Cuba - Cienfuegos - Part 1

After a whole morning of anxiously waiting around (having missed the bus to Playa Larga) to see if I could get a ticket to Cienfuegos instead, it was a relieve to finally leave the hustle and bustle of Havana behind. My lack of organisation has cost me a lot of time so I was determined to make sure I had a couple of casa choices ready when I got to Cienfuegos. But it wouldn't be fun if it was straightforward. After visiting two casas I found in the Lonely Planet they were both full (as well the list of 25 other ones on their contact list, except for one but I politely turned it down on price, which I slightly regretted afterwards). I then decided to head into town, find a spot for the Internet and look online (it transpired much later that plan would have failed miserably too as for some unknown reason my phone didn't like the local wireless network). 

Just opposite the hotel where I was going to steal WiFi from was a casa, which the bellboy pointed out. I gave it a shot, and just managed to get inside when the torrential downpour arrived. The casa didn't have any availability, but the owners were really nice and we had a good chat (in as much Espanõl and English as I and they could respectively muster). They called one of their friends who happened to have availability. I jumped at the offer.

The day wasn't just going to end without another twist though. After arriving at my casa which was only 5 minute walk away and unpacking my stuff in my room (without air con, but beggars can't be choosers), I noticed my phone was gone! It was not in my pocket. It was not in my daypack. It was not in my big rucksack, or on the bed, out underneath the bed, or on the floor, or in the toilet. I looked everywhere and it was nowhere to be found. Did I get pickpocketed? If so then they did really well - I didn't notice anyone near me in that short walk! Day 4 into my 2 month trip and I've lost my phone!

I did panic. The few photos I'd taken in 3 days were not much of a concern. It was more of the fact that it is my only means of communication with the people who are most important to me, as well as some of my conversation histories (bit sad I know). It wasn't the end of the world that I lost the phone, but it would made a massive dent to my trip and to my spirits.

In hindsight perhaps I place too much importance and reliance on it, and have too much of an attachment. Whatever happened to my Kempo and Buddhist training!?

The only other place to look was back at the casa opposite the hotel, so I told my hosts what had happened and they tried to call them, but they were engaged. I had to go back and see for myself. The 5 minute walk felt like ages and I'd never walked so fast. When I arrived Pedro the casa owner saw me through their front gate and already make a gesture meaning he had my phone. I had left it on the seat while chatting to them earlier!

The feeling of 失而復得 (finding what you lost) was fantastic and the fact that Pedro and his wife were so kind really made my day. I was so relieved, so thankful and grateful.

The sunset after the torrential downpour looked particularly beautiful that evening.