The Magic Bus

On our first day in Havana we met our bus driver Carlos and his family at the cathedral. Over the next several days Carlos drove us everywhere we wanted to go, was able to find bottled water for us when we ran out and packed our stuff on the bus every day. He was amazing! The bus had a great sound system and some of the best moments of the trip for our kids were singing American and Cuban pop music as we careened through the narrow streets of Cardenas.

Beans and Rice

Food is rationed in Cuba so most meals are very modest and served in smaller portions. Breakfast is usually fresh bread, some cheese and tiny cups of strong Cuban coffee.  On today's lunch menu we have beans and rice with "hamon" (ham) mixed in. The rice must be prepared before cooking by picking out small stones and rocks that can become mixed with the rice. This can take hours when you are cooking for 60 people.

People are very patient about the rationing and do not complain. Even though the Cuban people have very little in material goods including food they are very generous and always willing to share. In many ways I'm envious of the compassion, generosity and empathy they show to everyone especially guests. My hope is that some of these qualities will become a part of our youth even after we leave here.

 

We need more water!

Potable water is the big issue today. We never seem to have enough of it. Carlos the bus driver and I went for another water run after we came back from the beach and found a small store selling it for about $1.50 a gallon. We bought ten gallons but I believe we cleaned him out. Since there are few tourists who come to Cardenas, we may continue to have problems. Carlos told us that clean water is a big issue in Cuba. Folks who live here are getting sick because the rains have increased the amount of pollution seeping into the water supply. We take so many things for granted in the USA and fresh, clean water is one of them.

On the bus back to Havana

It's our last day in Cuba and we will be spending the night in Havana at the Cathedral. We board the bus and along the way stop at an overlook on the coast. It is a beautiful day with not a cloud in the sky. As we approach an overlook we can see eagles soaring above a big canyon. There is a small restaurant here and some vendors selling paintings and souvenirs. We enjoy a cold drink and then get back on the bus to Havana. We arrive at the cathedral around noon and then depart for the "mercado" along the waterfront in downtown Havana. It is a huge covered building with hundreds of stalls where people sell everything from fine art to t-shirts. Betsy and I find some nice prints of fish and decide to buy a couple. The kids buy some t-shirts and souvenirs with the image of Che prominently displayed. I'm encouraged by this small but vibrant display of free enterprise! We leave the market about 5:30 and eat dinner at the Cathedral. It's one of the best meals we have had so far with roasted chicken, rice pudding, green beans and squash. Delicious!

The boys.

Tourist art at the overlook.

Cuban Cigars for sale.

This soda was cold and sweet!

Carl and Leonel.

On the road again to Havana. No AC but lots of fun.

Havana. A city of contrasts.

Taxi.

We Visit John Lennon Park

It's our last evening in Havana and we decide to visit John Lennon Park in the Vedado district, a few blocks from the Cathedral. There is a bronze statue of John sitting on a park bench that was unveiled in December of 2000. It's a quiet, special place with families and young children enjoying the evening. On a marble tile at the foot of the bench there is an inscription reading: "Dirás que soy un soñador pero no soy el único" John Lennon, which is a Spanish translation of the English lyrics, "You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one," from the song "Imagine." I hope that someday John Lennon's dream of a world where we live as one will come true for Americans and Cubans alike. I believe our trip has been a small step toward that dream.