Evalynn Borrego: Student Report from 2016 Alternative Summer Break in Cuba
I have never traveled beyond the United States until this past summer. I actually wanted to stay within the States until I was able to see all fifty of them. College changed my perspective on the world and this trip changed my perspective on life. When I first walked by Judith Mallory sitting at her table at the Study Abroad Fair talking to a young lady about a trip, I heard her mention Cuba and I stopped. I am half-Cuban and I have desired to learn more about my background ever since I was a child. I was unable to meet all of my family that was Cuban, and though I met my father, I never got the chance to be close to him. As a result, I felt as if part of my background was missing. I couldn’t give up the chance to visit Cuba, to learn about its culture, to become closer to the part of me that was a mystery. I stopped and made the decision to do everything in my power to go on the study abroad trip to Cuba.
When I finally made it to Cuba, it was a dream come true. The architecture was stunning and the people were lively. Every day spent in Cuba was a new one, we were always doing something whether it was walking or eating, and we never took a break until it was time for bed. I think my favorite thing about Cuba was the people. They made me feel at home and gave me a helping hand when I needed it. I got sick one day at the construction site and the concern and kindness that was shown to me reminds me every day how blessed I was to get the chance to meet some incredible people.
Cuba itself is beautiful, and though I did not see all of the country, I was able to see parts of Habana and Viñales. The architecture and nature were stunning, especially the mountains. The mountains in Viñales are not your typical mountains, they have round and flat tops that remind me of gumdrops. In addition to Cuba being beautiful, there was a lot of great food there. My mom would be disappointed to hear me say this, but the food I had in Cuba was some of the best food I have ever had. It also came in large portions, so finishing it all was a bit of a challenge, but I tried not to waste any savory bites.
It’s hard to retell the exact stories of my experience in Cuba, but I can say that the memories I made there will forever be treasured. I hope anyone and everyone who wishes to see the world gets the chance to see it with their own eyes. The memories you make in a foreign land are ones you may value forever.
