When I visited PR, the colorful buildings stood out to me, Ronald. We see some of the same in South Florida, though not as prevalent as in the islands. A builder tried doing the same in my city when constructing an apartment complex comprised of several different buildings. Each structure was a different tropical color. I thought it was lovely. But a couple of years later, the managing company for the complex caved to pressure from the city and the buildings were repainted dull colors. I was so disappointed.

While in PR, I was also perplexed by the derelict buildings - some old and some built in recent decades - that stood next to well-maintained historical buildings and new construction. I would walk down a street that felt safe and welcoming, then turn a corner and be on a street where I could see drug deals taking place, where the desperately poor residents sat on stoops smoking and drinking, where windows were iron bars, and nonfunctioning cars littered the streets. The differences just a few steps apart were jarring.

I am really enjoying this series, Ronald. I look forward to more.