I’ve spent three wonderful months in Puerto Rico as an intern for the Rainforest Inn. Bill and Renee have been my biggest teachers and mentors as I’ve grown as a professional in the hospitality industry, and also as a person. Not only did they guide me and show me how their establishment is run behind the scenes, and guided me as I shared my professional goals with them, but they also guided and supported me through everything I wanted to experience while I was here.
Living at the Rainforest Inn has been a true blessing, I’ve had so many laughs, and formed a connection with my mentors that I’ve never experienced in any workplace. They gave me opportunities to travel and explore on my off days, and I feel like I lived a whole new life within itself in only three months. What a crazy summer.. I made new friends, lost some, fell in and then right back out of love, I have unforgettable stories to tell and look back on. In this final post, I’d like to share a recap of all the things I experienced this summer and I hope that it shows you how beautiful of an opportunity interning in Puerto Rico, at the Rainforest Inn, can be.
What do these photos show that I did?
I had amazing breakfasts, every day
I learned how to make a charcuterie board, the Rainforest Inn Grazing Board
I tried KFC for the first time with Renee
I made art, and in the sand, I played.
I went to the beach, and tried Puerto Rican snacks with a new friend
I tried Jamaican food, and was given more than enough for what I spent
I went out- Bill told me I’m a rockstar
I watched a Puerto Rican “hood classic", it is the story of “Daddy Yankee” and as a musician.
I hung out with two fur babies
I made new artist friends, I saw them perform in venues, decorated ornately.
Some friends from Dallas came and hung out with me
We all tried Puerto Rican street food and treats
We stayed up until the sun came out
A local welcomed me into her home, we drank coffee, ate cake, and talked by the hour.
I had pizza and wine at the beach
At the Inn, I observed the sky, I felt at peace
I cooked for me, Renee, and Bill, I perfected cooking fish
I went out (again) and the fun I had is the type that some can only wish
I learned how make art within a cappuccino
I tried new desayuno Latino
I went to my first jazz club
After the rain, there were double rainbows above
I had a sleepover with Livi and Gracie, they showed me nothing but love
I tried an amazing pink smoothie in Condado
I sat curtside at basketball game, magically invited a pro
I watched the sun rise, it’s important to take these moments in, remember to go slow..
For in Puerto Rico I crossed bridges, that to the fullest, only I could know.
Sarai
In moments where Bill and Renee could have been selfish, they were selfless, and they always made sure that I was safe and taken care of. To those considering becoming an intern here, know that while environment may be completely different than what you are used to, every moment of it all is worth it. Be the one who steps outside of the box— How many people get to say they lived & interned in a rainforest? ;)
