The night was young when our group of nine arrived at the Havana Airport in Cuba. The journey from Jamaica to Cuba is short so it was a very comfortable and pleasant flight. Upon arrival, we stood outside the airport waiting for a taxi to take us to the guesthouse that we were staying in the city. As the different members of our group took turns watching the luggage so that others could use the lavatory, within the wink of an eye, a suitcase from the leader of the group was missing. As the area was crowded with people and there was not much of a bright light outside, there was absolutely no way of finding who had snatched it or how to get it back. We had to leave so we got into two groups and headed off in two taxis to the guesthouse.
The night was warm and without stress. We got to the guesthouse early enough to take a shower and to walk down the street to get a pizza. The service was wonderful and the taste of the pizza was incredible.
It was around 10:00 am the following morning when the sound of a truck parked in front of our guesthouse. To my surprise, it was our transportation to get to another part of Cuba. We saddled up and cramped into the back of the little truck with all our belongings. This might not be so bad after all. After driving for hours we would make potty stops when possible. We had to go through several check points and we had to stay low. After 15 hours of sitting up, twisting, hungry, tired and chilly we have finally reached our destination. We took our things and just got settled in. The morning welcomed us with fresh air, beautiful people who wanted to see the foreigners and also our hosts. After breakfast we went on a little tour. We rode the host´s horse through the cane fields and it felt so good. Every night we would travel sometimes an hour in an old tractor to visit people, pray for them and give little gifts that we brought from our home countries. To every house that we visited, there was a warm heart felt welcome. The families always prepared either fruits, pastry or special drinks for us. The Cubans are so warm and with every face you glance upon there would be a smile. It was an interesting experience to walk the streets and see little ones playing after dark without being cautious that they could be kidnapped or that any harm will come to them. The people are united and they show love to everyone. Though they dont have much, they are not in need of love for others.
