We all have a past, a story and a reason to step foot on a plane, to commence a journey to a land still undiscovered by you, your eyes and your soul, for the first time I hope you enjoy my story and it makes you travel to South America, if you haven’t already, and if you haven’t travelled at all, that you do – RIGHT NOW! Whilst waiting for the plane to take off from Santiago, I looked out the window and witnessed the most spectacular sunset. It was 8:30pm and the sun was just starting to go down. A humongous ball of fire, threatening to take over the world, one mountain at a time, which had the power to turn the sky into colours and beauty my eyes had never seen. Yellows, greens, purples, blues, pinks, oranges all lines below each other, with a peace offering euphoria. The mountains beyond but in view from Santiago airport had many stories of their own to tell, and will remain a mystery. The dusk air and light made the mountains more intriguing. They were full of life and despite only having browns, yellows and Gold colours forming them, it was definitely a city of life for animals and other possibly unknown beings. The wave of emotions I had is indescribable. Realising that I am finally a solo traveller, I am in a foreign country, 1000’s kms away from home, yet feeling so safe, and so free. You are alive. You are apart of the mystery, the beauty, the magic of nature, Earth, the universe. I befriended two Chilean girls who explained that not many people speak English and their jargon different to the rest of South America and in a way have their own language, putting a spin on the Latin language. Cuba ! it has delivered on its promises; 1950’s Cadillac’s, pastel coloured buildings, Spanish music, salsa dancing by locals along the streets, the scent of cigars and amazing, sexy, creamy, caramel like Lindt chocolate men. I have fallen in love 28 times before leaving La Habana Airport The first night in my Casa (family owned home) was interesting with it being self-contained (if you know how to use any of it) the bed providing free acupuncture with the number of springs popped up and it offering one summer sheet. There was also no water, therefore no tap, shower, toilet. The sinoretta residing opposite me did not speak English and despite my attempts, Espanola is not a language I am not fluent in, however I managed to convey “Hola Sinoretta, Lo Siento No Espanola, and no agua” which translates to “Hello Miss, Sorry I do not speak Spanish and I have no water.” I managed to have a shower at her la casa, was given fresh water and my landlord was arranged to come the following morning. My first night in La Habana, consisted of me strolling the streets, that can be described as bright and colourful alleyways, with stray cats and dogs, plenty of music, Cubans playing checkers and being in receipt of multiple offers of salsa and marriage. Waking the following morning I decided my mission for the day was to obtain a wifi card, finding the nearest Wifi Park - Most cities/towns in Cuba have one wifi park, which is where everyone including the locals go; to use the internet with this place being the only area you will have access. Soon after, a local offered to take me to a restaurant warned about locals trying to be tipped for “their service” I politely declined. He refused to accept my decline. I found myself entering a sign-less door, Which took us to another closed door. when entering, I sceptically followed this strange man, and when the door opened to a dungeon, I thought I had entered a mafia la casa, with so many thoughts running through my head, I continued to follow – YOLO, Or LOCO. The people inside were were from Florida, I reaped the English conversation for the Gold it was worth. I ventured back into my neighbourhood, for a coffee. Plaza Vieja, which somehow became my pin point, safe place, whenever I got lost, I found myself wandering back to the centre of this plaza It took a fair amount of time for my order, Cuba has taught me already – patience. Everything comes in time. No rush, look around, absorb your surroundings, appreciate what you have now and you will appreciate even more, what you are waiting for.