Never judge books by covers: An exploration of La Perla and the beauty in “dangerous cities”

Welcome to La Perla, Puerto Rico! It's a city with a reputation for being dangerous.  I was warned not to go….told that even the Police don’t venture into its streets.  On  Tik Tok I saw warnings in the guise of jokes about how dangerous it is to visit and take pictures.  I had a choice to make.  Listen to years of warnings and avoid the place or go meet La Perla for myself.  Yes there have been crimes, I know, but crime exists everywhere.  So, in the spirit of being open minded and eager to experience places and culture, I I decided to go and see for myself the story of a town with a beautiful name and an ugly reputation.    

Once inside, you see a community made up of genuine, welcoming people.  Intriguing contrast is everywhere.  Everywhere you turn, you see it:  the beautiful street art against dilapidated buildings, made worse after Hurricane Maria, the ocean waves crashing violently, while the sounds of salsa music make a beautiful melody.  You see small businesses and a community of Puerto Ricans  making this place the vibrant city it is. For the locals here, la Perla isn’t just their home, it’s their legacy! It’s a statement of freedom and of pride!

For those of us who have only seen La Perla from a distance, its poverty and tough living conditions may make it seem like a dead-end neighborhood filled with despair. But up close, you will quickly learn that this is far from the truth.  Poverty yes but not despair.  I was offered a chance to meet some of the owners of bars along the malecón.  They welcomed me and offered me the type of hospitality that comes from deep rooted kinship and Carribean island traditions.  I drank icy cold medalla beer and tried Puerto Rican moonshine called pitorro!

The residents of La Perla come in many shapes, sizes and skin tones but they share the same deep love of freedom, family,  music and food that makes the island a place you always want to come back to. Despite the challenges they face, they remain united in their commitment to their neighborhood, their country and their traditions.  Layered on top of the poverty is a sense of pride and self-reliance that drives them to make their home a better place. You’ll find these same values displayed in the colorful murals painted on the walls that line the streets, lovingly crafted by local artists who use their art to express their resilience.

Here in La Perla you won’t find any of the luxury resorts that are so common in Puerto Rico—but you will find a vibrant, lively culture and a dedication to community and family that is unmatched anywhere else on the island.  The people of La Perla are a living reminder that it’s not poverty but the spirit and courage of the people that matter most. We must not judge them by their circumstances or by one incident that made headlines, but rather by the strength that lies within each one of them.

The harsh living conditions of La Perla may be difficult to overlook, but the spirit and determination of its people cannot be denied. Their courage and drive to overcome adversity will surely be an example to us all.  At the end of the day, La Perla is just like any other city - some people live peacefully, while others prefer to stir up trouble. But by looking beyond the surface, learning about the stories from the people whose lives are connected to this place and taking part in the community life here, you'll come to see that behind the headlines is something beautiful - a great city with so much to offer. Thanks for joining me on this journey. Be sure to stay tuned for more stories and explorations like this. I hope you'll come LIVE with me!