The universe has a way of showing us things that are destined for us. I like to think of them as little signals in the world. Sometimes, they’re presented very subtle and then there are those times where they practically smack you in the face.
At that point, you can choose to receive them or ignore them, we’re always given a option. I’ve recently started to make a conscious effort to receive them and since I have they show up in abundance, rather it’s a movie I’m watching, music, something someone says, even a TV commercial. If you need help on recognizing the signs, take a moment to read How to Recognize Signs from The Universe. It really was a great read.
Lets flash back:
If you can recall my Welcome post, you would remember some of those dope friends I met in college. We keep in contact through group messages. So naturally when The Travel Outlier was born I had to tell them about it.
So was it a coincidence when my homeboy replied:
I think not!!!!
Of course I had to get the scoop, but before we meet Reggie, lets talk about traveling to Cuba.
As of right now traveling to Cuba for tourist activities is prohibited. However, general licensed can be issued for 12 reasons: family visits, journalistic activities, support for the Cuban people, just to name a few. For the full list and details Click Here.
Ok… now lets meet Reggie!
Reginald “Reggie” Ellington is a former college athlete and Alumi of Charleston Southern University, with a number of accolades under his belt. He quit his job in July of 2017 to start his own company F.A.S.T World Class( Fitness and Sports Training).
He offers sports performance training for individuals of all ages in the Charleston Area.
Go Check Him Out!! @fastworldclass (IG)
Now lets talk about Cuba….
Was this your 1st time outside of The United States?
Yes, this is my 1st time abroad. I’ve had my passport since 2016 and this is my 1st time using it. I’m finally stamped!!!
Why Cuba?
We chose Cuba because my brother travels abroad frequently and this was a destination that he has never visited. His birthday (at the time of the interview) is in a few days and my cousins birthday was during the trip. So we said let’s go. We bought our tickets back in November.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BfYlzecgwzO/
Where did you all stay?
Once we got through La Habana, Cuba, we rode a van to our AirBnb, which was in La Varadero. We stayed in the penthouse on the 15th FLO (Bruh MAN) lol
Describe the culture
The culture there was very close knit and pretty chill in the areas that we were. Cuba has a population of 2.6 million people and we were in the northwest corner about 90 miles from the Florida Keys. Their complexions was just like mine or yours. I was excited to see the “Real Cuba” by walking across from the bay, Old Havana. This is where we gave out supplied and got to hang out with the locals. That was my absolute favorite part.
https://instagram.com/p/BfV1X7_g4V8/
I went to a museum called Fabrica De Arte Cubano. When I tell you this was almost the best club experience I’ve ever had, since I was about 18 or 19. It was a museum during the daytime, and at night it turned into a club. There was all types of people in their dancing, “turnt” to Cuban music, jumping up and down, LIVE AF!!!!
How did if feel to be a Black Man abroad? And what was your takeaway? (Anytime I travel I always bring something back with me, not anything tangible, more so thought wise)
As a Black Man with a passport I already feel accomplished. But to be in a country where people look exactly like me, but speak a different language, changed my life. They kept walking up to me thinking I was Cuban because of my facial structure.
I had a moment of clarity when I was there. I was sitting on the balcony smoking a cigar, looking at the stars, listening to the waves crash. I saw a shooting star to my right and a constellation to my left… Then it hit me, a moment of PEACE!! I just let go of all my worries, fears, negativity, doubt, and anger. Then a smirk came across my face, and I’ve been good since.
Thoughts to myself like:
Cuba has just gone from the #8 spot on my bucketlist to now being #3. I can’t wait to go. I’m excited to have been placed at the moment in time to interview. There are signals everywhere, you just have to be open to receive them. Coincidence, I think not!! This picture even found me. If you look closely you’ll see:
2+2=5
Now recall my previous post; Men Lie, Women Lie, Numbers Don’t
Now I have a smirk, thinking Yea, this is definitely for me!!
As Always
Great read friend!!! Nothing like confirmation!!! Keep up the great work!!