The Internet Travel Guide "Getting to Know Cuba"

Current issue dated

Logbook of Columbus, October 28, 1492

I have never seen such a beautiful place. Both sides of the river were bordered by green-wreathed trees in blossom. Those trees were fairly different compared to those we had known so far; they were laden with various kinds of flowers and fruits.

Christoph Columbus

In between those flowers and fruits, small birds chirped gently. Furthermore, there were dozens of palm trees growing not too high and not too low, with broad leaves used by the native people to cover their homes. I really have to admit that I was not able to break away and to continue my journey when I saw the flowered gardens, green forests, and when I heard the chirping of the birds that filled my soul with happiness.

Signature and stamp in the ship's journal

The island really is one of the most magnificent a human being has ever seen; it is rich in places to anchor and deep rivers.