Timor-Leste

I was a member of a Delegation from the United States to Cuba, which met with various Ministry Officials, medical providers, and urban organic farmers. I began in humid Habana at the mobster-built Riviera Hotel besides the Malecón, and received impeccable medical care in the misty mountains of Topes de Collantes in the Escambray Mountain range.

Arriving at the chaotic Habana airport (late) I was met by Jesus, the tour guide who frequently remind me that, "I was walking with Jesus.” He is an historian, political science nut, technology wizard with the patience of a saint and a sense of humor of a stand-up comedian.

The itinerary was 'loosely' followed and consisted of organized tours to Clinica de Medicnia Natural y Tradicional which provided homeopathy, light and music therapy and acupuncture as well as Western medicine and an urban organic farm which was places between Soviet Era high-rises.

We took the "main road" past tobacco and mango fields, Soviet-style concrete Universities and Government buildings, and billboards supporting Socialism up to Topes de Collantes, a nature preserve, which luckily has a 210-room hospital, Kurhotel.

In the morning I toured the Kurhotel, admired the Cuban Art and met with medical specialists but by the afternoon, I was checking into the hospital. I had become very ill and was nauseous, dizzy, and was having trouble communicating and walking.

My doctor was a practical and patient woman, with sexy black stockings and a mini skirt, and my "intake" questions consisted of my name, which was translated into Silvia Francisco. The Director of the Kurhotel told me I needed to understand the whole picture of my body in order to begin my healing process. They gave me a shot in my rear, which not only calmed me down immediately, but I proceeded tell everyone in the exam room- which consisted of the Director, my doctor, the nurse, the medical assistant, both tour guides- just how much I loved and appreciated them! After much consultant and translation, I was lead/carried down to the waiting area, and back to the hotel.

I returned to the Kurhotel and met with my doctor who diagnosed me with a major ear infection. I explained the history of my numerous doctor visits in the States, reoccurring infections, antibiotics and preemptive visit to an Ear Nose and Throat "Specialist". While the American doctor had told me just take Sudafed and use Afrin nasal spray when flying, my Cuban doctor warned me that Sudafed can raise your blood pressure. This explained why I needed the shot in my rear so badly!

The American care had most likely masked my symptoms- rather than treat the infection.

The Kurhotel Director, as well as my "entourage" of Jesus and the Delegation were waiting in the lobby for me to return to the airport.

I traveled to Cuba and received the most comprehensive medical attention regarding my stressed-out, over-traveled and inflamed ears.

I would like to say, THANK YOU CUBA for my Big Adventure!