Day 1 - Puerto Rico Leadership Retreat

Saturday, May 20th, 2023

Leadership Retreat - Day 1 - Written by Jennifer Novo

We “woke up” nice and early and were out the door by 2:55am. On the ride over to the airport, Diana called to say all the students were already there and checked in, ready to board security.

After a long line and some stale coffee at the airport coffee shop, we headed to the gate. While waiting to take off, the students took snap chat selfies that caused a frenzied sleep deprived giggle in the middle of the plane. They slowly quieted as our 5:10am flight took off. All was quiet and still but when the first flashes of the sunrise burst through the river of clouds and warmed the light of the cabin wonder filled our droopy eyes. The sunrise was breathtaking a Purple and haze that grazed over the clouds. Wow. Perhaps the sunrise was a symbol or bastion of hope of the kind of trip we will have?

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Our time at the connecting airport in Fort Lauderdale went quick and we boarded excitedly to head to our next stop. San Juan, Puerto Rico!

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As we arrived to San Juan we quickly got our luggage and caught a van to take us to CasaBlanca Hotel. (Since we didn’t have access to the van until what would be later on the evening.) We dropped off our luggage and walked the old Spanish colonial town in Old San Juan. Exploring the shops, and food of restaurants we walked by.

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We got lunch at El Jibarito, a traditional Puerto Rican food restaurant with what Sam gave a 9.5 and Nate gave a 7.8. My assessment is 8.2. It was great to share a meal with everyone excited for the trip and the day. Our FUTURO Leaders have worked so hard all year to earn points for the FUTURO Select 100 Program. They have shown such initiative all year long. These students have committed to a year of professional development and growth. It's nice to see them laid back, relaxed, and just enjoying themselves.

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Walking along the busy streets of Old San Juan we saw a blend of old and new. This city considered to be one of the oldest in America, was colonized by the Spanish in the 1500s. The colorful buildings and streets provided so much to do and see. One of the reasons we came to Puerto Rico is because of it's influence in Latin American culture. We also chose Puerto Rico because of its ease to travel to without a passport, US Currency, and cost. Our goal was to learn more about the local culture, its history, and influence. Walking around we couldn't help but realize the impact hurricanes have had on the island for centuries.

We walked after lunch to the Castillo De San Cristóbal. The fort was so masterfully crafted along the cliffed beachfront that had stunning views of the ocean and the both the city of old and new. The massive cannons and wells of the walled fortress encapsulated us in the humid city. We explored the plastered white arched hallways and large cannoned rooms and managed to climb over one of the fortressing overlooks to catch a better peek of the city. We were all gitty and celebrated with a salsa dance to “Despacito.”

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The old Spanish fort “Castillo San Cristobal” which provided a port for trade and commerce, we learned that the National US Historic Site once protected the island from the east . Considered the largest fortress built in the Americas.With its deep moat and series of tunnels they protected the soldiers from enemy fire, provided safe movement of troops, weapons, and supplies. It was by far the hottest time of the day, and being in the walled fortress made it feel stifling. Although I am originally from Miami, you cannot get use to this kind of humidity and heat!

We all enjoyed taking *hundreds* of pictures(between all of us) this first day. it was hard to pick a dozen of our favorites to blog about.

It was so hot and our sleepless night and The Caribbean midday Sun had us sweltering and desperate for a bath and rest. We headed back to hotel and rested for a couple hours before heading out to our lovely dinner at “La O.”

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Dinner in “La O” was delightful, with its bold dark colors and old “Saint” statues it gave a modern twist to a monastery style architecture. The food was absolutely delicious and if given the chance, I would absolutely return to the restaurant. I don't like to go back to restaurants unless they are *EXCEPTIONAL.* This place was exceptional! We all loved it. I will be returning.

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After dinner we walked the old city that was decorated in hanging lights and laughter from the group and other Boriquas and tourists that were enjoying the night.  

We decided to drive out to check out the night life and found everyone else had the same idea! It was getting very late, and after 45 minutes stuck in traffic looking for parking, we decided to call it a night and head back from some much needed rest. Most of us didn’t sleep the night before our travels!

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