CUBA PART 1.

14.11.17

CUBA PART 1.

My nose was pressed against the window of the plane as we started to approach the mainland of Cuba. The vast Greenland cover most of it while in the far distance you could see the little city of Havana and all its chaotic streets. When I got off the plane customs was a bore as usual. Long sweaty lines filled with the noises of crying babies and the stamping of passports. Trying to seem as least American as possible, I pass inspection and proceed outside for my first whiff of Cuban air. The crowds of families and vendors surrounds me and the humidity fogs my brain. I search endlessly for a the faces of my distant cousins but I could not make any of them out. Finally I heard "Katí, Katí!" in the distance and I saw a tan woman staring me down from on top of a staircase. I go up tell her I am Katherine and ask where my cousin Eduardo is" She grabs my arm and heaves me through the uncivilized crowd to where I see Eduardo making conversation with a complete stranger. He stops and looks at me and with both hands grabs my shoulders and kisses me on each cheek with a huge smile on his face. At this moment I can't believe I actually made it. As we drive back to the city all I can do is stick my head out the window like a dog and look at the endless amount of old fashion cars. Oh and the colors were exquisite. All I could do was smile in relief. Eduardo takes me to his work at the University of Havana, where in classes they still use chalkboards. And now to the part where I really get to know Eduardo. He asked me to stand and take a picture in this one seating area with a group of girls where hanging out. He called this place "el parque de culos grandes" or in english the park of big butts... oh Eduardo... Later we arrived at the house for a nice lunch and midday nap. After I was awoken by Eduardo giving me "room service" aka a happy hour cocktail, we soon headed off for the canon show. Across the Malecón there lies a huge Spanish colonial castle lined with canons. We were greeted at the bridge gate by actors dressed in colonial outfits that marched and shouted as they led us into the castle. Quite a sight I must say. I learned that every Saturday night at nine they set off a canon to remember how the Spanish protected Cuba from invaders. Never seen a canon go off, and it was fucking amazing. After the show we drove the Malecón and saw all the people gathered drinking rum and hanging out. We went inside the National Hotel of Cuba where the rich and famous stay. Was a grand and elegant vibe. My first day in Havana, Cuba was superb, and left me wanting more already.