Rediscovering Havana: Second Time Around (September 2016)

17 years.

That’s how long it has been since I first laid eyes on Havana. Back then, I was a fresh-faced college senior, spending June and part of July studying Spanish and Latin American history at the University of Havana. At the time, the country was nearing the end of its so-called "special period."

I minored in Spanish at Loyola University, and was excited to be a part of a small group of young U.S. “scholars,” studying abroad and experiencing a Spanish-speaking country known as much for its timeless beauty as its controversial government. 

Because of our tight schedules (and several restrictions), we were only able to visit a few sites in Havana during our stay - sites like Revolution Square (which happened to be during a rare Cuban Evangelical Celebration), Tropicana, and several paladares (privately-owned, usually in-home restaurants).

Then, we headed south to spend a few weeks in the coastal cities of Cienfuegos and Trinidad. 

So, I didn’t get to see much of the country's capital, and frankly, didn’t think I would get another opportunity to visit it.

Until now.

Over the next few weeks, be sure to follow this blog for more stories on the people I met and the experiences encountered along the way as I journeyed to rediscover Havana.

Let’s just say it was a beautiful return to an even more beautiful country.

Hasta pronto!

Meanwhile, is there a city/country you would like to re-visit? Let me know!