HAVANA (WSVN) — The excitement over President Barack Obama’s visit to Cuba is so high that it spilled onto the streets of Havana.

State-run TV in Cuba had been providing extensive coverage of the 44th U.S. president since his visit to the island was first announced. As a result, residents were willing to go to great lengths to catch a glimpse of the commander in chief.

Even stand in the rain.

But nothing could dampen these supporters’ enthusiasm as they lined the streets to greet the first family as the presidential motorcade made its way into Havana on a wet Sunday afternoon.

Obama’s first stop upon landing in Havana was the Melia Habana Hotel, where he met with U.S. Embassy employees and their families. Those who waited in the rain hoped to see the president as he made his way from the hotel to Old Havana, where he and his family went on a walking tour.

For Mexican visitor Alan Stubbe, it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that he could not pass up. "I actually changed my flight just to be over here on these dates," he said.

Now that he was able to experience the thrill of sharing this moment alongside the Cuban people, Stubbe said he has no regrets about delaying his trip back home to Mexico City. He sat in a bar along the Malecón hoping for a front-row seat to history.

7News cameras captured the limo Obama was riding in as it drove by, but the afternoon did not end there for the reporter and photographer. They were both pulled aside by police officers asking for their credentials.

The officers demanded to know what organization the 7News crew worked for. Once that was settled, the law enforcers took photographs of them.

Also excited to be there was Cuban-born U.S. citizen Eduardo Caravallo Diaz, who flew in from Houston. He showed his patriotism by literally wearing the U.S. flag — as sweatpants.

"The community feels very proud of what’s to come in the future," Caravallo Diaz said through a translator.

"Pride" was one word heard again and again from Cubans about the visit.

"Loved, very proud," said a local resident as he blew a kiss.

Local resident Boris said it didn’t matter that the weather wasn’t picture perfect. "It’s a shame that he got here with the rain, but it’s OK. They’re going to feel the warmth of the Cuban people."

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