Goodbye and good luck Cuba

Handing over our final convertible pesos to the mucho asleepo staff of the Bureau de Change. The staff that were awake sat peering through thick plate glass, cigar smoke the only real thing flowing through these secure money slot counters. Come to think of it most of the airport's staff that were not smoking where mainly asleep. Most flaked right out on counters, chairs and anything else that could double up as make-shift beds, all seemed pretty at ease as if this was the norm when working the graveyard shift. We felt almost guilty in edging up to the counter to buy anything. We did manage to pick up a local Cuban newspaper to help pass the wee small hours, it was only a mere 6 days out of date! Castro dominating the front page where images of him proudly shaking hands with yet another Chinese diplomat. We headed for our penultimate departure lounge.

Cuba has given us yet another great experience on our road trip. A country that we've wanted to visit for a while now and if hasn't disappointed. However much you read up on this country nothing really prepares you for the first sights as you stray into the backstreets from the so called revamped sections of the city. Its then you're instantly mesmerized by the Caribbean charm of a place trapped in time. Then and only then you come to realise just how different life within Cuba really is. Feeling different to anywhere else we've visited in the modern world. As it's just not suppressed through staunch communists rules, it's also being restricted by the choices it made throughout its chequered past which has been followed up by years of powerful single party leadership. A leader that is viewed as a very intelligent but staunch independent thinker. Independence for this rainbow shaped island has certainly come at a price. Resulting though in a truly fascinating place to visit as a tourist. Even on queuing up at the departure tax payment booth you can't help but feel very fortunate that our nationality gives us the right to roam without really any question at all.  The freedom to visit most places of choice at almost the drop of hat or the click of a mouse. A humbling experience given recent conversations.

On one hand you can see why people call it an "untouched gem". A place that's known as "a place to visit now before things change". But that's only from a visitors point of view. As if and when you get the chance to speak with the Cubans you just cant help but become full of sadness and frustration on how the place you've chose to visit actually carries on. Yes many Cubans are happy with the way things have panned out but as new generations grow more and more frustrations build. Quite simply many are finding more and more ways the leave Cuba through channels of studies and working visas and many now are vowing never to return.  Thoughts on Cuba changing sometime soon, we just can't see it as nothing here moves quick enough for anyone to really notice change and given the present government, though its said Raul is no Fidel when it comes to sheer intelligence and single mindedness, but really whilst the Castros are still over most if not all things it's going to be more than likely a same - same type situation.

Miss

D. Everything old, oddly cigars, talking all things Cuban with Lilly's caring and helpful family, the Syrians!, rum, the much floatable Caribbean sea
 F. Mojitos, collectivo cars, salsa dancing

Won't miss

D. Emotional sad tales of rationing of very basic produce, staunch communist views, Lada taxis,
F. Humidity, far too many fantastic old buildings being left to rot, sultry Caribbean charm