| How do you do nothing? Up until a few months ago I | | | | give it a name: the Cuban stroll. |
| had no clue. Anytime I attempted to do nothing, I'd | | | | A typical day on the resort went like this: slept in, |
| think about the next thing that needed to be done. | | | | showered, changed, ate, went to the beach, |
| Admittedly I've never been good with standing still. I | | | | sunbathed & slept, swam in the ocean, |
| figured the best way to cure this would be go to a | | | | sunbathed & slept some more, swam in the |
| place where I'd be forced to do nothing. In my | | | | pool, got ready for dinner, went to the disco & |
| opinion there's no better place than a tropical | | | | then slept. We repeated this for 6 days, 7 nights. Lol, |
| paradise. | | | | you get the idea! |
| Believe it or not, I had never been on a vacation. | | | | By far, my most memorable day was our day trip to |
| Sure, I had visited New York, Chicago and Los | | | | Santa Clara. Arranged by our tour operator, it was a |
| Angeles; however it was only for a few days and | | | | full day of activities: we rode an old-fashioned train |
| not an all inclusive resort. For years I watched people | | | | ride into Remedios, visited the oldest church in Cuba, |
| around me escape to warmer temperatures, listened | | | | toured a cigar factory, had lunch at a beautiful |
| to their stories of sun, sand and waves, and | | | | restaurant and explored the streets of Santa Clara. |
| wondered when it would be my turn. | | | | Poignant for me was our visit to the Ernesto "Che" |
| Determined to not let another year without a | | | | Guevara Monument and Mausoleum, which was such |
| vacation pass me by, I booked an all inclusive | | | | an incredible experience! Ernest "Che" Guevara was |
| package. And Cuba was the destination of choice! It's | | | | an admirable man and is a hero to many people not |
| worth mentioning that Sean and I narrowly missed | | | | just in Cuba but around the world! We were inspired |
| purchasing our tickets from Conquest Vacations, | | | | to learn more about him and his legacy! One of the |
| which ceased operations the day of our purchase. | | | | books we purchased was The CIA Against Che by |
| This proved to be a blessing in disguise because we | | | | Adys Cupull and Froilán González, |
| were able to get a 4 star ocean view room in the | | | | which discusses the possible involvement of the CIA |
| newly constructed Barcelo Cayo Santa Maria near | | | | in Che's death. |
| Santa Clara, Cuba. | | | | Before I knew it, my week had come to an end. |
| The moment I stepped off the plane, I realized you | | | | Although I was sad to leave, I knew I'd be back. |
| don't just visit Cuba, you feel Cuba!! From gentle | | | | When I landed in Toronto I couldn't help but notice |
| breezes, soft sandy beaches & melodious ocean | | | | the sharp contrast in how everyone moved through |
| waves to the warmth of the people and their | | | | the airport. Gone were their lazy strolls and laid back |
| endless generosity, Cuba is beautiful!! Our resort was | | | | demeanour. Everyone was in a rush and made a mad |
| exceptional and immaculate, with attentive and | | | | dash out of the airport, back to their busy lives. |
| accommodating staff. And the food was simply | | | | These days, I'm slowing down whenever possible: if |
| delicious! The food was so delicious that we passed | | | | I'm not wearing a watch, it doesn't matter; |
| on attending our 3rd a la carte and opted instead to | | | | unexpected free time: I take a walk or curl up with a |
| have dinner at the buffet. | | | | good book; and on those special lazy afternoons: I'm |
| Our beach was glorious, private and secluded! It was | | | | by the water reminiscing about Cuba and anticipating |
| so refreshing to take it easy. Watches were | | | | the next time I'll be back in the Atlantic Ocean |
| forgotten and we didn't care. If wanted to know the | | | | catching a wave. You know, that really great wave |
| time we looked up and saw where the sun was | | | | you fall into without hesitation, knowing it will carry |
| positioned in the sky. Even the way we walked was | | | | you exactly where you need to be. |
| different: chill and relaxed. It was so cool I had to | | | | Mucho gracias Cuba! |