Last month we took a trip to Cuba after a weekend cruise to the Bahamas to celebrate our friend’s wedding. Before the trip, I knew little to nothing about Cuba. I had heard from a few friends of mine that it was definitely worth seeing before tourism takes over. With it being such a cheap flight from Ft. Lauderdale it seemed like a no-brainer.

We began our week-long adventure in Havana. The city & the people were so fascinating. It’s truly a unique place. It’s literally like you’ve gone back in time – Old cars; the most gorgeous buildings deteriorating right before your eyes; early 80-90’s fashion; and then there’s this warm energy that fills the air – The people seem so happy and relaxed.

I’ve also never seen a truer definition of “community” than in this city. Everyone helped one another. Though it may have been annoying at times to constantly be haggled, you couldn’t help but smile at their hustle for friends & family.Grocery shops don’t exist – well, they do, but they only offer rum, cigars, pasta, and toiletries (you know, the essentials) so you’re left to purchasing produce on the streets. But to be honest, we didn’t dare cook ourselves one meal there. It’s a bit tricky and with our crazy food poisoning incident two days in, we figured it’s best to leave it to the professionals. ha!

The first Airbnb we stayed in (which was gorgeous, by the way) recommended we enjoy a coffee from Cafe es Escorial. Their coffee was SO good! I wasn’t exactly excited about the cuisine in Cuba, but the coffee was absolutely delicious!

We ran & walked along the Malecón, gosh is it stunning. Waves crashing against the weathered seawall, determined local fishermen patiently waiting for their catch, and couples basking in the sun as they stroll along without a worry in the world – it’s just as beautiful and romantic as you’d imagine:)

After a few days in Havana, we headed to Viñales. I was definitely most excited to explore this area. Our Casa Particular was nestled into the trees up the road from the tiny town center. Our host, Fernando, and his lovely wife were a Godsend. With James incredibly ill from food poisoning, they helped make him comfortable whilst bringing me a few piña coladas as I looked after him:) Before deciding to expand their bed & breakfast they ran a restaurant that was featured in Lonely Planet which they decided to shut down due to the workload. They now only cook for guests, lucky us! Locals pride themselves on cooking organic; they grow & raise everything that’s found on your dinner plate. We both appreciated that after some of the dicey meals we had in Havana. Hands down, best meal we had in Cuba.

We had planned on taking a horseback tour through the tobacco and coffee plantations but decided maybe it wasn’t the best for James’ stomach. Fernando organized for his neighbor to take us around on the back of their horse carriage by yelling across the road. I loved how casual they were with just about everything.

After a very short two days in Viñales, we hired a taxi to take us to Cayo Levisa, a 45-minute drive on the world’s bumpiest road. James had heard about this island through a colleague at work and suggested a day on the beach is what we needed. He didn’t have to convince me! We arrived by ferry on this gorgeous island where we were shown our bungalow which included our own private beach – Closest thing to paradise I’ve ever seen.

We spent the morning and afternoon drinking piña coladas & cervezas as we lounged on the beach. After a late lunch, we took a walk along the water heading back to the beach near our bungalow. As the sun was setting, I commented on how I wish I had my camera to capture the light. James offered to grab it from the room (and my ring – sneaky guy!!).

He handed me my camera and I began to snap a few photos. Then insisted I needed to get up and move closer to the water to capture the perfect photo. I, of course, told him I know what I’m doing (ha!) but then realized he was probably right and moved closer to the water. I then turned around to take a photo of him and he was gone! I moved my camera from my face and there he was, on one knee, with the sweetest smile I’ve ever seen. I’m actually cheesin’ as I write this as his smile was the best part. I actually knew what was happening, but my brain didn’t seem to process it quick enough. I think he may have even asked me to marry him twice as I was speechless. I just wanted to hug him. (He’s still convinced I fell over him as I said yes).

It was perfect in every way for us. There was absolutely no one in sight and we were in the middle of the ocean, on a tiny island, no internet or phone reception, just the two of us – engaged to be married:) I had to repeat to myself aloud that we were engaged. It all seemed surreal. And then he told me he had talked to my parents beforehand so they both knew. That meant so much to me as I know how much my parents would have appreciated it. (And a job well done on my mother who’s infamous for not keeping secrets!!)

We celebrated with a bottle of champagne at the tiny outdoor bar with an older German couple and a retired Swedish Professor writing about the current state in Cuba. I was so happy and felt so loved. February 4, 2017 – you were the best day.

The next morning we woke up really, really early to the view below. I insisted we snag one photo of ourselves + the spot where he proposed:)

After Cayo Levisa we headed back to Havana for our last two nights in Cuba. We met up with our dear friends also visiting from Germany and celebrated some more.

This trip was nothing like I had expected and even better for that. In every way. I hope we’ll stick to our plan and visit again in ten years.

ps: I linked the airbnb’s & coffee shop in case you’re now wanting to go:)