San Juan Getaway: A Spring Break to Remember

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After working hard throughout the spring semester, UMass students arrive at spring break, a week off from school to enjoy a well-deserved vacation. Some students choose to head home for the week, others stay in Amherst, and some travel to a new destination. This year, my friends and I decided to book a trip to San Juan, Puerto Rico, to experience the rich culture the island has to offer and, of course, to escape the cold weather!

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El Yunque National Rainforest

This trip was a wonderful experience and the perfect way to spend time with friends before we graduate in just a few weeks. Before we left, we planned a few excursions in Puerto Rico to ensure we had the most enriching experience possible and made the most of the five days we had there.

While we spent the majority of our time at the beach, relaxing and playing games, we also spent a day exploring El Yunque National Rainforest, located in the northeast region of the island. While El Yunque is relatively small compared to other rainforests, it is one of the most biologically diverse. On the way to the forest, our bus stopped at a local food shack where we indulged in authentic Puerto Rican cuisine. We enjoyed empanadas, as well as fresh mango and papaya, both in season. After our first stop, we headed into the forest and began our descent into the woods. Once we arrived, we were invited to join our tour guides on a slide down a natural rock formation and swim in the freshwater pools. Once the tour of the forest commenced, we were brought to Luquillo, a beautiful coastal town nestled beneath the mountains. 

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On our final day, we visited Old San Juan, also known as San Juan Antiguo, to experience the district’s rich history and take in its beautiful scenery. San Juan, with a rich history predating European arrival, was transformed by Spanish colonial settlement 500 years ago, and today, you can still see architectural elements that reflect the complex interactions between indigenous inhabitants and Spanish colonizers, including distinctive cobblestone streets and traditional courtyards. The city itself is the oldest in the U.S. and its territories, making this experience enriching for all of us.

My favorite part of the trip was not only experiencing a new and beautiful culture, but also being able to share it with all of my friends at UMass.

Throughout our time there, we ran into so many friends from school who also traveled to San Juan for the week, whether we were walking down a cobblestone street or swimming in the ocean. On our first day at the beach, I ran into my classmates Ruby and Fiona, and we took a picture and emailed it to our professor! This aspect of the trip reminded me how lucky I am to be a part of the UMass community!

Spring break is a wonderful time to experience new things if you have the opportunity, and I am so fortunate to have been able to spend my week in San Juan. Now I'm back on campus refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready for the remaining weeks of the semester with inspiring memories from my trip!

Me and my friends in Puerto Rico!