Cuba, 2018
Cuba: A Journey of Connection, Disconnection, and Pure Freedom
In 2018, I found myself on a plane to Cuba for what would become one of the most transformative trips of my life. It wasn’t my first time traveling, but it was the first time I wasn’t traveling solo. For someone who had always wandered independently, the idea of sharing an adventure with friends filled me with equal parts excitement and anxiety. Would our rhythms align? Would our energy flow? Or would it clash?
Cuba, however, has a way of stripping away worries and grounding you in the present. It’s a country unlike any other. Internet access and phone networks aren’t easily available—unless you go out of your way to secure them. We made the conscious choice to stay completely disconnected. No SIM cards, no calls, no scrolling. For two weeks, the only connections we nurtured were with each other and the world around us.
The Arrival: Havana’s Spell
Our adventure began in Havana. We arrived late at night, the city quiet yet humming with an energy I could feel in my bones. Our casa particular—a guesthouse owned by locals—had a rooftop, and despite the hour, I couldn’t resist climbing up to take in the view. The city lights sparkled in the distance, and the faint scent of the sea mixed with the warm night air.
The magic truly hit the next morning. I woke early to catch the sunrise, and as the city stirred to life, it felt like stepping into a painting. Roosters crowed in the distance, motorcycles began to sputter to life, and the golden light bathed Havana in a dreamlike glow. It was just the beginning of what Cuba had in store.
A Journey Across the Island
Our two-week itinerary took us deep into the heart of the island, thanks to Pavel, our incredible driver and guide. Pavel quickly became more than a driver—he became our surrogate father, always looking out for us with genuine care and warmth. His vintage car felt like a time capsule, and his local knowledge turned every detour into an unforgettable memory.
One of our most enchanting stops was a secluded waterfall that Pavel brought us to on a whim. There were no tourists, no signs—just nature in its raw beauty. We spent the afternoon splashing in the water, laughing like kids on a secret holiday. Pavel watched us with a quiet smile, his joy mirroring ours.
Riding Through the Jungle
Later in the trip, we found ourselves in a remote village surrounded by lush greenery. While my friends opted to relax, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to ride horses again. With Pavel’s encouragement, I set off alone with a local guide. What followed was one of the most breathtaking experiences of my life.
We rode through dense jungle, where the only sounds were the soft rustling of leaves and the rhythm of the horse’s steps. At one point, the trail narrowed into a tunnel of bamboo, so thick that it blocked out the sky. I remember thinking, Why don’t I have my phone to capture this? But then, I smiled, realizing how precious it was to experience a moment that belonged only to me.
The ride grew more adventurous as we descended a steep cliff, the guide carefully clearing the way with his machete. By the time we reached a river, the water rose to my hips as the horse waded through. It felt like a scene from an old adventure movie—unpredictable, thrilling, and completely unforgettable.
When we reunited with my friends, Pavel looked at me with pride, sharing that the guide was impressed by how well I rode. It was a small compliment, but it filled me with gratitude, knowing I’d just lived through one of the most extraordinary moments of my life.
The Magic of Being Present
Cuba’s beauty isn’t just in its landscapes or its people—it’s in the way it forces you to slow down. With no phones to distract us, we spent our evenings talking, laughing, and reflecting on the day. Time felt elastic—both fleeting and infinite.
This trip reminded me of the joy of being truly present. We weren’t thinking about emails, social media, or the outside world. We were there, in the moment, soaking in every second. It’s a feeling I’ve rarely experienced, even in remote places like Antarctica, where internet access is still an option.
Cuba stripped us of the noise of modern life and gifted us something priceless: connection—to each other, to nature, and to ourselves.
The Takeaway
Looking back, it’s no surprise that all of us agreed this was the best trip of our lives. Cuba taught us the beauty of simplicity and presence, a lesson that stays with me to this day.
If you ever find yourself yearning for a journey that goes beyond sightseeing, that pulls you away from screens and into the richness of real life—Cuba is waiting.
