No Longer Landlocked

Colorado being landlocked has been an obstacle for those seeking adventure in tropical climates. What used to be a trip to Florida was replaced by a trip to Puerto Rico, where more is offered for less. A group of ninth- and 10th-graders embarked on a trip where they explored caves, snorkeled in coral reefs, took dance classes and more.

“I expected the flights to be something I dreaded, but surprisingly, I enjoyed them! I got to be next to my best friends!” senior Hannah Livingston said.

There was a very early start to the trip — a long drive to Denver International Airport at 1:30 a.m. for a 5 a.m. flight. The first flight was four hours to Miami, then a three-hour layover, followed by another 3½ hours until landing in Puerto Rico.

“My favorite parts were the adventures we would take, like when we were hiking in the rainforest and it started to rain on day one. My favorite part for sure was the beach days — we got to swim and enjoy the beach with our friends,” Livingston said.

The following day was full of adventure at El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest on U.S. soil. After scenic views and a torrential downpour, the group ventured to Luquillo Beach for free time.

“I loved the time at the hotels when we had free time to hang out with our friends and relax after some of the longer days,” Callie Redabaugh said.

Because the JA group was small, students were accompanied by two other groups from New York — one from upstate New York and one from Staten Island. Both were friendly, and it was fascinating to hear a new perspective on life from each group.

“It was a really fun experience to share this trip with the groups from New York and get to make new friends for the time we were there,” Redabaugh said.

One notable aspect of the trip was the amount of free time provided — two hours every night at the hotel, plus two hours or more on nearly every excursion. After a tour of Old San Juan, students had time to walk around the town and shop with friends.

“I loved that I got to create an unexpected group of friends to travel Puerto Rico with!” Hailey McKinley said.

Students also spent a great deal of time immersed in Puerto Rican cuisine, dining at authentic restaurants each night — with one exception, where they made their own food. The dish was mofongo, made from fried plantains, garlic, pork rinds and olive oil.

“Making the mofongo was a very immersive part of the trip. Getting to work with my hands, I really got to learn about Puerto Rican culture,” Redabaugh said.

On day four, after a cooking class and a hotel check-in in Ponce, students geared up for the bioluminescent bay. Microscopic illuminated plankton give the bay a glow when there is movement in the water.

“The most memorable part of the trip was swimming at night in the bioluminescent bay. I have never done anything like that before!” Livingston said.

The next morning, the group went snorkeling with the same company. The coral reef was vibrant and filled with marine life. Navigating with fins surrounding them made staying with the group a challenge.

“My favorite part by far was the snorkeling and the beach trips. Everything was so relaxing and laid back — best vacation, especially with my friends,” McKinley said.

After snorkeling, students took a walking tour of San Juan, taking in unique art styles and breathtaking murals that portrayed emotion and the passion behind the artists.

“It was the trip of a lifetime. New experiences every day, making new friends, trying new things, and getting to explore an amazing island,” Joshua Kingen said.