My Experience In Cuba

“How was Cuba?” This is such a simple, general question, yet one that is difficult to

answer. I had so many interesting and amazing experiences and I learned so much, so it feels

impossible to give a sufficient answer. Most of the time I’ll answer this question saying “It was

so fun, I had a great time!” Although this is a general answer anyone who comes back from a

trip says, it is the truth.

It was so exciting to be able to live in a country where not many U.S. citizens have

visited. For us Americans, Cuba is shrouded in mystery. As mysterious as Cuba is to us, to

Cubans, the U.S. is not so mysterious. There are so many American influences in Cuba,

especially when it comes to media. For example, every morning I watched reruns of Boston

Legal while eating breakfast. Whenever I would hang out with my Cuban friends we would quote

Kevin Hart and watch music videos of Chris Brown and other American artists. Whenever we

went out we would hear so much current and old music from the States, especially Justin Bieber

and 80s rock (I felt like I couldn’t escape Justin Bieber). Although economically and politically

Cuba is closed of from the U.S., our pop culture still seeps through.

Now, even with our pop culture presenting itself in Cuba, Cuba still has its own feel. I

would compare the feel of Havana to Miami, but not as glamorous. Although Miami has its own

rich culture and is similar to Havana, it still feels very American. For me, Havana was the place

of opposites. Dirty and clean. Beautiful and ugly. Rich and poor. Tourists and locals. You can

see these stark opposites right next to each other. In Old Havana there would be very ritzy

hotels for tourists but local children playing soccer barefoot in the alleys around the hotels.

There would be very nice restaurants and shops, but some garbage rotting in the street around

the corner. Being around this environment helped be able to see beauty in things that aren’t

always considered beautiful.

One of the best things about Cubans is that they are able to enjoy life with having so

little. It is well known that Cuba is a communist country, and the U.S.’s embargo (in Cuba it is

known as “el bloqueo” or the blockade) has greatly impacted the island’s economy. As a result,

Cubans are what we American would consider poor. Everyone who works is paid a small salary

of about $20 a month and Cubans who don’t work get paid less than that. This situation does

not stop the beautiful people of this country from thoroughly enjoying their lives. The country is

alive. I have never danced so much salsa or talked to so many random people in my life. Being

in this type of environment was like a breath of fresh air. In Cuba I could forget about the

constant materialism, competitiveness and pressure of American culture. It was nice to be able

to just chill out, slow down, take in everything around me and just live.

Another thing I liked about Cuban people is that they are so friendly and willing to help. I

remember one day, my friend and I were walking to class talking about what we should do that

night. I was looking at my guidebook and I mentioned a popular place where they had salsa

music and dancing. A Cuban overheard us talking and told us about a place where we could

hear salsa and dance. He gave use directions to the place and told us about the different bands

that were going to be playing. This type of interaction was the standard with the Cubans I

encountered. From my host parents, to my Cuban friends, to random people on the street,

Cubans are such friendly people. So friendly where it took me by surprise.

After I came back from Cuba I remember telling my friend that Cuba changed me. I may

have been being dramatic just for the enjoyment of being dramatic, but in some sense my time

spent in Havana did actually change me. I have learned to actually do things outside of my

comfort zone. I have learned to actually take a minute to slow down and take in my

surroundings. And, I have learned to value my family and friends more. My experience in Cuba

was beyond what I ever expected, and I will forever be special to me. I hope one day I’ll be able

to return to this country that taught me so much in so little time. ¡Viva Cuba Libre!

Here are some of my favorite photos from my time in Cuba:

A breathtaking cave in Canasí in the province of Matanazas.

Hanging out at the Malécon. A sea wall where the locals hang out, especially on the weekends.

These old cars were everywhere! This is mainly because of the Bloqueo.

Art is everywhere in Cuba. They really value art, music, literature and education.

A valley in Viñales. Cuba has some of the most breathtaking views I have ever seen.

This a picture of the sunrise outside of my window.