Professor Sharon

Okay – here I am!  Blogging about my vacation is definitely easier when I’m on the vacation!  Back at home trying to blog about our delightful trip to Cuba is challenging while I keep up with my full time work and house and more!  Today is a snow day while waiting for Storm Nemo to do its thing, so I’ll see if I can’t get my readers back!!

Relaxing at Hemingway’s Pool

This morning was another moment to put into action the request that we be patience and flexbile!  After another lovely breakfast at the hotel, off we went to visit the Nacional Contemporary Dance studio.  Apparently, they weren’t ready for us after all during the morning, so we’ll be returning.  Instead, a twenty minute bus ride took us to Hemingways’ Farm.  Lovely, amazing, and a delightful treat we didn’t expect. I’m not a huge fan of his work, but have read a biography or two.  Others on the trip were really thrilled to visit.

Our next stop was back in Old Havana where we parked the bus and walked a few blocks to visit a day Senior Center.  I hope one of my readers will post the name of it for me – I didn’t write it down.  The seniors attend during the day and enjoy programming, games and meals.  It was set in a building next to a church which surrounded a most lovely courtyard.  As I entered, a lovely woman grabbed my arm and we exchanged names and chatted as she led me into the lunch room where they were gathered.  She took care to be sure I didn’t trip (she was at least 20 years older than I!), and sat me down next to a friend or two.  Rich joined me and we chatted in our broken Spanish, and their non-existant or broken English.  Delightful!    We had brought post cards of our US town in MA, and they loved the little gifts.  We also left a bag of over the counter pharmacy products with the Director that we had been asked to do if we were so inclined.

It was a short visit, but a highlight of the trip for me.  Back on the bus for lunch at teh El Muercurio restaurant – started with a lovely cold salmon salad, with steak and mashed potatoes.  Maybe I said this already, but this was one of those too large lunches, and my least favorite.

Now we get to go to the Dance School!  We watched a techniques class for a little over an hour.  AMazing! Amazing!  About 40 students constantly in motion and beautiful motion at that.  Ah, to be young and able to do that – I was thrilled to watch.  The PR guy and President of the school came out afterwards to talk to us.  Here is an excellent video I found of their work featuring the man who spoke to us after we watched the class.

Back to the hotel for a siesta, then an hour conversation with one of the dancers we watched at the school.  (Tomorrow I’ll blog about dinner which was a whole adventure in and of itself!).