Cuban Culture by Barbara Smith

Cuba has everything from friendly people and great culture to amazing beaches and even better food. The island is only 90 miles from the coast of Key West, Florida but could not be more different from the United States.  And it is these numerous differences that make the country so worth visiting.

I found myself walking around Havana and lost myself in the rich history of the city but at the same time felt right at home because of how friendly the locals were and how they made anybody feel welcome. The locals exchanged “holas” and smiles. Everyone in Cuba posed for pictures and invited us into their homes with open arms. 

The local homes were as open as the attitudes of the owners, with many of them easily accessible from the street. At one point we found ourselves going inside of what we initially thought was an art gallery but turned out to be someone’s home. At the end of a hallway containing over 30 paintings we found the kitchen where the artist was talking to her mom and sisters. When they saw us and realized we spoke Spanish they welcomed us into their home and even invited us for coffee the next day. And everywhere we went in Cuba we could walk right into people’s homes. This is the most welcoming people and culture I have ever experienced.

I love Cuba because of the wonderful people I encountered there and their calmness and openness. Everybody had their door open and you just needed to step through. One day as we walked around Havana we were walking close to a park and we saw some kids playing a baseball game. They seemed so happy and they all smiled at us as we walked by. Another day, walking around the streets of Havana, as we turned the corner there was a street party going on in the middle of the day. All the people around had the brightest smiles. Apparently festivals around the streets of Havana are not a rare occurrence in Cuba.

Now that I have had time to reflect on the nine day journey I took I can say that Cuba is truly a special place. Cuba, I will always remember your wonderful beaches, friendly people, amazing food and rich culture.

-Barbara Smith