My Week in Cuba

El Malecon

I had a week off studies last week and so instead of wasting my week hibernating indoor, I decided to pack my bags and head south!
I had an awesome time travelling the capital city, Havana and it's surrounding suburbs. The weather was awesome, I saw great sites and met lots of Cubans!

Cubans are very friendly and are always happy to meet new people. Though I wish I had learned a lot more Spanish and may be taken a few salsa lessons before going. Nevertheless, the trip was awesome and I thank God for journey mercy. I have to admit that I was a little worried travelling to a closed country like Cuba all by myself as a (Black) Petite Female even though I knew i'd be fine because many Canadians travel there every winter and rave about Cuba being the safest Latin American Country.

                                                                           El Capitolio

                                                         Cuban Ladies (in weaves) around El Capitolio

                                                                           Old Havana

                                                                Fruit Vendor in China Town

                                                                    China Town

                                                          Plaza de la Revolucion

                                                                 Old Havana

                                                   1950s Chrysler Taxi that took me to the beach

                                                             Santa Maria Beach

Cigar Farm

Plaza de la Cathedral area

 So, the first question most Cubans would ask when they meet you is, "Where are you from?", and then depending on your response or I guess their mood, they'll introduce themselves and then carry a brief conversation with you. Sadly my poor Spanish didn't allow me to take the conversation beyond self-introduction.

Dancers in front of the Church

Depending on my mood, I either said I was from Nigeria or from Canada. Most times I would say "Nigeria" and keep on moving. When I had the time for a conversation or felt comfortable with the person, i'd say Canada. The other reason for this mixed response is because many Cubans have resorted to turning tricks on tourists in order to make ends meet. So me telling them I was from an affluent country would make me vulnerable to a potential scam or whatever trick they had up their sleeves.

                                                                Dos Hermanos (Two Sisters)

I also told many other tourists I was from Nigeria, when I sensed they might be from Canada, because frankly, I didn't go to Cuba to go meet other Canadians. I also used the opportunity to educate people about the small and often overlooked community of African/Black globe trotters.

I also had many locals ask me if I was from France, Angola or South Africa because they thought I was an African Medical student in the city. I didn't think I would stand out but I guess the locals can tell the difference between one of their own and an outsider!

                     
                                     One of the many dogs at a Public Square

I saw many things and did many things during my short stay in Cuba, and so if you want more details about my trip, please let me know and i'll consider writing up a blog series about it. Though I do plan to write about the trip in more detail on my other blog.

Also, stay tuned for a post on my thoughts about Black Hair in Cuba, because I for one was surprised to see so many women in weaves in what is thought to be a "poor" country!