Puerto Rico (Overnight 2 day trip)
As I began my travels to Puerto Rico, it was very moving to pass by the Washington monument on my way to Regan International Airport. I was listening to the installation mass of Pope Leo XIV, who was to succeed Peter, the rock and foundation on which Jesus Christ the cornerstone chose to lead his heavenly nation of people here on earth. I was looking at this reminded of George Washington, who was the foundation on which God founded this country, that reflects all nations like His Church. These are beautiful times we are in, if we choose to embrace the beauty of our Lord’s unifying light.
With that said, I had a quick trip to Puerto Rico and achieved my ultimate goals of visiting the future saint of Puerto Rico’s tomb. Blessed Carlos Manuel Rodriguez Santiago is one step away from full canonization and I wanted to share a special holy card with all those I met that are Puerto Rican, especially those who will be in attendance at the Puerto Rican Festival in Manassas, Virginia June 14, 2025. Things were delayed throughout the day, I spent several hours in Caguas roaming around waiting for the church to reopen. Since I hadn’t attended mass yet I decided I would stay for the 5 pm and then leave, which wasn’t my preference, but I always feel it’s necessary to trust God and do what’s right, and not skip mass.
It turned out to be a nice blessing as I felt taken back to growing up on the Lower East Side of NY, when I would attend St. Mary’s Spanish mass. Something about the Puerto Rican culture with their loud voices overs the microphone and speakers that echo throughout the church, it just had a familiar tone I haven’t heard in a long time. While I was in mass I had the privalege of watching people pick up my holy cars and share them with each other. Despite being in English, you could see the appreciation since there were none produced locally, in the sanctuary. It led me to leave more behind for the people.
As mass ended I hustled to the car to get on the road since I had a bit of a drive through the mountains, something I never look forward to, especially when the sun is setting. Thankfully despite arriving late and in the dark, to Hacienda Pomarrosa (which is named after a flower on the farm), the drive wasn’t too bad and I managed to settle in quickly. Anna and Dan greeted me at the coffee farm and I had a nice charcuterie and enjoyed getting to know the owners of this farm. They shared they were originally from Chicago, then Montana, but decided to resettle in Puerto Rico and take over this farm due to roots in the country. We had fun getting to know each other, and I turned it in for the evening to prepare for the next morning.
Waking up was fun, considering I was drinking coffee on the farm that produced it with the farmers, enjoying breakfast. It was a humbling experience, and amazing food as my goal is always preferred to share a meal in ones home instead of a random place in the streets. Breakfast began with a homemade banana bread from bananas on the farm. In addition I had a nice standard eggs, bacon and sausage that were well prepared and a nice dish of fresh fruit. I’m horrible about taking pictures of my food and when I describe what I ate, I quickly am reminded a picture could’ve helped bring this to life. In addition I enjoyed a nice smoothie made with the fruit that was just picked. All this was washed down with a nice drink that was made with lime, jalapeno and some other fruits from the farm, that I’m guilty of not remembering, but just enjoyed the unique flavor of local produce.
Dan showed me around the farm prior to breakfast and it was fun to see how this small farm, was so efficient in it’s producing methods and I can surely understand the joy that these two experience every day, and enjoy sharing with others. As things wrapped up and I began to prepare to leave, I achieved my second goal of obtaining coffee for the Puerto Rican festival. I would love to have purchased more, but I had a simple carry on and bought 25 lbs for a variety of uses over the next month. I’m looking forward to roasting some batches and trying some soon.
With that my trip came to an end with a quick detour to a beach Anna recommended, known as Mar Chiquita. It was a beautiful view that I took in for a moment and met a nice family that just move there from Philadelphia. Just like that however, I was back in the car again and heading to the airport to patiently wait through more delays and get home to my family. Looking forward to heading to Puerto Rico again one day, this time with my family and sharing this simple, affordable and amazing experience with them, but less rushed. I would highly consider this near getaway that offers a lot, in a short distance, direct flight, and easy to drive island due to the small, but diverse nature. You can easily do a 4-7 day tropical get away, roaming the island for beaches, coffee and most of all the unique food. I regret not getting my pasteles while I was there. I noticed the local restaurant Tres Pueblos offered them, but I had just enjoyed a big breakfast and needed to get on the road.
The tomb of Blessed Carlos Manuel Rodriguez Santiago. The main reason for my travels, to place the box of holy cards on his tomb, a small gift for the Puerto Ricans I meet.