In the summer of 2020, I decided to go on my first solo backpacking trip to Cuba. Being my first time doing this, I was nervous about the 10 day trip. How would I make friends? Would it get lonely? What if I got kidnapped? I put all my concerns aside and saw this as a rite of passage and a glimpse of the vagabonding future I always desired to have. It started with packing lightly. One bag, one tripod and the will to explore. Spoiler Alert: I overpacked
The first thing I noticed when I arrived in Cuba was how beautifully blue the sky was and the constant scent of the ocean water – something you don’t get in Toronto.
Finding
in C
A Photo Essay I spent the first few days exploring Havana, Cuba. I was fascinated by how busy the city was with beautiful vintage cars and landmarks commemorating the country’s history on every corner.
Before I moved onto the next city, I wanted to visit one of the only mosques in Cuba which is located in Havana. I walked around the city and managed to find the Mosque just in time for maghrib prayer. Just like my mosque at home, people were relaxed and chatting amongst each other, waiting for the prayer to start. Although we spoke different languages, the people at the mosque welcomed me and even lent me a thobe as I was wearing shorts. 22 | THE MUSLIM VOICE | NOVEMBER 2020
