My Trip to Cuba

So I am back from Cuba and contrary to all expectations I had a great time!

I know it sounds weird, but I didn't want to go there in the first place.  When my boyfriend and I talked about our vacation budget for this year, we realized it was very limited. We had to re-evaluate our destination options.  Last year, we stayed in a 5-stars hotel in South Beach, Miami, but this year we could not afford that kind of extravagance. Instead of going to Santa Fe, NM like I wanted we had to choose something more economical.  I know I was being a spoiled brat -- a lot of people have to stay home during the summer vacations and at least I still had a chance to go somewhere. 

But I was annoyed.

I was annoyed when I realized we had to go to Cuba or stay home.

I was annoyed when I booked the trip.

I even was annoyed 2 days before leaving.

You are going to ask me : why so annoyed?

Because I like luxurious destinations and hate all-inclusive resort.

Cuba was not at all what I was expecting for my vacations.

But contrary to all expectations, I had a great time!

My days were filled with swimming in the most crystal clear water, sunbathing, reading, napping in a hammock, drinking mojitos and eating seafood.  The resort was not extravagant but still very nice and comfortable with lush gardens and a beautiful private beach.

I visited La Havana, a truly mesmerizing city. 

Cubans are very proud and well-educated (university is free for everyone).  They love their country and want it to stay theirs even if it means living in poverty.  They don't want to sell their souls to some foreign entrepreneurs.  I respect that.

Cubans are also very warm and friendly.  I met some wonderful people during the 7 days I was in Cuba. It was a vacation filled with human connections and true feelings instead of filled with money and superficiality, as it would have been if I had stayed in an extravagant ritzy hotel.  Truly refreshing!