Cuba

The big blue water sparkles all around me. I feel the warm sun on my sandy beaches. Gentle breezes tickle my tall palm trees, making them sway and dance. Swish, swish, swish. I love watching the happy, colorful cars drive on my roads. They are red and blue and yellow, like a rainbow on wheels. I am a special place where music is always in the air and people are always smiling. Hello. I am the island of Cuba. I am so happy to meet you.

A very long time ago, my first friends lived here. They were called the Taíno people. They loved my green hills and clear rivers. They were gentle and kind to me. One day, on October 28th, 1492, a big, big ship came sailing across the water. A man named Christopher Columbus was on the ship. He thought I was the most beautiful place he had ever seen. After him, more friends came from a place called Spain. They built strong castles to watch the sea and painted my houses in bright, happy colors. Then, friends came from Africa, bringing the thump-thump-thump of happy drums and wonderful new songs. Everyone shared their stories. Everyone shared their food. Everyone shared their music. Together, they all made me who I am today, a place full of friendship and fun.

Today, my heart beats with a happy rhythm. You can hear music everywhere. Guitars sing sweet songs and drums tap out a beat that makes your feet want to dance. It is called the salsa. Families laugh and play together, and friends are always welcome. I am an island full of sunshine and smiles, and I love to share my happy heartbeat with everyone who visits.