I was lucky enough to be a member of the UMass Lowell study abroad program in Havana, Cuba. This experience was eye opening in so many different ways. The differences between our “normal” lives and what I was able to witness in Cuba are shocking. Each day during our time in Cuba were met with new opportunities to experience the culture of the country. This was especially the case on the third day we had in Cuba. This day was truly unlike any other day in my life. 

            My life since I was very young was largely centered around baseball. The sport is my life, and the Yankees are my soul. Yet, in America today, baseball is losing its grip on the younger generation. On my third day in Cuba, it was clear that it would be different. This day began with our group being able to play baseball with the Cuban kids. At first, as you would expect, the kids were quiet. But very quickly that changed. The kids were lively, and the true passions of baseball were showing. Even though my Spanish is subpar, our love for the sport brought us together. That morning concluded with my team of my fellow students and Cuban stars defeating Professor Z’s team. An amazing victory. 

            This victory became so much sweeter when we were able to give the children the gifts, we brought for them. In Cuba, the day was Three Kings Day. This is a traditional day in which the children would be given gifts. All the students from UMass Lowell brought baseball gear and supplies for the kids. The best of all, being the Yankees hat that made its way into my backpack. There was one boy who was clearly going to be the recipient of this hat. When I gave it to him, honestly, I believe he was slightly confused. Once he understood what was going on, he was elated. That feeling is contagious. These children deserve everything we gave them and so much more.

            The field in which we played on was part of the property of Ernest Hemmingway. He was an American writer who embraced Cuba. Hemingway was beloved for many reasons, including how he treated the youth in the country. The kids of his area wanted to play baseball and Hemmingway was able to provide them with a place to play. So, a short walk from our field was the home of Ernest, sitting atop the hill. Walking through his property was a strange feeling. His home was full of big game that was hunted and different areas in which he would write and draw influence. While this part of the day was not the most thrilling, it was still true history. This house was preserved to be as if Hemmingway was still living there. That is the feeling around Cuba as a whole. Not the idea that everything has been preserved, but that everything is a part of history in one way or another. Every house that you see, every building you pass, and every road that you walk feels as if it is another piece of Cuban culture and past time. 

            At the conclusion of the Hemingway tour, we were able to see the boat he used for fishing. At the same time, I was able to look to my left and see the children down the way still playing baseball. When I really looked, I could see the same boy playing and wearing the Yankees hat. While the hat was a little big for him, he made it work. We continued and before leaving for lunch, there was a man churning sugarcane into a beverage. We had to stop by and grab a glass. These are the moments that I will never take for granted. The small moments in the world of Cuba.

            From Hemingway, we moved onto our next destination, and urban farm. This farm, following suit to the majority of Cuba, was not what I was expecting. This farm was innovative and made such efficient use of the land that was available. This farm also gave another powerful insight into the people of Cuba. This was a personal sized farm which the owners opened to our eyes. They allowed us to walk around, try the produce, and learn how they can be successful farmers. The farm was full of glass and plastic bottles strategically placed in the ground to better water distribution but also provide structural integrity. Those farmers were a true testament to the Cuban people. 

            The lunch of this day was beautiful. The restaurant was only a few doors down from the urban farm and was home to much of the produce we saw being grown. The lunch contained fresh fish, produce and so many other delightful dishes. When it was time to go, the mother of Cuban coffee arrived. Setting up shop in the corner of the restaurant, she went to work. One by one our students walked up and politely asked for a cup. Delicious. Again, we are being treated amazingly by the Cubans who are so ready and willing to share their culture and ways of life. 

            For the remainder of the afternoon and evening, we were able to recover and prepare ourselves for the night ahead of us. This evening was going to be very unlike any other night in my life, salsa night. We made our way to the outdoor venue which was quiet when we first arrived. The area became active very quickly. There was a clear dance floor since the moment we arrived, but the dance floor was not the only place where dance was permitted. Salsa was fluid through the entirety of this venue. The salsa is a beautiful dance which appears to be rehearsed in some manner. Each movement is done with purpose and the partner is able to react and respond in such a perfect way. Yet the most impressive facet, everybody does it. Every single Cuban in that venue was able to move better than I ever could. Even the elders are able to move their bodies like they are twenty. It was clear that the salsa is a staple in Cuban culture. 

            This day in Cuba was an insightful gaze into true Cuban society and culture. What matters to these people? What matters is clear. Happiness. This was consistent through every day and night in Cuba. The people are happy and the lives they live are fulfilling for them. They all dance and are connected with those around them. The idea of personal space does not exist in Cuba. While this day was amazing, so was every day that we experienced in Cuba. For different reasons and in different ways, I was changed every day. Just being present in the atmosphere that is Cuba is life changing. The classic car galore is a sight that was just remarkable. From this trip onward the smell of exhaust will always bring me back. The time we had in Cuba was brief and I do not know when I will ever have the opportunity to return. With this, I extend a thank you to Cuba for allowing our exposure to your world.