Multi Genre: ” The Pirate Code”

Prologue:

 “Law is mind without reason” (Aristotle). What is law apart from a set of rules designed to give away certain standards for behavior? Law can be traced back to the beginnings of civilization, man understood that a life without rules is a life without order, and the aftermath of this could be crucial. For buccaneers, law was the primordial topic among their crew mates. Such importance was carried by the way of circumstances a man living in the sea saw himself in. for this reason, since the beginning of the 16th century pirates designed a set of laws or rules that will dictate every single aspect of their daily life, including those of special interest; this propaganda will be known in history as The Pirate Code. The relation between law and piracy may seem irrelevant to the public’s eye. How can logic be even considered when bandits sailed the seas terrorizing fleets committing the most abrupt crimes possible? How can the structure, in wish nations are born and governed be present in the life of the 16th century greatest criminals? To the surprise of many, The Pirate Code was not too different from European government. Both were ruled by a high post mandatory, they had branches that went from higher ranks to lower, penalties for those who disobeyed and even swore an oath of allegiance as modern military still do. This facts have such importance throughout history because of the vast contradiction of piracy being an organized crime as well as an organized government, how democracy can’t only be found in City Halls or kingdoms, but in a ship full of barbarians too. How these men, most of them having no other than a primary education, practiced a philosophy that can be traced back to the ancient Roman Empire. These remarkable men swore an oath of honor, a code of allegiance. They would live by The Code, fight by The Code, and die by The Code. Introduction: Since people have used the oceans as a trade measure, pirates have been present. Piracy can be traced back to the 13th century BC, where they threatened the Aegean and Mediterranean Sea. A pirate is someone who uses aggression and violence to rip off or steal from a victim. This type of vandalism reached a point of global menace. During the Napoleonic Wars pirates sailed from Great Britain to the coasts of the Caribbean Islands and part of the new found American territory. In this glory days it is reported pirates vandalized and robed more than five hundred ships , this era would be called The Golden Age of Piracy (1660-1720). As the Spanish Empire began to decline, England, France and the Dutch Netherlands became the colonial powerhouses by 1660. As England and France got into disputes over disagreements to the violation of the Treaty of Westphalia, the English government made a strategic move they will later regret. To invade France’s Naval Fleet, England will hire private sailors to attack French ships in the open sea, this men will be rewarded by the government after turning in the stolen cargo; they would be called as privateers. Most of these men were retired captains of the Royal Navy, or those active with vast experience in war fare. A crew will be assigned and trained by the expenses of the English government, further on placed under a captain and ship. Privateers made their way across the Atlantic and Caribbean, attacking only foreign ships. As the terms and conditions with the English government specified, no English ship would be attacked by privateers or any privateer ship. Eventually privateers grew angry to the fact that they were risking their lives to only obtain a small portion of their treasures. It didn’t pass too long before captains acknowledged their superiority among other ships, and how easy it was to get away without being caught. As privateers violated the terms and conditions referring to the captured vessels and treasures, even attacking English ships they became outlaws, or better put, they became pirates. Many sailors unconcerned to the privateer practice made their way into the pirate life running away from military service the government imposed, young men frequently volunteered every time a pirate ship reached port. Exposed by the media, pirates have been painted over the years as colorful romantic characters who’s adventures aboard a ship lead to marvelous storytelling. According to Dr. Samuel Johnson, “ No man will be a sailor who has contrivance enough to get himself into a jail; for being in a ship is being in jail with the chance of being drowned……A man in jail has more room, better food, and commonly better company.” (A Journey to the Western Islands of Scotland) The reality of a sea man was grotesque. A sailor lived cramped sharing a deck with a hundred men or more, depending on the size of the vessel and members of the crew. He slept among rats and cockroaches, was exposed to diseases and other hazards. The work in a ship was also dangerous, a crew member risked his life on the frequent day working on high sails, with the possibility of being attacked at any time, and of course being shipwreck, wish presented another life threatening situation if the sailor did not know how to swim. Food also became a problem when it came to live in a ship for no less than three months, not to mention the scarcity of fresh water and the abuse of wine and rum. During the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars, 100,000 British seamen died in cases varying from battle wounds, shipwreck and disease. It is clear why privateers decided to become pirates as they had little to lose and a lot of money to gain. By 1680 the piracy practice had become a culture of its own. Threatened by the numerous corsairs, England imposed piracy as a national threat. Missions were often embargoed by the Royal Navy to hunt down pirate ships but had little success. Pirates lived at sea most of the time and knew how to make their way without being spotted. Most of the times pirates would find shelter in the Caribbean, were numerous islands served as food inventory, storage to limit weight barriers as treasures were taken and their weight could imply a disadvantage in battle or a getaway situation, and of course they served as port and wood inventory to repair damaged ships. Although history confirms the practice of the “treasure burial”, it was almost inexistent in the pirate world. Most treasures were household items like soap or clothing they took from the attacked ships. Jewelry and pieces of gold or silver were given in equal shares, except from the captain and high ranked officers wish will be explained later on. Life at sea meant sacrifice, sweat and most of all courage. These brave men, in spite of the conditions they lived in where honored. They followed conduct like any refined cavalry, and they did it with discipline. Honor, courage, discipline are three values gravely lost throughout the years. It’s remarkable to learn how adversities threatening their lives each did not break apart a code so sacred and respected, that it’s violation led to harsh punishment, and in many cases, death.

