Just a short flight over from Miami is a country that is rich in culture and full of life. Vibrant, good vibes were felt all around as I explored Havana. The people were not only welcoming, but were so helpful and patience as we tried our best to communicate. Those four years of Spanish class in high school only got me by when it came to asking for where the bathroom was and to ensure that no cheese was included in my pasta. Hah.

I landed in a humid and hot country after a very uncomfortable overnight flight, but my mood was quickly lifted as I saw a driver waving a sign with mine and Layla’s name on it. He didn’t speak any English and Layla spoke a limited amount, so between the two of them, we figured out what our next steps were.