Part One – Day One
We grabbed our bags from the overhead compartments and entered the lobby. It was much smaller than the one back home in Charlotte. Small shops were open, but Dad wouldn’t let me frivolously spend money. He hailed a cab once we got outside, and an old, yellow car pulled up.
The man came around and placed our bags in the trunk. We all got in, and he adjusted his mirror to look at us.
“Hola,” he greeted warmly, “Where are you going?”
“Hotel Meliá Habana.”
“Bueno.” He nodded before taking off. I kept my eyes out the window, admiring the beaches and older buildings as we entered the city's heart.
It broke my heart to see so many rundown buildings. I could imagine what they must have looked like during their resurrection, but my eyes only see the devastation.
He didn’t say much during the first half of the drive, but I kept noticing him looking back at us in the rearview mirror.
“First time in Cuba?”
“That obvious?” Dad asked jokingly.
He laughed. “Your son has those wide eyes every tourist gets when they visit. The eyes say everything.”
I smiled. “I’ve been wanting to come here for a long time.”
“Come here for the magic?”
“Magic?” I asked inquisitively.
He nodded. “Listen to the breeze as it passes through the palm tree leaves. Listen to the sound of the conga drums. Those, my friend, are the magic of Cuba. They tell a story that no words could ever speak.”
I nodded. “That sounds amazing.”
“Keep an open mind and heart; you will find what you seek.”
“I will.”
“Good,” he said, turning the steering wheel. We are here. I hope you enjoy your stay in Havana. And here is my card in case you need to get somewhere or have any questions.”
I placed it in my pocket before extending my hand to him. He grasped it firmly and smiled.
We entered the lobby and walked to the front desk. A woman warmly smiled as we walked up.
“Welcome to Hotel Meliá Habana. Do you have a reservation?”
“Yes, ma’am,” Dad pulled out his phone and handed it to her.
She typed on the keyboard for a minute before handing it back to him.
“Yes, Mr. Banks, I do see it. I’ll be right back with your cards.”
She walked around a corner as I turned to look at the grandeur of the décor. The ceiling was adorned with accents of dark purple and light brown. Plants were perfectly centered in the large room, and the wicker chairs were highlighted with burnt orange cushions.
Small glass tables and black chairs sat sprawled across the room, and the lightness of the air made me feel welcomed and calm.
To our surprise, the lobby was nearly empty.
She returned and handed the keys to Dad.
“I hope you enjoy your stay,” she said warmly. “Please visit the pool; it is the largest in Havana.”
“Will do.” Dad tilted his hat and picked up the bags.
We reached the sixth floor and turned left down the hallway. The blue carpet was spotless, and the walls were adorned with art and additional plants.
He tapped the key to the lock before opening it and stepping inside. My mouth fell to the floor as I took in everything.
Two queen-sized beds were across from a walnut-brown wall featuring a large, flat-screen TV. Wicker chairs sat beside the glass doors leading to the balcony outside. The shades were a mixture of peach and strawberry colors, and a large wooden desk sat on the other side.
I dropped my bag and jumped onto the bed. The plushness of the mattress was enough to make me fall asleep right there.
“Don’t fall asleep yet, son. Let’s go to the diner downstairs and eat before we pass out for the night.”
“Sounds good.”
We ordered our food and practically scarfed it down before returning to the room. After a quick shower and some television, I found myself drifting off.