“When I remember Cuba, I don’t remember the cars or the cigars. I remember the people.”
Chapter 1 — Two Worlds
I travelled to Cuba twice.
The first journey was about discovering the country.
The second journey was about understanding its soul.
What I found was not one Cuba.
It was two Cubas living side by side.
Chapter 2 — Behind the Facades
When I think of Cuba, I don’t think of cigars.
I don’t think of old American cars.
I think of people.
Their smiles.
Their generosity.
Their curiosity.
Their warmth.
Even today, years later, these faces remain with me.
Chapter 3 — The People
We drove across the entire island.
Broken roads.
Unexpected encounters.
Hitchhikers.
People trying to sell us fake cigars.
And every single day another unforgettable story.
Chapter 4 — Happiness Without Abundance
Cuba showed me two completely different worlds.
One filled with music, colour and creativity.
The other struggling with shortages, declining buildings and limited opportunities.
Every conversation reflected this contradiction.
Chapter 5 — Improvisation
On our second journey we explored another Cuba.
Not beaches.
Not hotels.
Art.
With professors and art historians we visited private studios.
Some artists exhibited in New York.
Others in Miami.
Their creativity was breathtaking.
Chapter 6 — What We Have Forgotten
This place changed the way I think about creativity.
A former factory transformed into one of the most inspiring cultural spaces I have ever experienced.
I left thinking:
Europe needs places like this.
Chapter 7 — What Cuba Taught Me / Final Reflection
Music was everywhere.
Not on stages.
In everyday life.
Old couples danced.
Children sang.
Every street had its own rhythm.
Related Book
📖 The Girl on the Rooftop
Before I understood resilience, I met it in Cuba.
The people I met taught me that dignity, hope and creativity can survive even under the most difficult circumstances.
