Life Is ...

Life is as beautiful as it is challenging at times. Amidst the chaos we may face on an every day basis, there are the consistent things that can keep us at peace. Along with the incredibly giving attributes of mankind, you will see unfortunate characteristic as well. We always have to the choice no matter what we face. I find in my most difficult times that I gravitate to the consistent and beautiful aspects of life. Like the sunsets that grace us every dawn. I find not matter how the recent events have pushed me, I will always find the peace of mind I need.

In addition we have the human aspect that at times can be interaction we need. Even if it is coming to someone in their time of need when you may not even be remembered. Few things are as fulfilling as the interaction with another where we are able to be true to who we are. But I don’t think that people come to the blog to hear what I have to think. As you may have caused from the previous statements, it has been a challenge, but I am getting through it. What would life be without a little difficulty thrown in the way? Puerto Rico is still beautiful, the weather is gorgeous and I am doing my best to make life great. Since I last wrote, I have been to Old San Juan and the old fort there. It is a very diverse history and played in a part in many conflicts over the centuries. I have taken photographs of some beautiful sunsets, went to a bonfire on the beach and had the opportunity to work with some Air Force personnel when they did some much needed work on the base. I even got a tour of an aerial refueler plane.

The bonfire was a good time, I tried to get some night shots, but with the moon as bright as it is out here, I have not been able to get any really crisp moon shots. Music, people and a fire on the beach as the waves crashed just about 20 feet from us. Other than the clouds that slowly marched across the sky, every star shown in the night sky. I got the opportunity to meet some new people and enjoy the fire.

The highlight of the sightseeing is the history of the island. Whether that is the ruins of the old lighthouse at Borinquen Beach or the old fort at Old San Juan and the wall that still surrounds the coasts. It gives you an idea of what life use to be like. Massive walls surrounded the city with only one entry to protect the people that inhabited the area. The people lived with the constant threat of invasion and the fort was maintained a constant watch inside and outside the walls. The bedding was little more than a blanket on some flat wood.

The area was known as hell for the soldiers stationed here because they had to deal the humidity and heat wearing a full uniform and armor. A little different that what we think of now when we go to a tropical area. A wall surrounds the entire coast, ten feet thick and 30 feet high in some areas. A single gate would allow entry to the city. In those days if I were to get stations 3000 miles from home, I would probably not see my family for a very very long time. I may not even hear depending on the turmoil in the area. I suppose the soldiers did not really have a choice in the matter, but that could not have been busy. The Fort consists of several towers, with lookouts at every angle. One was used for during World War 2 as a lookout there. On the other hand, you have the old lighthouse at Borinquen Beach.
Little remains of the tower that once stood there, but you can see the sturdy construction of the base. Two side have ten foot walls while the coast side has about 3-4 feet. The color still resides in the red bricks mixed with the concrete. In the center, there is a basin that looks like it may have been where a fire once burned. It is easy to let the imagine run when I walk through the tunnels of the old fort or see the ruins of the lighthouse. Like when I toured the castles of Europe, I could imagine the soldiers at their posts firing the cannons or searching for a ship on the horizon.

Finally, I was able to get a tour of some modern technology that in some ways is just as awe inspiring. I was able to see and tour an Aerial Refueler from the cockpit to the controls for the refueling mechanism. Not only is the shear size of the plane impressive, but also the loading capacity and capability’s to support an entire fleet of planes for a very long time. Needless to say, it is a little larger than our helicopters.

I suppose overall, life is not suppose to be anything, I am doing what I can to enjoy the ride. There is still much to see and do. If anyone is interested, I post more pictures on facebook. I will keep you updated. Until I write again, enjoy every moment.