The group flies together into San Juan, Puerto Rico and meets their Global Works leaders at the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport. While staying at a hotel set just outside San Juan, the evening will be dedicated to learning about the upcoming week and meeting our Global Works and Puerto Rican guides. In the morning we'll enjoy a guided and educational tour of San Juan to orient ourselves and learn more about the rich history of the island. In the afternoon we'll pack up the vans and enjoy a short commute to the southeast side of the island and the community of Patillas. The group will stay at Patillas Eco-Resort located among acres of pristine rainforest high in the mountains overlooking the Caribbean Sea.
For the next three full days, we will be working with families in community of Patillas. Since 1994, poor families have been leaving the urban slums to make a new life in this rural, mountainous area. Families purchase small plots of land and gradually construct their own concrete homes, while temporarily living in hastily-built wooden houses. A high rate of unemployment drives the parents to finish their homes, and we will be working alongside entire familes as they mix cement, build floors, walls, staircases, etc. The typical service project begins at 9am; after 3 hours of work, we will take a long lunch break with food provided by the family. Then we will work for 3 more hours in the afternoon. After the project each day, we will head back to the eco-lodge for service learning reflection and wrap up time. In the late afternoon will have the opportunity to hike to a nearby waterfall and natural pool to cool off after a good days work. Each evening we will have a different scheduled activity - salsa dance lessons with professional musicians, local activists who will discuss the current issues facing the island, a BBQ party with the families from the community.
Vieques is an island jewel located just east of the main island of Puerto Rico. This unique island community offers the group opportunities for continued community service at local schools and organizations in the area. Upon arrival we'll be greeted by the curator of El Fortin Museum who will further illuminate the colorful history of this small island. During the following days we'll get involved with projects with the Vieques Land Trust. Projects include working with a local youth camp, building school playgrounds, or painting school facilities. Further opportunities exist for hikes along the shore, excursions out into one of the most renowned bioluminescent bays in the world, and simple relaxation and exploration in paradise.
Our stay in Vieques wraps up as we get back on the ferry and travel to our lodging close to the beach in Luquillo. In the afternoon we’ll enjoy a spectacular catamaran excursion to Icocos islands where we’ll snorkel and play in the waves before returning to a gorgeous sunset to cap off the day. In the evening a final celebratory dinner will provide time for final reflections and memories. We’ll wake up early to travel to the airport and embark on our journey home.