Martin is now alone back at the apartment with Leo and must find a path through his conflicting emotions. The next day he takes Leo and Osmani out to lunch.

Osmani drags Martin out to the Malecon where every night is an open air party. He introduces Martin to Leo, and Martin is drawn into a world of rum and flirtation.

Martin feels uncomfortable about his reception in Cuba, but things begin to change when he meets Luka. We learn of Martin's connection to Jose Marti.

Martin makes his first trip to Cuba to begin his sabbatical and do research for his book. We get his first impressions of the island.

Martin has a chance encounter on the Malecon of Havana, Cuba. He is in town for a Marti conference and feels confident that he is strong enough to handle whatever temptations Cuba might put in his path.