 Annotated Bibliography:

 Pirate Code Of Conduct By: PublicWiki http://www.piratesinfo.com/cpi_Pirate_Code_of_Conduct_536.asp

Pirates were among the first to make use of a system of checks and balance similar to modern countries. The first act of the democracy was before the United States and France adopted such method of government and it occurred aboard a ship in the beginning of the Golden Age of Piracy. Both captain and quarter master were elected by vote among crew members, in return they appointed the remaining of the posts in the ship. The captain was often a fierce fighter in battles, someone who the crew looked up to and felt comfortable lending their trust to. These rules and many others were written down in articles that would be later signed or marked by crew members as they swore an oath to comply with the agreements. Unfortunately many of the original scripts were lost throughout time; others were destroyed by captured pirates in order to hide written evidence that could be used against them. Rarely recovered on different locations, code sets of rules have coincided variously. This supports the theory that the Pirate Code was a universal article and practiced among pirates. Below are some of the recovered acts and frequented among recovered documents:

 • Every man shall obey civil Command; the Captain shall have one full share and a half in all Prizes; the Master, Carpenter, Boatswain and Gunner shall have one Share and quarter.

 • If any man shall offer to run away, or keep any Secret from the Company, he shall be marroon’d with one Bottle of Powder, one Bottle of Water, one small Arm and shot.

 • If any Many shall steel any Thing in the Company, or game, to the Value of a Piece of Eight, he shall be marroon’d or shot.

 • If at any Time we should meet another Marrooner (that is Pyrate) that Man that shall sign his Articles without the Consent of our Company, shall suffer such Punishment as the Captain and Company shall think fit.

 • That Man that shall strike another whilst these Articles are in force, shall receive Mose’s Law (that is 40 stripes lacking one) on the bare Back.

• That Man that shall snap his Arms, or smoak Tobacco in the Hold, without a cap to his Pipe, or carry a Candle lighted without a Lanthorn, shall suffer the same Punishment as in the former Article.

 • That Man that shall not keep his Arms clean, fit for an Engagement, or neglect his Business, shall be cut off from his Share, and suffer such other Punishment as the Captain and the Company shall think fit.

• If any Man shall lose a Joint in time of an Engagement he shall have 400 pieces of Eight; if a limb 800. If at any time you meet with a prudent Woman, that Man that offers to meddle with her, without her Consent, shall suffer present Death.

 Life at Sea By: PublicWiki http://www.piratesinfo.com/cpi_Life_at_Sea_559.asp

For a pirate or any sailor, life at sea could be a real challenge. The ship’s speed in the voyage will depend on the wind’s condition and its structure. Boredom often made an appearance, and for a pirate entertainment was crucial. Drinking never got old among pirates neither did gambling. Although this last one served as scenario for dispute among mates, wish often had to be solved or judged by the captain himself. Musicians were priceless in a pirate ship. Most musicians were captured by pirates in spite of their great value given such precious talent, that meant entertainment, wish meant less gambling and arguing and so on. Many of this men started as captured musicians and ended up as part of the crew.

 Who’s Who Aboard Ship By: Cindy Vallar http://www.piratesinfo.com/cpi_Who’s_Who_Aboard_Ship_pirates_pirate_piracy_950.asp

 Most pirates had previous experience as privateers or in the Royal Navy. Therefore each crewmember knew exactly how to operate a vessel. Democracy, playing such an important role in a pirate ship made its appearance in the dull core of it. Each member was a part of a council in wish every aspect of the ship was discussed and voted over. Equality played a major role given that not even the ship’s captain could stand over anyone of the crew, furthermore ; if the crew found the captain deficient or incapable of complying with any of his duties, the crew could vote him of and anyone could challenge the main post nominating himself as captain. Nominations, elections, votes; who would’ve thought democracy took piracy by the rinds? The democracy onboard a pirate ship was a sophisticated, well planned strategy to control order among crewmates imposing authority by the elected captain and at the same time satisfy everyone’s opinion as they were all heard and all counted for each decision.

