Cruising World - June 2018

THAT CUBAN MYSTIQUE

june/july 2018

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air-conditioned bus felt amazing. Better yet, our tour guides can-
didly talked with us about everyday life in Cuba, and were happy
to answer any of our questions. I was surprised that no subject
was off limits. We learned about the education system, and how
the dual currencies work (see “Money Talks,” page 52) and have
changed the economy. They told us about the types of jobs Cu-
bans want (anything with the potential to work with visitors and
earn convertible pesos) and spoke of travel, religion, politics —
pretty much everything.
Lunch this day was easily the best meal we had in Cuba. We ate
at an organic farm named Casa de Confianza that served direct
field-to-table fare, family style. The dishes were abundant and de-
licious: veggies, pork, chicken, seafood, rice, beans. The signature
drink — a healthier take on a piña colada — was served with a
bottle of rum on the table for guests to spike to taste.
On our final day in Cuba we paid a visit to Havana’s Museum
of the Revolution. The imposing building was once the presiden-
tial residence but now provides an interesting (albeit one-sided)
education of the Cuban revolution. Afterward, sounds from a fan-
tastic band pulled us into another cafe for more mojitos. It was the

perfect cap for the afternoon, since we needed to be back at the

marina in time for the last rally party.

The rally fleet was scheduled to head out the next day, but

due to a weather report that warned of building northerly winds,

several crews planned to leave that evening. The Quince Amor crew

debated leaving later that night, but decided that an early morning

departure would be fine. The closing party was held on the marina

grounds and featured a sit-down dinner under the starry night and

live music, a special way to close out an incredible time.

Under still dark skies, it was with a heavy dose of reluctance

that we cast off for home. In the end, Quince Amor’s journey back

to Key West was as benign as the voyage there was boisterous.

Dolphins accompanied us for a portion of the way, and the guys

even went for an ocean swim. All too soon we were back where we

started, but now with old friendships deepened, new ones formed

and memories galore. Summing it up would require too many

superlatives, so I’ll leave it at this: Cuba blew my mind, and my

expectations. And I barely scratched the surface.

Jennifer Brett is CW’s senior editor.