3 minute read
Finding Myself in Cuba
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.
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.
My next stop was Vinales valley, which was one of my favorite parts of the trip. There were rolling hills as far as the eyes could see. I found a lot of appreciation for the simple lifestyle people here lived. There were tobacco farmers harvesting their crops, people giving horseback rides, and kids running around. I felt at peace.
I stayed the night at the top of the valley, in a small cabin with an elderly couple. The love they showed me could be compared to the love I receive from my own grandparents. Their simple lifestyle and pure kindness really inspired me to have a positive outlook for the rest of the trip. I also experienced not only a night filled with stars but woke up to one of the most beautiful sunrises I have ever seen.
My last stop was to Trinidad, Cuba. A city filled with colour, art and a rich, historic colonial environment.
The 10 days I spent in Cuba truly changed my life. It made me realize that although there are borders, cultures, religions, and skin tones separating us, we’re all children of God and that one commonality is what brings us together. When I think back to it, what I remember most are the friends that I made on the trip.
I managed to not get lonely, made life-long friends, and definitely did not get kidnapped so thank you Cuba, for reigniting my love for travel.
