It has now been about 1 week since I left Cuba and I am still processing everything that I got to experience and see on this intriguing island… I knew that Cuba would be an adventure but I didn’t know what kind nor did I know to what extent. So let me share with you a little bit of: What Cuba Has Taught Me. Some of these lessons could be learned in other parts of the World but for some reason, Cuba is where the click happened for me.

So without further ado, here is:

What Cuba Has Taught ME:

Photo Credit: www.dmainternacional.com

1. The internet can be very useful but it is NOT indispensable

By now, I really thought that I would know this fact, but to be honest being a blogger and working on several online projects makes me feel like I need to be constantly connected or reachable.

However, in Cuba, I quickly discovered that the internet was not going to be that easily accessible (if at all!). And so, I had to get really efficient with my time on the web (whenever, I did get access to it). Sure, at first it was hard and frustrating. The automatic and mundane little tasks became impossible. For example: simply grabbing your phone to check out the map to see if there was a bank nearby, or where to get food that was cheap yet tasty was no longer an option. That was a challenge, but as with every test, it taught me other ways to get what I needed. My favourite? Simply asking people around! Not only did it force me to practise my Spanish (ahem- the little that I do know), but it also allowed us to interact a lot more with the locals and other travellers.

I guess this is how travelling was like before the internet and wifi became available nearly everywhere.

It was a great experience overall and it made me appreciate my time off-screen even more. So much so, that even now that I am back in an Internet-friendly zone, I consciously make the daily effort to have some off-screen time to do other things. And it feels oh-so-good!

2. Reading is so much fun!

This one is probably going to sound absurd or even obvious to some of you. But the truth is that between work, social media and other every day tasks; finding the time and commitment to read a book has become extremely challenging.

However, in Cuba, it got much easier and I revived my love for reading and even journaling! Reading can be so relaxing. And yet depending on what you read, it can also teach you so much more…and give you new ideas or awaken new interests deep within yourself! So, now that I am back from Cuba, I do my best to spend a good 1 hour reading every day. I put my phone on airplane mode to completely disconnect and have some me-time, completely un-interrupted. You should try it!

Nothing like being totally disconnected to enjoy the simple pleasures of Life, like this gorgeous sunset in Trinidad, Cuba. – Photo Credit: www.dmainternacional.com

What kind of books do you like to read? Any suggestions? I recently finished “Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert. It was such a fun read!

3. Having access to healthy & affordable foods is such a privilege

A very simple meal but oh-so delicious: Fresh avocado, cucumber, and grilled fish with lime.

Given the US embargo that Cuba was under for many years, a lot of foods and goods are simply still unavailable in the country. This was extremely noticeable in the type of technologies, architecture, furniture, cars,… that we encountered over there but also and mainly the kind of foods we found! Eating healthier foods on an affordable budget was rather difficult, if not impossible! We did manage to find a few healthy and cheaper options but scarcity was a real issue. I will write a whole different post about what you can eat in Cuba for cheap while still enjoying a yummy experience.

After adjusting our tastebuds to what was available to eat on the island (based on our budgets too), it goes without saying that I was happy to come back to Mexico where healthy and tasty foods are found in abundance (and for cheap!). The Cubans do the best they can with what they have access to and that totally reminded me of what a privilege it is to not only have access to delicious foods but also to have a choice in what it is that you put into your body. You get to choose foods that nourish and feed your body. Not everyone has that prerogative…

4. Less is MORE and less brings more happiness & peace of mind

As seen behind me: Cubans are always busy fixing up or working on the maintenance of their material possessions. They are real pros! – Photo credit: www.dmainternacional.com

When you travel to Cuba for the first time, you may find yourself shocked at how little possessions and “stuff” the Cubans have. Yet, they live very happy lives (at least from what I saw and concluded-more on that later…). I thought about it and I can see how possessing less can bring more peace of mind. Indeed, with less stuff,  you focus on other aspects of your life- such as building and maintaining healthy relationships, focusing more on your health & personal goals and having more fun based on your experiences and not necessarily what you own. There are less distractions.

To be honest, when I first got to La Havana, I did not like it at all. I thought that it lacked charm, that it looked as if it was still recovering from a Civil War or still “under re-construction”. Yet people looked completely fine with the state of their city- going about their daily business, completely unaffected.

Cuba has definitely reminded me to never judge a book by its cover…

By day 2, my opinion had already changed as I observed the Cubans more and realized just how relaxed and happy they seemed. Always chilling in public squares, on their front porch or on the streets; talking about the latest gossip or arguing about Baseball games. One thing struck me more than the outside appearance of the buildings and the streets: people were interacting with each other a LOT more than in any other cities I had ever visited. Everywhere we went, people gathered to play (dominoes for example), talk or simply joke around. And given that their basic needs are met by the government (they have rations for food and housing), there is not much disparity between people- hence less crime and more peace in general.

Great music can be heard at pretty much every corner in Cuba, so don’t be shy and stop to listen or dance :).

In conclusion, the Cubans may have less than other people, but they look far happier and relaxed than most “wealthier” populations.

5. Scarcity brings creativity and resourcefulness

Getting my passport case customized in La Havana, Cuba. – Photo Credit: www.dmainternacional.com

Again from observing the Cubans, I noticed just how resourceful they all were. They will create the most beautiful and useful gadgets out of anything! Same thing for their artifacts and cuisine. Despite scarcity for a lot of raw materials, they are remain creative and make the most of what you they have on hand!

The Cubans have taught me just that: Make the most of what you do have and learn to preserve what you own instead of always wanting to upgrade and buy new things. In Cuba, you will see old cars, old tube TVs that work just as brand new. They sure know how to take care of their “stuff” and make it last forever!

Beautiful old cars, totally functional and preserved to a T is what you will find in Cuba. – Photo Credit: www.dmainternacional.com

In conclusion,it was really fascinating to experience Cuba while it still looked ancient and “torn apart”. In the years to come, I am sure it will change very rapidly. In fact, they were already very busy renovating half the city of La Havana and I am sure this is only the beginning. So, if you have the opportunity to get your plane ticket, I strongly urge you to go visit this captivating country before capitalism takes its toll on it…

Photo Credit: www.dmainternacional.com

Thank you, beautiful Cuba for some memorable life lessons.

Until we meet again…

Sarah.