Will I visit Cuba in the near future?

I have been asked this question many times by friends and family. My answer is yes, but only after Cuba regains its freedom, and only for a short visit. Then I will return to the U.S.A., as now it has become my home, and the country of my four children and eight grandchildren.

When in Cuba, I would take a walk along the beautiful seaside avenue in Havana called “Malecon.” It will remind me of my youth, when as a boy I used to stroll alongside the ocean holding my parent’s hands, and later as a teenager holding the hand of my girlfriend, now my wife.

I will visit Varedero, at the outskirts of Havana, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. There I will walk on its fine white sand while looking at the deep blue hue of the sea.

I will pay a visit to the countryside, with its beautiful palm trees of a kind called Royal Palm, as they belong to the royalty of the many varieties of such plants. The Havana Yacht Club where I spent the summer of my youth, learned to swim and play tennis.

I will do all of these things and many more, accompanied by family and friends so I can share with them all these beautiful places deeply ingrained in my memory.

All of this is wishful thinking, as the Cuba I once knew is not there anymore. The old streets and houses I will not recognize. The Havana Yacht Club, once a second home for me and my family is not there anymore. Only the countryside landscape with the palm trees and blue skies, the refreshing ocean breeze and the ancient Morro Castle will be there to greet me.

It is a blessing to be part of a large family that stays together, enjoys each other’s company and helps each other in times of need. The extended family is a part of the Cuban heritage, which I hope will be kept alive through future generations.

Dr. Carlos Muniz is a retired psychiatrist from Gainesville.
He may be contacted through the editor at editor@towerpublications.com

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