By Angel Nuñez
YOU KNOW YOU ARE AN OLD TIMER SANPEDRANO IF:
You remember that you had to study and do your homework immediately after school and finish before sunset because if you were caught by darkness then you had to force your eyes with a hurricane lantern or burn candles to do your homework. I used to particularly enjoy sitting on the wood steps, hang my feet in the air and use the steps as my table.
YOU KNOW YOU ARE A PRESENT DAY SANPEDRANO BECAUSE
You have the conveniences of a personal desk lamp or a bright fluorescent light in your room to do your homework. You also have the conveniences of a laptop computer to goggle up words and download pictures for your projects.
YOU KNOW YOU ARE AN OLD TIMER SANPEDRANO IF
You remember that you ate beef only occasionally when Mr. Palao (Adolfo Alamilla) brought a small bull to the Island and butchered it for the villagers to have some relief from fish dishes and enjoy some good beef soup or steaks.
YOU KNOW YOU ARE A PRESENT DAY SANPEDRANO BECAUSE
You probably eat more beef and chicken than fish. You simply walk over to the meat shop and you have a wide variety of meats and poultry.
YOU KNOW YOU ARE AN OLD TIMER SANPEDRANO OR MODERN ONE IF
Old Timers know such personalities as Doña Rosita Valencia with her delicious snacks like empanadas and garnachas. Today you know Rosy with her delicious empanadas and other goodies. Old Sanpedranos remember Father Raszkowski who smiled all day long. Today Sanpedranos remember Father Jim, and Father Paul as well as Father Daniel and now Father Añonuevo. Old timers remember Palao who brought us beef. Modern Sanpedranos know about Lino’s and Chico’s meat shop. Old Timers know Mr. Victor Lara known as Bata who healed every dislocated bone and massaged you until you healed. Today people go to Master Lee to deal with your bones and joints. Old timers remember Tio Dolito at one’s favorite shop, while today there are too many stores it is impossible to have a favorite one. Old time Sanpedranos remember Tio Dolito as the most religious man who prayed the rosaries and processions. Today Sanpedranos know about Eddie Halliday leading the congregation at church. LISTEN TO THIS ONE. Old timers remember this strange person known as Carmen Can who walked alone along the village streets. Today we have a similar guy called Brads who walks down the road with a plastic bag in his hands.
YOU KNOW YOU ARE AN OLD TIMER SANPEDRANO IF:
When the day of a big dance arrived, like Easter or Christmas, you wondered whether you would attend at Marino’s Rooftop or at Daddy’s Club.
YOU KNOW YOU ARE A MODERN SANPEDRANO IF
For a big time party or dance you start thinking and choosing from among Holiday Hotel, Fido’s, Daddy Rock, Jaguar’s Temple Night Club, Lion’s Den, Ramon’s Village to name a few!
YOU KNOW YOU ARE AN OLD TIMER SANPEDRANO IF:
You remember that Reds, same Reds at the Lion’s Den, used to own a horse and anyone could ride it for 25 cents for ten minutes.
YOU KNOW YOU ARE A MODERN SANPEDRANO IF
You only see horses in movies or on television and chances are that if you have ridden one, it was probably at the zoo or some resort but not in San Pedro.
25 Years Ago Books Can Be Purchased At:
-Ambergris Today -Lala’s Store -Chico’s Meat Shop -Pampered Paws -Ambergris Jade -San Pedro BTB Office -Aquarious Salon (Kim) -S.P. Town Library -Di Bush -Richies Stationery -San Pedrano’s Stationery
Contact the Author at: nunez_nest@yahoo.com
