My heart rejoices for the simple fact that we're in Cuba. But one of the most joyous moments we experience when living abroad are those when we meet amazing people who become our friends.
We've been fortunate to meet people with the warmest of hearts who have helped us way more than I could ever have imagined. I'm so moved by the kindness and generosity of people who just a few days ago were strangers but are now friends for life.
Living in a country like Cuba is amazing and adventurous but not easy. It's definitely not ready for the increasing and unprecedented number of visitors in the last two weeks.
Cuba simply lacks the infrastructure at this time. Car rentals, lodging and transportation are just some of the obvious areas of shortage. But even finding bottle water has been difficult. And when I find it, I usually clean them out.
Of course, by comparison, as a spoiled American, my issues are minuscule and insignificant. The real challenges are those faced every day by the Cuban people about which, given how much control there is here, I can't really give specifics while I'm still in the country.
But one of the most remarkable experiences for me is being the recipient of so many acts of kindness from people who have endured so much for so long. We've had some challenging moments at times but we have found more than a helping hand and warm heart when we have most needed it.
Lodging and transportation has been extremely hard to find when not booked well in advance. It was nearly impossible during the Rolling Stones concert when we had actually made plans to be away from Havana and, at the last minute, decided to come back. We've heard of people who had to sleep in the parks and in hotel lobbies. After literally trying dozens of Airbnb rentals, several hotels and walking a few miles going from door to door trying to find a casa particular to no avail, we thought we'd have to spend the night in a hotel lobby.
Thankfully, we found people with huge hearts who helped and saved us. We ended up in an awesome terrace apartment with comfortable beds, great air conditioning and a full moon shining over us.
~Amira Elgan