Flashback Friday- Our first holiday together.

Mr E and I's first holiday abroad together was to Cuba.  Since then we have been extremley fortunate and have travelled to some wonderful places all over the world but no holiday has had quite the anticipation as that first time. We were in our newly together phase and were so thrilled to be going away with each other.  We booked it last minute and managed to get the holiday for £500 each all inclusive which is obviously a really good deal to go long haul.


The flight was long and tedious, as we travelled with Thomas Cook and had to touch down on one side of the island to let some people off before flying over to our side.  This was tiring and not fun for someone who doesn't like flying. (me!)  When we got there it was then a long transfer to where we were staying.  It had been raining and it was really late at night and the air was so humid and wet.  We got to our hotel and we were greeted with the most awful smell of damp and as it was so late were given the dregs of the buffet which was cold and not very tasty.  When they escorted us to our rooms I sat down on the bed and it felt wet with damp.  I have been very fortunate to generally stay in very nice hotel's due to my job and I was so upset and just didn't feel comfortable.  We asked to change rooms and the next room was slightly better but I still wasn't totally happy.  I think everything seems worse at night, especially as we were so tired.


Fast forward to the morning and the sun was beaming through the curtains.  We went down to breakfast and although the food wasn't amazing, it wasn't too bad.  Everything seemed a lot better and I felt much more optimistic.


And I was right to be optimistic.  Although it wasn't the best hotel in the world, everyone was very friendly and we really had the most fabulous first holiday together.  We drank cocktails and got tipsy every night and sunbathed and ate all day!  We went swimming with the dolphins which was one of the most amazing experience of my life and we have a lovely video to treasure.


What made the hotel for me was the beach.  I have been fortunate enough to be to go to some wonderful hot countries, including Thailand, Barbados and Mexico, all of which cost a lot more money, but none of them had as beautiful beaches as Cuba.

I have never seen such clear water as we did on those beaches.  The above photos are not edited in any way- it really was that blue.


We went on a day trip to Havana which was really interesting- Mr E used to invent cocktails so we spent to two famous bars, one where the Dacquri was invented, and we also looked around the Havana Club Rum factory.  A lot of Mojito's were drunk!  We also loved looking at all the old Classic cars which are very popular over there and learning about the history between them and the US.  (They have a long standing history which means that no American products are allowed in Cuba and Americans don't tend to visit.)


All in all it really was the most amazing holiday.  We were young, had no worries and were totally wrapped up in one another and even though we had initial concerns with our hotel, for the price it was fine.  We have been very lucky to go on some wonderful holidays and although money is tight now we have Mads, I really love travelling and do hope to go on some more great trips. (Although not this year!)  However amazing, they will never have that anticipation of that first, carefree holiday and because of this I will treasure the memories forever.


Head over to Karin's abode and check out some more Flashback Friday's...