmore exacto.. 100 anos atrás a lo mejor gente caminaba ya no.

[@passdabluntcuz9992]

Por eso todo el mundo tiene diabetes. A quien le minento, no importa done camines, alomejor te secuestren. 😂😂😂

[@edgardomartinezrovira4371]

I walk to the train station in Rio Piedras from my school, to later walk to my house. It’s more urban where I live but still!😂😂

[@LuisSoto-ho5fw]

Jeez...they also live out in what some people may call "the boondocks" so I'm not surprised at all it's not pedestrian friendly. What bothers me is the implication that ALL of PR is like that (when where I'm from now strongly resembles New Jersey). FFS! Go to San Juan (or Ponce, or Mayaguez) and you'll find plenty of Starbucks joints and markets where you'll surely find plenty of whole bean coffee...

[@virginiaa4739]

So happy you are enjoying Puerto Rico. You are in my precious hometown where I grew up. I wish you all the best and want you to be safe. I know those roads and highway very well. Just some lovingly advice, please do not try walking on foot. It is very dangerous. There are carro publicos or local taxis that will get you to where you need to go.

[@rebeccagutierrez1401]

And did you notice that nobody's walking anywhere? If you don't have a car here you're busted.

[@fania_mania]

Rebecca Gutierrez That is true, Puerto Rico is not pedestrian friendly. We all have cars...

[@randyrrs7028]

and what do you want do you think someone will give them a car for free? they have to walk no choice

[@ramonorlandogonzalez2028]

I love Yoohoo!! I had it as a kid growing up in Puerto Rico and now I get it in Denver, CO.