Catalans Abroad

Carles Garcia

San Juan (Puerto Rico)

It's always sunny in San Juan

Albert garcia is from Barcelona. He has worked for an import/export company in Puerto Rico since 1995 and sends fruit all over the world
Why did you leave Catalonia?
When I finished my MBA in Barcelona, I had only one idea in my mind: To live the dream in the US. So I gave it a try as soon as I could.
Why did you choose Puerto Rico?
I didn't! I got a job in Miami in a big company that trades with food around the world. A few month later a position in San Juan came up and I thought “why not?”
How long have you lived there?
Since 1995. I found love here, and now I have a family and I feel this is my home.
Are you happy with the job opportunities you found in your adoptive country?
Yes, definitely. Of course, It is very different from the “American dream” I had in mind when i left Barcelona, but I am very happy with my career. I travel a lot, I meet new people all the time. I never get bored!
What do you think is the best thing about living in San Juan de Puerto Rico?
Without any doubt, the people. They are warm and welcoming and the culture is fascinating. And this is a tropical island! Everybody wants to live on a tropical island!
What do you miss most from home?
My family, my friends, the streets of Gràcia. I come back to Barcelona twice a year, so I can't say I had the chance to truly miss them.
What do you consider the highlights for any brief visit for the first time?
Take your time to visit the Old San Juan, with its colonial buildings, the “Plaza de Armas” and its traditional “callejones”.
And if visitors have more time or make a return visit?
Then you must visit the Pau Casals Museum and the Puerto Rico Museum of Contemporary Art.
Do you plan to go back to Catalonia?
I don's think so. I'm a full Puertorican now!
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