28.01.2017

This time it starts very early via Richmond and Clapham Junction towards the airport. We arrive shortly after 9 o'clock. Lauri looks great, she's wearing my jacket. We kiss goodbye in the departure hall. The last hug is beautiful and terrible at the same time, because I realize how long I won't see her. With a heavy heart I let her go and need some time to collect myself. Eventually I get myself a Meal Deal and then head through the most well-organized security I have ever seen, towards the gate. It's difficult for me to board the plane. Several episodes later, a very nice steward takes care of me because I feel a little nauseous and dizzy. After a movie and an afternoon tea, we land and I approach Ben and Molly in the row in front of me, asking if we want to share a taxi. But first we have to go through immigration control, baggage claim, and baggage check. I have to go back because I already took off my luggage tag, luckily it's still on the ground in front of the baggage carousel. The ATM only accepts my card, so we have to stand in the endlessly long lines at the currency exchange desks. Then we finally get into the taxi: negotiated 25 CUC beforehand, but in the taxi it suddenly becomes 40, and in the end we agree on 30. Cuban driving style is a mixture of constantly alternating aggressive and thoughtful driving, somehow very moody and temperamental, but composed and calm. We weave through huge old cars and run-down cars from more recent years towards the old town. It's getting dark and the city seems a bit eerie to me. At Ben and Molly's casa particular, I decide to visit different hostels instead of sticking to my original plan and ask for a room. Shortly afterwards, a very friendly Cuban man and his wife pick me up. When I say I'm from Germany, the terms Munich, Berlin, Merkel come up. I stay in a corresponding casa three blocks away. In a large apartment with two guest rooms, a huge living area, and a beautiful terrace. I try to fall asleep a bit lonely and thoughtful in a large bed.