I’ve just spent the last week in Cuba and going into the trip I did not know what to expect.. I had heard about the water being contaminated, people living in poverty, and saw pictures of most of the infrastructures, but what struck me most was the Cuban people. They were all nice, friendly, and just happy to be there. Sometimes I take things for granted, but this experience opened my eyes about the culture in 3rd world countries. You can read about it, but until you actually travel to a place like this you will never understand – the no toilet seats/toilet paper in the bathrooms, paying to go to the bathroom, only using water bottles, a need for renovations and donoations. I also built an everlasting bond with my professor and classmates. I made friends that I wouldn’t have made without this trip. Because of the nonexistent cell service and lack of WiFi in Cuba, we were more likely to communicate and socialize with each other. Not using my phone for a week was a major difference to me and it took me a few days to get used to. This trip was amazing.