Carlos seemed to be the real deal. For starters, being a Cuban doctor meant that he was essentially from a distinguished lineage in the medical industry.
Here's a little-known fact to some, unknown to others: Cuba is one of the most advanced countries in the world when it comes to medicine. Boldly said, one might drop the "one of," or modestly add "one of" before "the most advanced countries"; but, regardless, Cuba is definitely in the ranks of the most developed.
By standards of free healthcare, Cuba is in a league of its own, surpassing all developed and undeveloped countries, achieving almost complete free healthcare while still providing the highest standard of medical services.
This small island nation, covering nearly 110,000 square kilometers and under constant economic sanctions by the United States, has a struggling economy with few special products other than cigars. Yet, surprisingly, its medical standards are exceptional.
Surprised or not, pleasantly shocked or not?