In Other News...

I opened my inbox to see an email from the US Fulbright Comittee and...

I WAS RECCOMENDED FOR THE GRANT TO CHILE!!!

Keep your fingers crossed for the rest of the process

The First Few Days

As we touched down in Havana after a mere 40 minute flight, I realized exactly how close Cuba is to the United States. After having my passport stamped (I had to ask) and literally walking right through customs we were greeted by Anita, our wonderful program coordinator from the University of Havana. A short ride and we were home, the Hotel Universitario. The rooms are comfortable doubles with AC and hot water. We dropped off our suitcases and were summoned downstairs into the bar. It was one of the employees birthday and we had been invited to share in the rum and dancing. This is Cuba after all.

We have visited the University, received our student IDs, walked along the Malecon, explored Havana Vieja, had a city orientation / Q&A with people from the Center for Public Administration, went to the Museum of Fine Arts (beautiful), and went out with some Cuban students…

All the talk on how well Cubans can dance is true and then some. After an already long day, we took the bus to the Café Cantante, an expensive dance club that has a special rate on certain days for students. It was packed. Despite being extraordinarily tired ,running on an empty stomach, and suffering from tall awkward white girl syndrome when it comes to dancing, the live music and energy of the room made up for it all. I think we found the tallest Cuban alive in that club, and even he can dance. After 5 hours we emerged sweaty and smiling… not bad for our second night in Havana. Needless to say we all slept well and are ready (maybe) to do it again tonight!

Each day I wake up and grab my sunglasses, explore the city, learn new words in Spanish, and attempt to take it all in. I’m actually living in Cuba… this is crazy! I couldn’t be happier : )

Miami Send Off

I can think of worse places to have a day layover. Smooth flight, fancy hotel, dinner in South Beach... life is good. I love the snow and cold weather but seeing the palm tree lined streets, hearing Spanish just as much as English, and walking on the beach has opened a floodgate of emotions. Fortunately for me (and much to my mothers dismay) I seem to thrive on adventure and I'm sure that a semester in Cuba will not disappoint. I'll miss my family (especially my cats) and friends and all the festivities back in the states... but I'm off!

I'm not much of a blogger, but I'm giving it a shot. It doesn't help that internet, besides being a bit pricey, is apparently hit or miss in Havana, so bear with me :)

Travel Plans

Philly > Miami

Wed Jan 27th

Miami > Havana

Thur Jan 28th

- Adventures in Cuba -

Havana > Miami

Sat May 8th

Miami > Philly

Sat May 8th