What do I find refreshing about the national spirit of Cuba? First, it has a national spirit, characterized by a sense of solidarity and a deep pride in being Cubano. The Cuban people endure more on a daily basis than most of us experience in a lifetime, but they don't tend to deal with it by lashing out at each other. I admire Cubanos' resilient joy. There is a saying in Havana, "If you have a problem, drink a mojito. If you have 2 problems, drink 2 mojitos. If you have 3 problems, you are drunk and they don't matter anymore."
As a tourist, I experienced a genuine warmth from the Cuban people, a natural curiosity that belies a trust in your fellow human. That is good place to start a friendship. I am finding that the small things really matter in Cuba. I am learning that, as a nation, the spirit of the Cuban people is turned towards love rather than fear.
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