This day was by far the most memorable, and a highlight of my trip. Leslie and Terry, the vivacious and kind friends I made from the UK, invited me for a day-long fishing trip out to sea.
They've visited Cayo Guillermo yearly for nearly a decade, and have made some wonderful local friends, who are fishermen. This translated into the opportunity to experience a bit of the real Cuba you miss out on when staying at resorts. I was in for a real treat!
We boarded La Perla bright and early, armed with generous amounts of rum, beer, and an arm full of food we grabbed from the breakfast buffet.
I met Tom and Michael- Leslie and Terry's long time friends. Also on board was the captain, Juan Carlo, and his wife. I felt immediately comfortable- Tom and Michael were warm and personable, and were genuinely excited to be spending the day with us.
We pulled anchor and set out on the crystal water. The color was breathtaking.
A mile or two out, we dropped anchor, and Juan Carlo hopped down and jumped into some snorkeling gear, and without any explanation, dove into the water.
He was diving for lobster- to use as bait!
Once we were stocked with bait, we pulled anchor, cruised out a few more miles- and broke out the fishing gear.
Tom patiently showed me the ropes, and my line was cast. Before I knew it, within a minute,I had the first bite of the day!
And they just kept coming! I caught fish after fish, much to the surprise of the men. Leslie laughed heartily, and exclaimed " Show them how to do it, baby" in her thick accent.
Lunch time was approaching, and Juan Carlo and Micheal began to heatedly discuss which of the fish I'd caught they thought I would prefer to eat first. These are some of my favorite photos from my trip- they capture a candid and passionate moment, perfectly!
"You caught good fish!" Exclaims Juan Carlo.
Michael scurried down to the kitchen to get to cooking, while we continued to fish.
Just look at how blue and crystal-clear the water is , and how many little fishies you can see!
Before we knew it, lunch was served! Michael did an amazing job cooking up our catch- it was delicious! There is something very primal and satisfying about catching your own food.
d. 
As many of you know- I ADORE birds, so this was a dream come true for me. With our bellies full, we hopped off the back of the boat into the warm water, and swam up to our own deserted, tropical, paradise.
Terry took the lead and was already off exploring the island before us ladies had even stepped off the boat. King of the castle!
I wish I could have brought my camera to the island to document all the birds and flora on the island- but trust me when I say I was moved to tears. While we sunbathed on the white sand, and swam around in the deep water, Michael, Tom and Juan Carlo snorkeled for more lobster, and these curious creatures. Some form of conch -like mollusks that Michael insisted were delicious!
We spent a few hours anchored at Bird Island, soaking in the beauty. Soon, we began the cruise back to shore. 
There was a very distinct vibe on the boat at this time. We all collectively experienced something tremendously beautiful and special, and we were able to acknowledge it without words. We were silent, and gazed out at the water. My eyes let go of a few happy tears, and Leslie nodded. I wondered to myself if she knew just how important and meaningful the day had been for me.
I thanked Michael, Tom, and Juan Carlo for everything. We hugged and I felt truly connected to them all. Michael touched my cheek and told me I was a natural born fisherman, and to come back soon, to catch him more fish. Leslie, Terry and I made plans to meet up for a late supper as I disembarked the boat, and I hurried down the dock to the shore. I floated back to my room in a daze of absolute happiness and gratitude. I turned on the shower to wash away the salt and sand- and I cried. I cried passionate, happy tears. I'm crying the same tears now as I write this.
I sat on my balcony to dry my hair, and took to my journal...
6:50pm
"Today on the boat? There are no words. Catching fish, enjoying everyone's company ,swimming on a deserted beach? Heaven on earth. Terry and Leslie are two of the kindest souls I've ever met and I am so thankful to have them in my life to share this journey with me. Ill never forget today. The locals working on the boat, Michael, Tom and Juan Carlo? So friendly , warm and polite. I think today may have been one of the best times in my life. I close my eyes and immediately think of the beautiful crystal water and the hundreds of fish darting around . As I cast my first line, I asked the Universe for permission to take some of her creatures, and I immediately got a bite. I felt so , completely, connected."
Terry , Leslie and I enjoyed a delicious dinner, with lots of white wine and laughter. I thanked them from the bottom of my heart for the day, and for their company. I really wanted them to know just how special the experience was for me. After several more glasses of wine, we decided to call it a day, and get some much needed rest, and agreed to meet early in the morning for a final meal together before I had to fly home.
10pm-
"As I lay my head down, my heart and soul are full and happy. This week has been a blessing. I've learned an incredible amount about myself and the Universe - I am so overwhelmingly grateful. Tomorrow during my long trip journey home, I will be writing more extensively about everything. For now, I sleep. Life is beautiful."Tomorrow will be my final entry in my vacation series. Until then, xoxo Lenora
