Thursday, March 12, 2015
This morning we’re heading off to beaches of Santa Maria, a pristine stretch of ocean that managed to escape Batista’s plan for tourist development—saved by the revolution just in the nick of time. But will they remain “saved” after the corporate titans get their hands on these beaches now that trade restrictions have been lifted between the US and Cuba?
First Aid station. Practitioner sitting outside enjoying the beach.
How would you like to have lunch here? How about some fresh caught red snapper, rice, and veggies? And some fresh coconut milk to drink with your lunch?
It was hard to pull ourselves away from this quiet piece of paradise.
We took the bus back to the hotel for a quick shower and change of clothes to prepare ourselves for our next treat.
Our hotel, reasonably priced, breakfast included on the 7th floor with a great view of Old Havana, in a beautiful location, not far from the Malecon (seawall). No internet—yet.
The evening was spent at the Palacio de la Rumba with a performance with Clave Guagaunco with a distinct African sound. Many songs were sung in the African language, Yoruba.
Orishas, African deities combined with Catholic saints, each representing a certain trait or characteristic. Some of the characters are a bit scary looking, like this “diablito.”
The performer in white in the photo below beckoned me to join him on the dance floor. I joyfully made a fool of myself, trying to avoid being “vaccinated” as we were taught in our Rumba dance lessons. Trouble is, I lacked the requisite scarf to protect my private parts so I had to improvise by keeping my distance. I’m too old to be “vaccinated,” don’t you think?
From there we went to dinner at a jazz club in the Vedado, the upscale neighborhood in Havana that used to be a forest a few decades ago. There was a guest jazz ensemble from Canada that played the first part of the evening, followed by home grown Cubano jazz artists. Night life is lively in Havana. As usual, I went home earlier than the rest.
Below is a painting by one of the art students:
Bye for now.
In case you didn’t know, I’m already back in Santa Fe. I wrote each of the blog posts on the scene, while life was unfolding around me, but I was not able to upload the pictures and assemble the pages because the internet was painfully slow. There is one more entry I’ll send you tomorrow which you might enjoy.
For those who are interested in going to Cuba and experiencing first hand this magical country before the corporations have their way with Cuba (god forbid), I will give you some information which might be useful.
Erica
Just the beaches themselves are enough to make me want to visit. I would love to go. So much dancing. It seems like such a joyful place.
You would love Cuba, Malika.
Hope your injury is healing rapidly. What an amazing journey-so beautifully written and photographed. Love you, Beth tom Maine
it must be your delightful, clear energy that attracts such juicy experiences into your life.
yes, i would love to go to unspoiled cuba with a small group of simpatico people, maybe learn a bit of spanish beforehand? would love to see you soon. are you free saturday, march 21?
love, rhea 988-2713
what a magical world! Hopefully, the Cubans are strong enough to withstand the Titans of business. Glad that you are back safely.
Erica, I see you are still not so keen on vaccinations! Distance seems like a good strategy! Hysterical! So glad you had such a great time!
Thank you Erica, for another enlightening chapter of your trip. It’s fascinating, and gives a sense of “last chance”, like that breathtaking beach, before the Hilton family sucks it up. And you look like you’re having a lot of fun there with the unvaccinated rumba.
Dear Erica – sheer magic you send through the written and photos. You have an extraordinary way of falling into the most amazing experiences. The songs sung in the traditional language, “Yoruba,” must have been interesting.
Viva Cuba!
I love seeing these knowing my mom and dad were celebrating their marriage perhaps, in many of the same type settings.
Oh, Erica, I had no idea you are back! Welcome home!
Thanks so much for sharing your Cuban adventure with us.
Happy healing.
See you when I return from Texas (unless I’m lucky enough to hug you on the path under the blooming tree blossoms before I leave on Sunday).
Viva Cuba!
Looking forward to the useful information and enjoyed the post, especially your dancing!