Little Havana Nights

Battle Of The Bands

That same year, the bands had the pleasure of meeting two other popular bands who were also in The Netherlands at the time, namely the Backstreet Boys and Mujeres Hispanica, also with inter-band marriages (Brian and Beyonce Littrell, as well as Kevin and Vanessa Richardson). Latina were excited to meet Mujeres Hispanica, as they all spoke the same language, no needless to say they all spoke Spanish with each other.

Vanessa, originally from Honduras with Mayan ancestry in her blood, was keen to know about the little differences Cuba had to Honduras, while Cassandra and Danielle loved learning about her Maya heritage.

Everyone stayed at the same hotel in Amsterdam, so they were able to socialize, and talk about their lives before fame. They were all there because they had TV spots on the show Bravo TV all at the same time.

The husbands and wives cheered their spouses on during their performances, dancing to the hit songs.

The next day, the cousins went out with Vanessa, while Beyonce and Linda, decided to stay back at the hotel to rest (Beyonce was also pregnant at the time, hence was extra tired). The girls went shopping, and they loved how shopping in Europe was different to America. Vanessa talked about how when she was young she went to around the world a lot with her family. She went to Spanish-speaking countries and territories that were safe, because Honduras wasn't. Danielle and Cassandra certainly related to her, as they'd never been to Cuba. It was too dangerous.

While they were in a clothes shop, looking at dresses, Vanessa was also looking at baby clothes - she was a few months pregnant with her and Kevin's first child, and was by now starting to show.

"Have you thought of any names?" Asked Danielle.

"A few." Said Vanessa. "We're having a boy, so we're giving him the middle name after Kevin's father, and his first name will be a Hispanic one."

The girls then went out for some waffles.

"These are the best waffles I've had in Amsterdam." Said Vanessa. "And it's great because I can eat the white chocolate ones while I'm pregnant. I can't have caffeine."

"Have you had cravings?" Asked Cassandra.

"Not much." Replied Vanessa. "Only for my mama's cooking. She makes the best Arroz Con Pollo."

"Have you tried Arroz Cubano?" Asked Cassandra.

"I have." Said Vanessa. "I tried it in Little Havana. I've been there many times, the food is muy bien."

They explored Amsterdam for a few more hours before everyone met at the White Room Restaurant - a very prestigious restaurant in Amsterdam, close to the Royal Palace.

Needless to say, this was a banquet as there were 17 people in total. The restaurant had to be guarded because fans were standing outside the restaurant, most being teenagers, wanting autographs and a chance to show their undying love for whichever band they were in love with.

The guards constantly had to ward off the fans, and didn't allow any walk-ins that evening. Luckily the 17 celebrities were in an exclusive banquet hall, away from the noise, after which they went to their suites at the Grand Hotel, to which the restaurant belonged.

The Backstreet Boys, Mujeres Hispanica and Destiny's Child all were to fly back to America the following day, while No Mercy and Latina were staying in Europe to tour the big cities of Germany. Cassandra and Danielle said adios to Vanessa, giving each other big hugs and wished her the very best with her baby.

"Come visit us in Little Havana, sometime!" Said Danielle.

"You got it." Said Vanessa.

The guys also had a great time hanging out, and with his wife being close already with Vanessa, Ariel became friendly with Kevin, so they shared a handshake with a pat on the back (a so-called "bro handshake" as it were).