 Rewards of Piracy By: PublicWiki http://www.piratesinfo.com/cpi_Rewards_of_Piracy_556.asp

The first idea to come to mind when talked about a pirate’s treasure is a gold filled chest, precious stones an pearls, but in most cases a pirate’s treasure will simply mean his survival. Given the conditions in wish this men lived, any sort of accommodation will be considered precious. Picturing pirates as sea bums, it is evident articles like soap, food and clothes were among these craved possessions. Of course gold and silver could be found, but a man’s survival has more importance than any wealth imaginable, even for a “ blood thirsty pirate”.

 Pirate Punishment By: PublicWiki http://www.piratesinfo.com/cpi_Pirate_Punishment_557.asp

 When caught, a pirate faced the penalty of death imposed by the English government. The traditional slaughter was hanging by the neck until deceased. This wasn’t rare in the 18th century, this crude and barbaric practice was common between penalties. Being so amusing, a pirate’s hanging was not just a a process, but also a spectacle frequented by many. To serve as an example, pirates were hanged publicly daring those who considered joining the pirate life someday.

Genres:

 Poem: “ The sea will hear my roar”

 Bum, bum around the oar this shipwreck speaks to me. So tall it stands the skull and bones the fate of all deceived. So many turns this wooden peace has taken from the shore. For I as well have taken turns I’ve killed, I’ve laughed, I’ve robbed. Forgive me Father for I have sinned! this life took on abroad. If pirate am pirate shall be the sea will hear my roar. But Mother oh, don’t leave me now! For all your blessings I plea; Take hold of my sword, grab on to my gun let fear strike to thee. Unleash the sails, take hold of the wheel to the unknown we flee; May storms chase us, may lighting strike us we will not be received. For gold and glory we fear’d in harbor We’ve never seen retreat. If someone dared to threat this parlor my sword will bend his knees. Raise up your cup, drink all your rum for life is all there is; Good evening darling, you smell so pretty My cabin’s were you shall be. Hello, hello! Bloodsuckers, hi mate! all of you demonic seeds; Well gather ’round a toast I’ll pray for old times sake and these. Bum, bum around the oar this shipwreck speaks to me. Let heavens fall and burn in hell this path we chose to be. Bum,bum around the oar all raise our cups and drink. For all the bastards like you and me now sleeping in the sea.

 Graphic/Chart: Rank Bartholomew Roberts George Lowther William Phillips Privateer (Sir William Monson) Royal Navy Per Month Captain 2 shares 2 shares 1½ shares 10 shares £8, 8s Master 1½ shares 1½ shares 1¼ shares 7 or 8 shares £4 Boatswain 1½ shares 1¼ shares 1¼ shares 5 shares £2 Gunner 1½ shares 1¼ shares 1¼ shares 5 shares £2 Quartermaster 2 shares 4 shares £1, 6s Carpenter 1¼ shares 5 shares £2 Mate 1¼ shares 5 shares £2, 2s Doctor 1¼ shares 5 shares £5 +2d per man aboard “Other Officers” 1¼ shares various rates various rates Able Seamen (2 yrs experience) Ordinary Seamen (some exp) 1 share 1 share 1 share 22s 19s 11s

Diary:

 December 14, 1685

 Dear diary:

 I’ve lost my soul. Today I shot a man, I had never taken a life before. It was so fast, my hands were frozen, I had no other option as he pointed his gun straight at me. Why? Why did that stupid ship cross our ways? The worst thing of all is that I took that man’s life for nothing, for his ship was just as empty as my soul. I wanted to cry but I didn’t, not in front of the captain or the crew! They will think I’m just a scared little kid, at least now that I killed a man maybe I’ll get some respect ‘round here. Just a kid, I’ll show them! But I don’t want to kill no more, I don’t, I don’t. It will be Christmas in a couple days, it’ll be the first one away from home for me. I miss my mom and sister, I wish any letter I wrote the could get to them, if I could just find a way. It’s been a year since dad died, I broke my promise not to join a fleet, but I had no other choice, I need to help Sophie while mom takes care of her, she’s so sick. I wonder how long will pass until I see them, not long I hope. Would they be any different? Would I to them? Next month is my birthday, but I won’t tell anyone, no one will care. I guess I’ll find fourteen candles and blow them by myself.

