Havana

It's official. I fell in love with Cuba! Especially Havana. I was there yesterday and could not have had more fun! My new friend Mia (sister of the bride) and I explored Havana... first we met a local Cuban girl, Leah who asked what we wanted to see and I told her "real life - not the touristy spots". She took us to the store where she gets her rationed food, a local bar (where we were serenaded), and then asked if there was anything else we wanted to see. I said I really wanted to see how the Cuban people lived - so she took us right into her home! What a gift. Then when Mia and I explored more on our own we came across an open square where older Cuban men were playing dominoes, met lots of people, watched people getting their haircut in the park, saw lots of great architecture and old cars. And at one point we heard this great live band... so we followed the music and found this "jam session" basically in a crammed little room - and through some fancy sign language on both their and my parts - they invited me in to snap pictures while they played. They were great! I could not have enjoyed my day more! I'm itching to go back now - this time with Mark. the colours, sounds, and energy of the city was absolutely incredible. Here's a glimpse into my day yesterday.... (towards the end are my fave pics!)