Epicuriosity

Sunday May 30th

Our last full day in Cuba. Out of all the vacations and trips we’ve been on, this is the only one I can remember not wanting to leave yet. Maybe it’s the sunshine or the fact that I am dreading my workload when I return. But I’m pretty sure it’s because of my wonderful family!
We spent the day at my tio Olo’s house. Food, rum and Spanish karaoke. I actually got Mark to do the twist to ‘Jail House Rock’, while three of my cousins were belting it out in the microphone! The heat and rum has definitely got to him! To top it off it was the Spanish version! First time hearing an Elvis song in spanish! We laughed so hard we cried! I’m so glad we got video of that. I also got video of my dad dancing and singing like a rockstar! Everyone was dancing and singing and having SO much fun! 

We also found out that it’s pretty “Cuban” to recite poetry back and forth like a battle (think Eminem in Eight Mile).We watched my tia and great uncle go back and forth for probably 20 minutes. I didn’t understand half of it, but I’m pretty sure my tia won!
Dinner was a cream soup and fried rice. Not just some fried rice. I’m talking about a GIANT pot that covered the whole stove kind of stir fry. Mark said it was the best he ever had, but I’m pretty sure it’s because it was something other than frijoles, arroz, carne, tostones y chicharones.hehe
The party lasted all day and we didn’t even take a nap! We had way too much fun to have and such a short amount of time left.
So, Mark has this hat that he bought years ago in Arizona. That had has been all over the US, Carribean and even Egypt. One of my uncles really liked it and wore it anytime Mark had it with him. So my sweet man gave my sweet uncle his traveling hat. My uncle was so excited! He didn’t take that hat off for the rest of the day. We told him about all the places it had been. It was such a sweet moment.

When it was time to go I got really sad. I hugged all my uncles, kissed their cheeks and foreheads a million times and told them all how much I love them and how grateful I am for all they have done and that I will miss them so very much. Everyone wanted to know when we are coming back and they all want us to stay with them when we come back! In only ten days this family has touched my heart so very much. It hurts to think how long it will be before I can come back.

No crying today. I’ve been preparing myself since my cry baby incident in Palmira. Though tomorrow we will leave Cuba and just the thought of squeezing my aunt for the last time in who knows when makes me teary eyed.
This vacation wasn’t at some tropical paradise resort, road trip on route 66 or an Egyptian adventure. This was roughing it in a third world communist country and I think it’s been my favorite! We are however looking forward to a hot shower, a bed that our feet don’t hang off of, not having to check my bed (and coffee) for bugs and a large sushi boat with hot sake!

ok…I guess I’m kinda ready to go.