 Until then dear friend, William Stern- Deckhand, SS Widah

Epilogue:

 Pirates have always been a part of my life. I remember the first time I saw the motion picture “ The Goonies” I immediately fell in love with the whole aspect of it. Doing this project has made me fall even more for them. The history of this remarkable people is something everyone should be instructed in. When it comes down to values, honor and courage, no one in history showed character like this people did. My advantage of doing this project was that I knew something about pirates already, actually I knew them quite well. I decided to choose the topic on the Pirate Code because I wanted my audience to transport themselves into a barbaric era were laws were still being created, and give credit to this men(mostly men, but women did participate in piracy). What amazed me the most about pirates were their ability to find reason among any circumstances. They were able to decide, orderly, how decisions were going to be made in the ship and they did it by vote. I mean, if the roots of democracy coming out of a ship full of ruthless indecent seamen are not amazing enough then what is? Another thing that amazes me the most about the topic is the interesting fact that many pirates came from service in the Royal Navy, in that way not only did they know their way aboard a ship, but they were the small percentage of educated pirates. This leaves open the possibility that the Code was designed by former navy sailors. This multi genre project served as a great deal to understanding in full hand the lives of pirates, especially when it came to their lives at sea. I always pictured them as bums, but facts like the ones I found give a very graphic description of what it meant to live at sea. I hope after this paper more people find interest in pirates, admire their courage and honor. For I will always be aware of history, and how this son’s of the sea wrote it day by day.

Jornal # 6

So this week something really odd happened. My dog has a new habit, apparently he has some self control issues, in other words he i humping everyone and everything he sees. Now this isn’t like those learned habits, he would’ve never ever learned that from me…ever. The craziest thing is that my sister came over for brea from med school, and she hasn’t seen him since he was a puppy. So she is so excited to see Rambo (yeah I know, it’s either pirates or Stallone) she goes to pet him and gladly no, he didn’t hump her, but he did hump her boyfriend. Now I’m in a confusion state of mind, where I can’t tell if I have a horny dog…or  a gay horny dog. :S

Mock Reasearch: ” Mohowks as new Fashion Code”

Recently, the facutly and administration of the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus was called to attend a meeting in wich surprisingly a dress code would be discussed. A dress code has never been implied neither to the faculty or students, but the administration recalls it as a new method of teaching, one that will bring them closer to their students.The dresscode discussed drew a shockwave among attendants. The “mohowk” would be the new dress code, every teacher in campus must sport one in orther to offer courses. “The mohowk is the hippest way of being in class” (CollegeMag.com) The reason for this tendency relies on comunicating with the students. Brainy Hair Magazine calls it “Fun for all inside the classroom”. Rosa Meleno, a seventy three humanities profesor is not so thrilled about the new fashion. “In my times we only saw clowns do their hair like that, how do you want my students to take me seriously when they see a seventy three year old with that thing on her head?” (Meleno). Others contrary to Meleno told the press at Radio Colegial that they looked forward for this reglamentation to be active. “We look forward to this, at least for me, I’m always looking for new ways to improve my teaching and connect with my students”(Prof. Dumbledor) Althought it might seem absurd, the University of Tampa did a research where teachers mus wear pink everyday for a month to see if it altered the student’s interest and involvement in class. 75% of the students responded posittively thowards the pnk dress code. “ It wasn’t just the shirt or the color, I think we were into it because it was something new, something being tested and we wanted to be a part of it” (Mary Jane, student, University of Tampa). So by this, we can predict a positive reactions from the student comunitty. Maybe a mohowk isn’t the most acquainted fashion for teachers but it will get the student’s attention, and hopefully their support too. Works Cited Benny Waxford.CollegeMag.com. Mohowk, Style or Foe? . Student-Teachers Relations.Blog.Dec. 14, 2009.Section 8. Woodrow Bishop. Brainy Hair Mag. Fun in Class.Sept. 8, 2009.Article 4, p. 9-12.Print. Utampa.com/News/Pinkorderinclass/Forum Prof. Rosa Meleno. UPR Mayaguez Campus Staff. Personal Interview. Dec. 20, 2009. Prof. Dumbledor.UPR Mayaguez Campus Staff. Phone Interview. Dec. 19, 2009. Mary Jane Watson. Student, University of Tampa. Blogspot.University of Tampa.com/pinkorderinclass

Journal # 5

Clean the pool! I really don’t know why I drive an hour and a half home, it seems they want me to come home, just for ONE thing, to clean the frikin pool. I mean, like dude at least let me sleep in my bed for one night and I’ll do it tomorrow. It’s either that or “Hey, you gotta clean the pool tomorrow”. It’s not that big of a deal really, I’ve done it since I started swimming, and that was…pretty long time ago. It just gets a little old on me, but I have to do it.

