Cuba Chronicles

Hola!

First post of the month will be about my whereabouts of the past week. Yep, dear reader, you are about to embark on a recapped journey to la República de Cuba. Hopping Grass style.

On Friday, August 26th, just before 4pm, we departed from [omitted for the sake of my privacy] airport on route to Varadero, Cuba.

Here's a visual.

I could go on and on about how epic the plane food was (I just happen to be one of those people who LOVE airplane meals), but that would be a lie. 

Because my twice-a-year cold chose the very week to show up, and thus I headed into my vacation with no sense of smell and a sore throat.

Your sympathy is much appreciated.

Moving on. The flight was about 3 and a half hours, and upon arrival at airport, I simultaneously noticed two things:

1. Chirping crickets, the place was old!

2. The stickiness caused by extreme humidity. Seriously, it was like walking into a sauna or something.

Anyhow. We collected our luggage, and were transported to Brisas del Caribe, the four-star all-inclusive resort that would be home for the next seven days. 

Pretty, right?

By then, it was almost 10, so a quick check in and some food at the snack bar later, we went to sleep.

** At this point, I'd like to say that my short attention span is trying to lure me away with thoughts of cookies. And I'm feeling very swayable. Please do not judge me for the next segment.**

Right. With that being said, I'm just going to hit the fast-forward button, so we can all get some cookies sooner.

BEEP.

Oh look! It's time for a day by day summary. :D

Day 1 [Saturday, August 27th] 

Didn't do much. Hung out on the beach, explored the resort, converted some money into the local Cuban Convertible Peso.

Memorable event: I lost my goggles. Stop laughing. On our first day there, the waves were particularly large. My stupid idiot  most talented and wonderful brother decided to venture out into a dangerous zone.

Being the kind caring sister I am, I went after him, and got wiped out in attempts to do so. The ocean ate my goggles. [sadface]

Day 2 [Sunday, August 28th] 

Visited downtown Veradero, caught in middle of flash tropical storm, had hair blown around wildly on the top of a double decker tourist bus.

Memorable event: While at local supermarket, had bags confiscated and locked away while we shopped.

Apparently, this is an inportant safety measure the must take, because Cuba is a kleptomaniac magnet. I suppose.

Day 3 [Monday, August 29th] 

Spent day splashing around at resort. Had lunch outside (in the searing sun), complete with grilled meat and drippy ice cream. Had to borrow goggles because of aforementioned events of day 1.

Memorable event: Had an intimate moment with a rooster. No, not like that. I had a very pleasant staring contest with one of the many roaming roosters in the courtyard, thank you.

Day 4 [Tuesday, August 30th] 

Highlight of the week? Embarked on a tour to the nation's capital, Havana. Except it's called 'Habana' here. Had a great time taking pictures of the centuries-old architecture, and purchasing souvenirs from the flea market. Encountered friendly street singers (who turned not so friendly when we refused to give them money :S), as well as fellow Canadians from Montreal.

Memorable event: Grandfather bought a $3 mojito. I had a taste, and almost choked/passed out from the extremely strong rum additive. Goodness, I don't think I'll be joining the alcoholics anytime soon.

Day 5 [Wednesday, August 31st] 

Lazing around, sleeping in, and enjoying the 10 or so channels offered at the hotel. Including Chinese, Spanish, Italian, and German ones. "OMG CTV?!?!" Yes, I was quite surprised as well.

Memorable event: Overdosed on ice cream and spent good half hour feeling sick. Hey, they had all you can eat caramel, french vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry tubs at your choosing! You'd have done the same. 

Day 6 [Thursday, September 1st] 

Last full day was spent once again exploring Veradero. Took bus around and around and around and... Picked up some more souvenirs and tried some local churros. Highly recommended, by the way.

Memorable event: Got off at wrong resort, and so had to walk along the single (dirt) road back. On the way, we passed by two Cuban men collecting fruit from a tree. Were offered some, and decided to try. Interesting taste, and happily was not poisoned. Win!

Day 7 [Friday,September 2nd] 

Woke up at the crack of dawn to do some final packing and check out. Took photo with one very enthusiastic waiter, and enjoyed an early breakfast. Bussed to airport, and caught a noon flight back home.

Memorable event: Bought cigars and wine at airport, along with rock-hard Nestle ice cream bar. For a very cheap $1! Both my inner and outer Asian were very, very pleased.

**

As Mark Twain said,  “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.” On this trip, I certainly learned a lot about the Cuban culture.

I didn't buy much, but my 20-something mosquito bites, as well as four pounds I gained from the extravagant dining are memories plenty.

There is so much more to my trip than I could ever fit into a post, but what I really took away with me was how lucky we really are to live in a democratic society and have enough money to lead comfortable lives.

However, while many of the rich still aren't happy, it's inspiring how the poorest Cuban can go about their day whistling and optimistic. Maybe ignorance is bliss, but all the same, I think I've come to appreciate the things I have just a little bit more.

Thanks for reading, and see you next time!

The Hopping Grass