Valentine's Day

So when I think of Valentine’s Day, roses, chocolate hearts, and stuffed animals come to mind. All that lovey-dovey stuff that has come to define the commercial world of the day of love in the United States. To our Cuban lovers however, this day was the best opportunity for a costume party. Halloween in February? Okay. So we got all decked out in our cute little Valentine’s-worthy costumes and headed to the salon. The streets and Malecon were filled with people; singles, families, couples, all dressed up and having fun. It was great because people actually got out and enjoyed the holiday with their loves instead of basing it on what present they got each other.
When we got to the salon we heard movement but it was dark and there was no one to be found. We walked into the waiting room and there were figures in all the dark corners. I couldn’t figure out if they were real people or not because they were so still and silent. We walked in, confused and eager to see the boys. Not sure what to do we just waited for them and at one point when we turned around, all those figures came to life and jumped out of the darkness to scare us. Even though we knew it was them I’m pretty sure we all jumped a foot when they came out yelling.
There was a Santa Claus, a grim reaper, a dead cleaner/mechanic/wrestler, a woman?, and a witch, to name a few. They had gone all out, face paint and all. It was great. They blasted some “Thriller” and the party was started. It was a great party with music, fun and friends and although it was a very different way to spend Valentine’s day, it was definitely the best I’ve ever experienced.