I’ve never seen any of my sisters clean the pool actually, they should. Well, I guess I waited a little too long for that, one got married and the other one’s in med school, yeah; I got the pool all to myself yay. NOT.

Journal # 4

So, after Thanksgiving things went back to normal. More swimming to do, more studying to do. Mom got a new dog, that odd, Dad hates dogs, it must be something about the whole middleage crisis or something. It’s really funny actually because the guy just retired, s it’s either he doesn’t have anything better to do, or somehow he believes it’s like he just got out of highschool and needs to pump some iron before he gets to college.

Mom doesn’t seem to mind. I bet it’s been years since she saw the guy break out a sweat! I just laugh at him when he asks me for tips with weight training. I promised I’ll take him to the gym on christmass break and teach him a thing or two, it’ll be nice to do something like that with my old man.

Journal # 3

This past week I drove home for the weekend. My sister arrived from Santo Domingo where she is a med student to have an early Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is not celebrated in the Dominican Republic, unfortunately, so she made her way home to eat with us an give thanks like it was the official day.I’m still hooked on Lost, I can’t stand Hurley, the guy is so fat and he doesn’t have anything to eat on the island but fish and bananas so i can’t understand how he doesn’t loose weight already. Swimming is good, our team did not attend the last meet because of the student riot, but we are looking forward to the next one in a couple weeks. I found my halloween costume and I’m pretty stoked by it, it’s gonna look really natural. I haven’t shaved my beard in like a month, s i hope I look at least something like Wolverine.

Final Draft: Calypso Cafe…A delightful experience right next to the shore

 “I’m not gonna make it, I’m not gonna make it, I’m just not gonna make it!” I’m desperately repeating it to myself as I drive full speed on the wet pavement, yeah, not too smart of me, but well. It’s almost 9:00 PM and I find myself speeding through flooded streets trying to get my interview on my profile assignment. I should have skipped swim practice to avoid almost killing myself on the road, then again, I should have done this a week ago, when I had absoloutelly nothing to do, and it would have been nice to come at day too, but thats just me, leaving everything for the last minute.

I finally make it to Rincon, Town of the Beautifull Sunsets and surfing capital of Puerto Rico. It’s a small town, basically gets it’s income from tourism having beautifull beaches and luxurious hotels,  but I set myself on a quest tonight to find the true meaning of the town’s magic, going back to it’s roots hoping to get even more amused by this small town’s potential.

“I’m here, it’s open! Yes!” It’s so strange coming to Calypso at night, just a few cars parked outside, it’s Wednesday night, I wasn’t expecting a big croud either. The waves talked louder at night, today must have been a good day for surfing. Even though the sky was filled with clouds and humidity is making it’s nature on my skin, I can picture the place as I truly know it, and  take a second or two to head back memory lane and picture it.

“The cool breeze plays with my hair as my eyes gaze at the last rays of light give away the most beautifull sunset I have ever seen. Warmth reaches out my heart as I take a deep breath and smell the sweetness of the sea.”

People frequent this beaches every year, many just visiting, others searching for a new highlight in their lives, but most of them, to join the ocean’s language, surfing the waves provided by the beautifull blue giant.

As I worship the Almigthy’s gift to humanity, surfers from all ages come out soak and wet. “ Today was a good day for surfing man” says an old man with the biggest board I probably have ever seen. He must be about sixty something, and he’s still ripping. Many go ahead and drive off in their cars, leaving extra parking space for the night scene. Others such as myself put their boards away, dry a bit and walk up the hill to grab themselves a drink and listen to some good music as the waves on Maria’s beach try to make some of their own.

“Can I get you something?” the bartender asks me landing me back on earth again, on this rainy night, with no sunsets or beautiful girls in string bikinis.”No thanks I’m good” I said raising my bottled water. She was around 5’5 or 5’6 with short brown hair and a cute smile. Her name was Betsy and she had the same laid back vibe as the old place, something about her made me feel so welcomed, it was as if all fitted in place. Her relaxed look  surprised me, it must have been just about closing time and she greeted me like if it was  noon. If it was me behind the bar I would have been pissed having a hairy guy coming this late at night with a pen and a notebook, I hope she didn’t thought I wanted to do my homework there, well, more or less, watever.

