Travel to Cuba is limited to Americans unless they are traveling under one of the 12 categories authorized by the US gov’t. The category that I elected was #5 – “Educational Activities”. This category is so broad and can have several interpretations. To ensure that I met the spirit of this exception I had intended on visiting museums, staying with some locals, journaling about my cultural enlightenment and I was planning on traveling with some American goods to serve as “gifts”. I know it sounds cheesy but I went to the Dollar Store and purchased all of the available packs of chewing gum they had and packs of pencils for the children. My intention was to give out these items from the US to people that I encountered. Sadly #teamcarryon was not an option with these added supplies. I had well over $75 in goods…I🛄 was heavy going into Cuba but light when I left!!!

Pic 1) This cutie-patootie was on her way to school with her young mother. Her mother said she could accept my gifts…I asked for a pic and this what I got! 💓

Pic 2) A young boy and his mother on their way earlier in the morning (it was around 7 am)…they’re sitting at the bus stop waiting for the bus to arrive. He has a pack of pencils in his hand…they were sooooo grateful for my token of appreciation. I’m sure they thought what’s up with this American!! 😳😳😳

Pic 3) I was walking in the park (it’s called Central Park but nothing NYC – far from grassy) which is dead in the middle of Old Havana or La Habana. It’s a great location to people watch (💖, 💖 people watching). There are street performers, the old classic cars are here, couples out on a date, you’re close to restaurants and the historic hotels, 🌲s – everything is close to this parkway…it was truly amazing. As I walked by, I heard some whistling…these three men we very good friends…had been enjoying their libations!!! They saw me taking pics and they decided to pose for me. At first, they were not gonna hug but the guy on right in the black jeans brought them in for a BIG GROUP HUG.

Pic 4) In my “Dora the Explorer” mode 🔍….I came across an Afro-Cuban. A beautiful woman…she was mopping the entrance to the building when I approached her and signaled if I could take her pic. She graciously agreed…she posed with her mop for me and afterward, I gave her a pack of chewing gum. Havana has the largest concentration of Afro-Cubans in the country.