Professor Sharon

We’re here – amazing!

The Cuban flag.

We have been asked why visit Cuba?  Besides the fact that it was on our very long list of places to see in the world, we also wanted to visit it while the country resides in its current socialist place in the world.  There is no knowing where or how it might change one day, but its current history and story drew us to see it.  There was also the fact that hubby’s mother and father h0neymooned in Cuba in the late 40s.  How cool we thought it would be to see a piece of the world somewhat like they would have seen it?  They traveled a great deal, and often mentioned how they saw the world being Americanized and changing, with fast food and chains and all that moving in.  Unfortunately,  we were unable to find out where they stayed or visited (we know that an album exists that documents some of it, but we don’t have access to it.)  So, that was sad for me; but didn’t distract from our visit at all.

And, so begins our first full day in this astonishing country.  It began about 7:30 with a full breakfast at the hotel.  The spread was extraordinary.  An incredible collection of breads, fruits, hot dishes, rice, beans, meats and more.  Really astonishing.  My favorite was a hot egg dish with the English translation of “embezzled eggs.”!   Our favorite was big pitchers of kefir – really delicious.

Trying to catch pictures of cars out of the bus window…

Then, we boarded the bus to the Museo Nacional del Belle Artes where we got a two-hour tour by the Vice-President of the Ludwig Foundation. Check out their website to see a selection of the most amazing art we were able to enjoy.  It was a beautiful building, and we could have easily spent hours in there on our own.  A good reason to return!  It was located across from the Revolution Museum where in the courtyard was the boat Castro used, planes and more.  Fascinating indeed.

Front of the Museum.

The exhibit across the street of the Museum Revolution.

And, always and constantly on the bus, Luiz tells us the history of Cuba.

A side note for travelers (perhaps this will change as Cuba opens itself to more and more tourists): bring your toilet paper, or accept a piece from the attendant.  You must always leave a coin on the way out.  Be prepared for no toilet covers, and the plumbing is horrid, so yes, indeed, you put your toilet paper in the little waste basket next to toilet, and not in it.

Off to lunch at the Cafe Taverna near the Plaza Vieja

The Plaza.

with music provided by Son Habana.  An amazing couple were dancing as part of the luncheon show, and we did buy the band’s CD.  The gentleman was an amazing dancer, picking several of our women fellow travelers to dance with him.  They reported that it was an amazing moment for them!

Beautiful dancers at the Cafe Taverna.

After lunch –  with mojitos, of course – and pulled meat and rice and beans of course – we went for a longer walk around the Plaza.  There were all sorts of fascinating street vendors – one tried to get hubby to have his picture sketched!  This happens frequently!

Back on the bus for a tour of the architecture of the  Instituto Superior des Arts.  We did get to go in one of the buildings that housed the pottery studio where a faculty member was at work.  It was “audition” day and there was also a room with students busily painting a picture as part of their application process.  The building was pretty amazing – the architect based the buildings on a woman’s reproductive organs – fascinating.

ISA

Courtyard – the vagina!

Some of the art in the pottery studio.

It was time to return to the hotel, where we got a siesta in.

Back out at 6:45 for dinner at the Ludwig Foundation.

The patio of the Ludwig Foundation.

Some of the art in the gallery of the Ludwig Foundation.

They gave us a talk about the Foundation, one of only six  funded by outside organizations in Cuba, a tour of their galleries, and then buffet dinner with several of the young artists.  In retrospect, it was one of the most authentic dinners in terms of food items that we had: we tried Cuban potatoes, a couple of banana dishes, and rice and beans of course!  And, mojitos!

And, in case the day wasn’t exciting enough — How about how our day began?!  I heard some interesting sounds outside our hotel window, and looked out to see important officials, and police details.  Several black cars drove up to the front entrance (we were on the third floor looking down on the entrance), and out stepped a woman that the poparazzi yelled Christina to her!  I thought it was a movie star of some kind.  We found out at breakfast, after having to use a different elevator as the one closest to us was closed for her use, that it was Cristina Fernandez, President of Argentina!

Cristina Fernandez, President of Argentina in front of our hotel.

Our day isn’t over yet!  Back to the hotel to sit on the back porch to listen to more music and have another drink!  We are having a blast!