“Hi, I’m doing an article for my creative writing class. I’m a student down in Mayaguez, I was wondering if I could talk to the manager of the place, maybe the owner if he’s around?” I said to her with a worried look on my face, I was gonna be fried if my interview wasn’t possible.”Sure, she’s right upstairs I’ll go bring her down.” She? Did she said she? Not that I’m against women on poweror anything  but for some reason I always thought Calypso was runned by a man. As I wait for her I can’t help to notice the signs around the bar’s cabbinet.” No shoes, no shirt, no problem” Oh yes, I can really relate to that one. I’ve always loved coming here. Peace and tranquility is hard to find this days, and for some reason, this beach, this right spot makes me feel as if I was somewhere else, away from school, from issues, tensions, problems,  you name it. Maria’s Beach has a massive brake, the best waves in the entire west coast are surfed here, there are days when it’s just so, epic. Betsy comes walking down the stairs, alone. I’ll say by know I’m feeling a little worried and in the same time dissapointed, I convinced myself she was just not talking to me, then again its late, and I’m sure she is tired and wouldn’t stop doing whatever she’s doing just to talk to me. I wait for Betsy as she comes around the front of the bar, expecting the worst, but still hoping for the best.

“She’s in the office, she said you can come right up.” Bingo! I followed my new  friend up the stairs alongside the place with no idea of what to expect, just hoping she’s as nice as the cute bartender.

“Hi ,come on in!” A gorgeous blonde opens the door for me and extends her hand to greet me. “Hi there” I said, shaking her hand as I seated on a wooden chair she pulled out for me. “Thanks for having me.”

 “ Sure, not a problem, so, what are we doing?” Her big blue eyes reminded me of the ocean I so much enjoy to be in; she smiled, not just any smile, but a smile of a pure heart, I was suddenly blown away by this woman’s kindness and generosity. I’ve  always said  the best conversations in life are between strangers, I had no idea of what to expect  for the next couple hours.

“So, um…” before I asked her name she came straight front with it. “Cindie, Rice” she kept smiling watching me writing it down in my notebook. “So Cindie, how did Calypso Started?”

“Well, it started on 1994, before that I had a surf shop called Hot Waves it’s still open right down the hill from Calypso.” I smiled overwhelmed by the news, I’m a frequent visitor of the little shop, mostly to buy some wax before surfing, I was amazed that the origins of this place came from this tiny store but I was wrong, I was so wrong.

 “So  how is it that you came to Puerto Rico, what drove you all the way here?”

“Well, I’ve always surfed. I came with my boyfriend around 1970, camped in the beach and decided to stay for a little while”

“A little while?” She laughs and knods with her head, I could tell how she fell in love with the place, I don’t blame her, and neither do all the other Americans who just came for a visit and found themselves calling this magical place home. Surfing arrived in Rincon in 1968, when the World Contest was held in Maria’s just in front of Cindie’s restaurant. Then the secret was out, and people wanted to see first hand  the perfect sets everyone talked about.

“I started sowing t-shirts. Many of the surfers back then wore my shirts, I made pants and skirts to for the girls. I would set a small table over  Sandy’s beach were Tamboo is right now and just sold them, weekends were good days for me, I sold a lot on the weekends.”

“Everything started from the bottom up then? From a small tent to a Bar and Grill.”

“Exactly” She said with a proud look on her face without ever changing that same smile that received me a while ago.

“How different is it from the seventies, what has changed since, what hasn’t?”

“ Well, the seventies where really peacefull, you were lucky if you saw five poeple in the water at once, most of the time you surfed by  yourself, there were waves for everyone. The landscape was so virgin, lots of trees and vegetation. What hasn’t changed I believe whole feeling of the place, laid back, really melow. That’s something I want to conserve in Calypso, just the feeling of being comfortable.”

“Why Calypso, I mean I know it’s greek mythology, she was the daugther of Zeus and somebody?”

“Well yeah, actually I think I have a picture of her in my computer…But yeah, maybe. Also Yaques Cousteau’s ship was named Calypso, but I think I named it for the music. I always pictured calypso music playing out loud and a steel band and everything.”

“Yaques Cousteau ! I love his story, I’m a big pirate fan, I mean he was a sailor, but anyways.”

