Two people stand in front of a vintage storefront with decorative tiles and a sign reading 'Rico y Abeijan'.

Back Home in San Juan


Last week I had the chance to take my family back to the place where my story began — San Juan, Puerto Rico. It wasn’t just a trip; it was a chance to show them pieces of my life that shaped who I am today.

 

From driving through my old neighborhood, passing by my high school, and even stopping by the flight school where my aviation journey first took off, every moment felt like reconnecting with a chapter I hadn’t visited in years.

 

A series of exterior shots showing a yellow and blue building with a car parked outside.

This Thanksgiving also brought something incredibly special — the honor of photographing my cousin Vanessa’s wedding. Being surrounded by family, celebrating love, and capturing such an important day made the trip even more meaningful. It felt like everything aligned perfectly.

A couple signs their marriage license at a wedding ceremony while smiling and sharing a special moment together.
A couple shares playful moments while smashing cake in each other's faces during a wedding celebration.
A romantic wedding couple embraces in a series of intimate poses against a backdrop of twinkling lights.
A romantic wedding couple shares intimate moments in a series of candid photographs against a white background.

We stayed at the Condado Plaza, and the island truly showed off that classic Puerto Rican charm: breezy afternoons, warm sunshine, and Old San Juan wrapped in that coastal glow you can never quite put into words.

Panoramic view of a modern restaurant interior with colorful ambient lighting and sleek architectural design.
Panoramic view of a dimly lit upscale bar interior with warm lighting and elegant crystal chandeliers.
Aerial view of modern apartment buildings with curved swimming pools and tropical landscaping at sunset.

One of the highlights for me was visiting Parroquia San Francisco de Asís in Old San Juan — a historic Franciscan parish church tucked along Calle San Francisco. Stepping inside, with its quiet, old-world atmosphere, felt like stepping into another time. It was a moment of calm and reflection in the middle of a busy, joy-filled trip, and it meant a lot to be able to share that with my kids.

Interior of a Catholic church with turquoise vaulted ceiling, white arches, and ornate golden altar at the front.
A weathered brass memorial plaque with engraved text mounted on a textured green surface.
Elegant curved hallway with arched doorways and ornate architectural details illuminated by warm hanging lights.
Religious artwork and informational signs displayed on a yellow wall showing schedule details and saint imagery.

More than anything, I hope they remember this trip for years to come — not just the hotel or the sights, but the stories behind them: where their dad went to school, where he learned to fly, where family comes together, and the city that still feels like home no matter how much time has passed.

A couple stands together on a scenic beach with blue ocean waters and tropical coastline in the background.
A group enjoys a sunny day along the coastal pathway with ocean views in the background.
People enjoying a sunny day at a tropical beach with clear blue water and resort buildings in the background.
A milkshake topped with whipped cream and a cherry sits on a wooden table with someone resting beside it.

There’s nothing quite like walking through Old San Juan — those cobblestone streets, the brightly colored colonial buildings, and that constant ocean breeze that wraps around every corner. As you wander past the historic forts, balconies dripping with flowers, and hidden cafés tucked into blue-stone alleys, the city feels alive in a way that’s both timeless and comforting. Every step carries a hint of history, culture, and stories layered over centuries.

Panoramic view of a colorful cobblestone street with yellow buildings and palm trees in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Vibrant red and white colonial building with ornate balconies in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico against a blue sky.
A panoramic view of a colorful colonial street with parked cars and white puffy clouds in a bright blue sky.
Historic stone fortress walls and ramparts overlooking a coastal town under bright blue Caribbean skies.

For dinner, we headed to Distrito T-Mobile in Isla Grande, and it was the perfect modern contrast to the old-city charm. The energy there is incredible — vibrant lights, live entertainment, music echoing through the open spaces, and a mix of restaurants offering everything from Puerto Rican comfort food to modern fusion plates.


It’s designed for families to enjoy together, with plenty of spots for kids and adults to explore. Grabbing dinner there felt like the perfect ending to a long day: great food, lively atmosphere, and that unmistakable modern Puerto Rican vibe that celebrates the island’s culture in a fresh, upbeat way.

Colorful nightclub interior with vibrant red and blue lighting illuminating a lively dance floor and entertainment space.
Modern urban plaza with Toyota signage and digital displays under dramatic blue and pink lighting at an outdoor shopping center.
Colorful illuminated shopping mall interior with palm trees and vibrant ceiling decorations creating a festive atmosphere.
A panoramic view of a colorful indoor event space with modern architecture and scattered seating areas.

 

As the trip came to an end, I found myself looking at my kids and hoping they felt even a fraction of what this island still means to me. Puerto Rico isn’t just where I grew up — it’s the rhythm that shaped my childhood, the place that taught me who I am, and the home that always waits quietly in the background no matter how far life takes me.


Sharing these streets, these stories, and these moments with them felt like passing down a piece of myself. And as we flew back, I carried a quiet gratitude knowing that somewhere in their hearts, San Juan now has its own space — a memory we built together, and one I’ll treasure for the rest of my life.