Every year, I find myself packing my things, heading to my homeland, Puerto Rico. This isn’t just a vacation for me, it’s a return to something deeper. As a Puerto Rican who lives in the United States, my annual trips to PR feel like a reunion and an opportunity to reconnect with my culture and, honestly, with myself. There’s something about Puerto Rico that makes me feel whole again, something I can’t find anywhere else.
When my plane lands, it’s like I’ve stepped into another universe. The warm breeze, the sound of the Spanish language in the streets, the familiar scent of salty air mixed with plantains cooking. It instantly pulls me back to my roots. Even when I haven’t left the San Juan airport, I know I’m home. I often joke that Puerto Rico has a way of making me feel like I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be, like the island knows me better than I know myself sometimes.
There’s something mesmerizing about the island that runs deeper than just the beaches or the famous landmarks. Of course, I love the beaches in Las Olas or the vibrant colors of Old San Juan, but it’s the small moments that make me feel the most alive. Walking down the narrow street in my hometown Fajardo, hearing children playing, watching families gather at a local “chinchorro” to eat and laugh together, it’s these moments that remind me where I come from. It’s the everyday beauty of Puerto Rico that settles into my soul.
And of course there’s the food. Every year, I eagerly await that first plate of Mofongo (Fried plantains) or arroz con gandules dishes that are more than just a meal. There’s something about sharing a meal with family in Puerto Rico that connects me not just to them, but to generations of Puerto Ricans who have shared these same flavors for centuries.
What really makes Puerto Rico special for me is how it pulls me back to who I am. Being there reminds me that no matter where I go, no matter how far I feel like I am, I’m always a part of something much bigger. I’m part of a community, a culture, a story that has been unfolding for generations. In Puerto Rico, I’m not just a visitor. I’m family.
It’s hard to explain, but Puerto Rico has a way of solidifying me. After a few days on the island, I always leave feeling inspired, more connected to myself, to my roots, and to my people. And even when I return to the U.S, I carry Puerto Rico with me. Its rhythm, its warmth, and that deep, unexplainable sense of belonging. Each trip is a reminder that no matter where life takes me, Puerto Rico is always home.