“Really?! I’m a big pirate fan too, actually have you heard the story about the two…”

Yes, we did get a little out of the theme when all the pirate thing came around, I couldn’t help it, I’m fascinated by their history, luckily so was she. As we kept talking around various themes I took time to look  around her office. She was so heavily organized!  She had a box with a lable for everything, one for the kitchen, one for the bar, another one for the store, etc. I wondered if she had racks with labled boxes back in the tent, who knows?! The background in her computer had a beautiful display of a sunset. I immediately identified the palm trees at the right corner and the hill in the bottom, it was a picture taken from Calypso’s balcony, I’d say about 6:45 PM. The pink and orange shades glided around the smoked clouds giving away a beautiful combination, hard to explained but easy to love. The ocean, painted by the Sun’s farewell made it difficult to separate the sky from the water. Sunrises attract numerous viewers in Rincon, mostly couples. Who wouldn’t want company in such a delightfull  view? Life itself is made of moments like this, were what truly matters is the escence of details, were small things can have greater meaning; times like this when a smile contains so much, and a look can say it all, anything is possible.

“ Why do they call it Maria’s?”

“Pardon me?”

“ The beach, why Maria’s ?”

“Well Maria was the name of the lady who lived in that house right in front of the beach. I never got to know her, she passed away about a year before I got here. I did know her son though, he was an incredible man, loved by everyone. You want to hear something weird? He died in the same bed as Maria, they said that before he died he said he was talking to her, like if he knew it was his time, he died at an old age.”

“Woah! How about Dogman’s, the beach right next to Maria’s, whats that all about?”

“ Well that one I did get to see. The dogman was an old man, deaf mute by the way. He had long white hair and beard. He lived right in front of the break named after him, he would walk everyday with a duffle bag carrying coconuts, don’t know if he sold him or something. And everyday he would have at least two dogs walking along with him, so adorable, I love dogs too!”

“ Nice to know, I always wondered why they called it like that.”

Betsy comes inside  the office, with the local dog, and cat. They don’t have names, like many dogs this two came one day to Calypso and never seemed to leave, much like Cindi and Betsy, you could say that even an animal could fall in love with the place and it’s cool vibe. I sugested a name for the cat, he was a curious little brat I thought Ghepetto would suit him nicely, Cindie agreed, so next time I see Ghepetto I’ll make sure to give him a nice deep rub. Betsy starts countig money on a machine, adding up receipts, writing her numbers in them.

I’m getting ready to leave now, not before helping Cindie with some Facebook issues. I take time to ask Betsy how long she’s been here, she says it’s been six years. Then she told me she used to be compettitive swimmer back home in New Jersey, that took me another half an hour to clear out since she pointed out my favorite subject and something I can really relate to. Finally I stood up, took my water and keys, I thanked Cindie for her time and hospitality  reminding  her she’ll be seeing a lot of me more often. I said goodbye to Betsy, grabbed my stuff and headed for the door, with a million of thoughts running through my mind; lucky enough I had plenty of road on my way back to Mayaguez to browse around my experience;  this amazing place, the cheerfull bartender, and a hardworking succesfull woman, who I am forever thankful and honored to have met.

Life is such a wonder is it? It only takes a thought, a word, surroundings or a special place to cherish what life has given. We take from life glorious moments and experiences, than for the good or bad of the circumstances one can always look back and smile, remember, enjoy. We take from life but do we give back? Can return be weighted materially, substancially? For every moment passed is a portion of our time living. I take from this place memories of great value along courage for future ambitions. Cindie Rice’s example is one that should be admired and followed. How hard worked made a dream reality, convincing herself that it is the escence of Calypso that makes it so special. Great music, laughter, delicious food and a great happy hour, how can it get better than that? Being a witness of nature, how the enviroment can change perceptions and create ideals. Calypso Bar and Grill will remain  the perfect place to find true meaning of the joys every day has to offer, and the ways one can make the best out of each and every one of them.

“No shoes, no shirts…no problem!”

Maria serves a coke to an American visitor

Maria serves a coke to an American visitor

Journal # 2

So last week was the riot thing and w didn’t have any class. In one hand I was happy, and so was everyone, I really don’t mind sleeping late. In the other hand, I was eager to go back to school and kinda worried, I knew a week away from all this madness would only get me lazier, and it did. So yes I had a bunch of time to work on my profile, and I kinda did. The thing is i was aroused by an evil spirit called LOST. Damn that TV series! My dad recomended it and since I had nothing better to do I thought I’ll give it a try. I found it online and spent the whole God given week in front on my computer watching 46 people trying to survive a plane crash in a deserted island, I can’t remember if I ate properly or even gave myself a decent shower because of this evil series! It’s just so, demanding!

