I left with tears in my eyes

by Julio Santiago
(Ft Worth Texas, USA)

I left with tears in my eyes and a longing in my heart to return to this land of enchantment where the people so lovingly gave of themselves and made you feel more a Viequense than an outsider.

As a young man in 1972 I first set foot on paradise, so deeply did I fall in love with this wonderful Island that I did not want to leave. Unfortunately life doesn't always give you your wish. I left with tears in my eyes and a longing in my heart to return to this land of enchantment where the people so lovingly gave of themselves and made you feel more a Viequense than an outsider.

I have for 34 years dreamed of returning but due to illness and circumstances in life will probably never see my beloved Isla Nena again ............oh how I cry with pain in my heart of knowing that I will never feel the warmth of the sun at Sun Bay or never see the sun set at the plaza in Isabela Segunda. I will take it with me in my memories to my grave and know in my heart that Vieques Island was my Heaven here on Earth. And old friend of the Vieques people with LOVE in my heart I say Adios Sgt Julio C Santiago Former US Marine stationed in Camp Garcia

Vieques has no negative experiences my friends its a wonderful Island