From Skyscrapers to Palm Trees

Jennifer Rivera
Comm 300
“Its so tranquil here, were needed a change.” It’s been almost a year since Gregorio and Kishu Marcano suddenly fled to the Caribbean in search of a new, more easy going way of life. The couple met in Manhattan where they each lead a successful medical practice. Gregorio is a psychologist and Kishu a pediatric oncologist. Although both are extremely passionate about their careers, the couple decided to pursue what they call “a different kind of success”. So far, this quest has led them to the small coastal town of Luquillo, Puerto Rico.

It’s a far cry from their Lower East Side high rise. The couple is now living in a small beachfront ranch style house. “We don’t have to worry about much when we wake up in the morning, we usually start our day outdoors”. One thing Gregorio (or Grego as his loved ones call him) does admit to worrying about is his daughter. Much to his dismay, 18 year-old Gabriella decided to stay in Manhattan and is now living on her own for the first time.

Gabriella has been on a break from school since last spring when she graduated. According to Gabriella she waiting until shes certain about what she would like to pursue. “I support her, regardless of what her final decision may be, I’m glad she’s taking the time to think this through, I’m the first to understand there’s no one definite path, there a million ways of doing this”.

Marcano may be referring to his own experience. He has been known to lead what some have called an unorthodox lifestyle. Marcano and his first wife lived in a houseboat off the coast of Culebra, a tiny island of Puerto Rico for years. In fact, his daughter Gabriella was born on board. The only help the couple received was from a midwife. Marcano and his first wife lived at sea for years thereafter, and finally moved to New York in 1992.

Future plans for Kishu and Gregorio include spending more time in the ocean and fishing. Kishu says she would like to improve her Spanish. She is of Pakistani decent and has never lived in a Latin American or Spanish speaking country. “I’m sure its going to take me a while, to master the “r’s” but Grego is so patient!” As for returning to Manhattan, the Marcanos say they don’t estimate going back to that island for some time. “No one minds, who wouldn’t want to come visit?” So for now, and indefinitely, it looks like palm trees, not sky scrapers will mark their horizon.