Anyhow, it was really nice to spend the week with my folks. I hardly see them and I missed my mom’s cooking and all. I helped around with a few chores and got together with some friends from high school I hadn’t seen in years. Overall I had a blast las week, I hope I can work on my profile now and I really hope I can be able to set LOST aside for a while, but just fir a while.

Profile Draft: Calypso

“Where does the Sun goes? Does he hide away under the sea, does he goes to sleep at night, where does he go?”

 

The cool breeze plays with my hair as my eyes gaze at the last rays of light give away the most beautifull sunset I have ever seen. Warmth reaches out your heart and tears of joy start to fill in your view, makes you wonder why is there so many cruelty in this world when miracles such as this one happen everyday aswell. Rincon is worldwide famous for this spectacles of nature.

People travel every year to this small town in the island of Puerto Rico, many just visiting, others searching for a new highlight in their lives, but most of them, to join the ocean’s language, surfing the waves provided by the beautifull blue giant.

As I worship the Almigthy’s gift to humanity surfers from all ages come out soak and wet. “ Today was a good day for surfing man” says an old man with the biggest board I have probably ever seen. He must be about sixty something, and he’s still ripping. Many go ahead and drive off in their cars, leaving extra parking space for the night scene. Others such as myself put their boards away, dry a bit and walk up the hill to grab themselves a drink and listen to some good music as the waves on Maria’s beach try to make some of their own.

I stand in Calypso Cafe & Tropical Bar, a highly visited place among locals and visitors. As I drink my Corona I can’t help but to hear what I think it’s, yes; Strawberry Fields by the Beatles.The sixties was all about the Beatles, in Rincon, it was all about Maria’s. The 1968 World Surfing Contest was held here, in this same beach. Downhill from Calypso is an old abbandoned house. The house stands alone in preservations, locals respect it, visitors grow curious by it. It belonged to an old lady called Maria. Maria lived alone, there is no concrete information of why she did, but she spent her 1968 christmass season wondering what those strange Amreican men did with long, pointy wood shapes. Out of this odd curiosity between Maria and the newly arrived surfers grew a strong frienship, wich can still be felt in Calypso, in Maria’s ; in this warm corner where the shore gently sleeps.

“HI there! Wer’e new here, just got here!” two blondes around their mid twenties interrupt my day dream, I figured I must have been looking at them while I thought about the old lady in the small pink house, that’s odd. One of them was beautiful, she had a Bo Dereck look in her, the other one however lookd like Ellen DeGeneres and could really use a shower. “Really? How long are you guys here for?” I know lame, but one thing I’ve learned about women is to just keep asking questions, eventually they will spill everything out without one having to ask anything else, besides, It’s a commonly asked question to tourists, ok I really didn’t came up with anything better to say! “ We’ll be here ‘till Monday” said the perfect ten, “ We don’t know much of the town but this place is great, so laid back”.

 She was right on that. The blue walls with yellow pole bars with red shutters made Calypso a Carribean dream. The side terrace is a wide open space. No walls, no windows, just space. The breeze comes straight in inviting guests to enjoy the glorious view. As I continue the chat the smelly girl gets a phone call, it’s some guy named Mark, she tells the other one he’s just around the corner ready to pick them up. Lucky for me I wouldn’t have to worry about hitting on the pretty girl while stinky stood around, then again I reminded myself to bring a wingman next time and quit playing the misterious “solo” cowboy, it just doesn’t work.

The sky is dark now more people arrive at the scene. Althought frequented by people of all ages, it seems that for some reason tonight middle aged folks were hanging out here. I recognized some of them from the beach. I deffinetley recognized a goofy looking dude who almost broke my teeth with his board as he was surfing the same way I was duck diving earlier in the day.

Journal # 1

This week wasn’t  a walk in the park. I was ambushed by a stampede of tests, so I barelly slept. Thursday however I didn’t sleep at all. I had such a long test on friday I kept on studying and when I looked at the time it was 8 o’ clock already! So I showered and headed to school. When I got back from my test I took a “power nap” and for my surprise when i woke up form it I was sick, yes very very sick. So what i learned about this week? Sleep, don’t give a hoot about school and just sleep, or, study with anticipation so you can sleep the night before the test! LOL