You may not know this about me: I was born in Puerto Rico. My family moved us to Connecticut when I was only eight months old. I like traveling to Puerto Rico because I get to see my family from there. We went in 2014 and again in 2016. My dad thought it would be nice to go every two years. It’s like our own little tradition: just me, my dad and my younger brother. Here are some of my memories from the 2016 trip.
Traveling to the Airport
The plane ride isn’t even bad at all although, we left late at night. My dad booked our flight to leave from Newark Liberty International Airport in Newark, New Jersey. On the way to the airport, we hit a lot of traffic. Everyone was traveling for spring break. I had to help my dad with the GPS. We left Connecticut around 3 p.m. and got to the airport around 9 p.m. It took us a good six hours. Luckily, our flight was not leaving until 11 p.m.
Getting on the Plane
We boarded first because it was going to take the ground crew awhile to get my power wheelchair into the plane. For my power wheelchair to fit, I had to recline and lower my seat all the way down. It is a technique that I do every time I travel on a plane with my power wheelchair.
Visiting with Family
When we arrived, we saw the cute banner that my grandparents made welcoming us. It’s great to see my family. My godfather took me and younger brother to church with him and his family. It was so much fun. Not only did I see family members, my dad introduced me to some of his friends who he grew up in with.
Seeing the Sights
There are a couple places that I enjoy going to when we visit Puerto Rico, including the children’s museum, old San Juan, Barranquitas festival, El Yunque National Forest and many more places. Old San Juan is such a beautiful place and it has so much history to it. There’s a huge fort along the side of the town. The children’s museum has a petting zoo in the back and a McDonnell Douglas DC-9 plane on the side of the building. Inside the museum, there are a lot of things to do. My favorite part is the weather station. You can pretend that you’re doing the weather on live television.
My aunt and uncle took us to the Barranquitas festival. There is live music and amazing food. A couple days before my grandfather’s birthday, my aunt and uncle took us to El Yunque National Forest. This is absolutely beautiful. Before the trip, I remember reading about this rainforest in my high school Spanish class. My teacher told me that I should go to the rainforest. I am so glad I did.
About Zoe Hernandez: Zoe lives in Meriden, Connecticut. A Quantum® brand ambassador, Zoe attends Abilities Expos and speaks with people about her disability. She is currently enrolled in college and hopes to work in a community one day with people who are just like her. Click here to learn more about Zoe.