La Habana, Te Amo (Havana, I Love You)

It’s been a full day since I got back from my trip to Cuba. Still haven’t processed the full extent of the magical experiences I had there with our travel group. I hadn’t been back a full day yet when I started to plan for the next time I’ll get to return (aiming for next Spring). Can’t wait for another chance for my feet to touch those cobblestone streets as I take in all the sights, indulge in the delicious food and libations and to get to rub elbows with all the warm and welcoming people. All the rhythmic sounds and music were like a soundtrack to our time there. The culture is strong and evident in all aspects of everyday life. All I can say is that there is no place like Havana.

As I sat on the beach in Varadero (a small beach & resort town) on our 4th day in Cuba, my mind started to drift to all of the places we hadn’t gotten to explore. Even though I was looking forward to getting back to the creature comforts of home, there was a part of me that was sad that our time was coming to an end. Those who know me know I’m not really a “beach person”. I had a couple canisters of SPF 50+ sunscreen in my bag at all times just in case. No matter how much I sprayed on, I still ended up with sunburn and heat rashes. Well, on this particular day, I didn’t care much about that. Relaxation was the goal as I laid under the beach umbrella and tree. The sea breeze and scent filled my nostrils and lungs, rendering me immobile. All I wanted to do was lay in mother nature’s bosom, letting her envelope me in her warm embrace. Each wave that hit the beach was a reminder of why it is important to unplug every now and then. My body felt right at home and I didn’t want to move or leave.

Being in the island nation where communism is still very much alive and well, the war raging in eastern Europe and the embargo that the U.S. has against the country, has forced folks to get used to going off the grid and to make do with very little. My phone was practically useless for the most part. Cuba isn’t supported by most U.S. mobile international plans. Roaming would’ve cost me an arm and a leg. Even with me buying a SIM card there to use, service could be spotty at times. I was forced to stay “logged off” most of my time there and it honestly felt really good. I was reminded not to let the everyday mundane stresses bog me down to a point where I constantly need an escape, always needing to run away when life starts to do too much. My friend, who organized the trip and whose birthday we were celebrating (the reason for the trip) and I were hatching future plans for how we can one day get our slices of paradise, homes away from home, where we can make this type of rejuvenation a constant thing.

This trip was a long time coming, history in the making. Cuba was always number one on my list of places to visit. I thought that my first time traveling there would be with a significant other but the universe had other plans. I had already started telling friends and co-workers that I was only going to travel in the states for 2024 and save all major trips for 2025 and then this opportunity fell into my lap. Life is short and tomorrow isn’t promised. I thought to myself, “don’t put off what I can get done today”. The plans for this trip came together so seamlessly, mainly because my friend did all the planning. All I had to do was just pay. Normally, I’m the one planning all of the details of a trip and it was refreshing not having to do that this time around. So much energy goes into planning a trip like this. What made it also seem so seamless was that we had a tour guide that handled all of the logistics for us and who went above and beyond to ensure that our time in Cuba was well spent.

The Cuban people have had to deal with so many limitations (i.e., rationing of food and resources, which I’ll discuss more in depth in a later post) but you wouldn’t know it. Like the people I encountered when I visited Haiti, the Cuban people are also really welcoming and hospitable. Everyone seemed really easygoing and happy. I loved how expressive everyone was. They were polite with a hint of matter of fact-ness (don’t take their kindness for granted). Everyone was so expressive and affectionate. The men were chivalrous and thoughtful. They are a passionate people, both in their speech and in their actions. When I was out and about, I had men and women alike call me “Hermosa” (means “beautiful”) and they’d gently touch my shoulder or arm lovingly as we’d pass each other and it was never inappropriate. Back in Philly, a random stranger touching you would’ve been viewed as an invasion of personal space and may have warranted a tongue-lashing or a fight. “Hola” and “Buenos Dias” were common greetings and it was easy to make fast friends. There was never a moment where I didn’t feel safe, regardless of the time of day.

I haven’t posted to the blog in a while and it’s been long overdue. I have so much to unpack from my trip that I’d like to share in several more posts, so be on the lookout for those soon. I plan to launch a “travel” section to this blog where I’ll post tips, recommendations and photos/videos of experiences had. What better way and time to launch it then with this trip. I look forward to going deeper into all that I experienced with hopes that you’ll be enticed to want to explore those places too. I’ve missed connecting with you here. Life has been a little hectic for me lately and I miss the consistency of blogging to keep me grounded and connected. Now that I am back stateside, I plan to get back on track.