ChorusOfSilence

Arriving to Cuba was sort of like homecoming. Old Soviet style apartment buildings, street signs, and cars! Oh my god, Lada, Moskvich, Volga, Niva, and my favorite, Zaporojec. These are ancient Russian car brands. They invariably carried us through our childhood, smelling like styrofoam and gasoline, making us nauseous, causing us to cringe at the thought of a road trip. They are reliable. Even a model from the late 80s or early 90s will serve you faithfully. Although, once in awhile requiring you to prop open the hood in the middle of a busy street to tinker, as if reminding you what it looks like, from the inside—teaching you its moody disposition. Often you'll be found running along your car, perhaps in your flip-flops, holding tight to the wheel, maneuvering through the open door. Until finally ... read more

On Friday I took an early walking tour of downtown Historic Center that lasted a little over 3 hours. It was a great walk, led by a history buff, that lent a fresh palette to my impressions from the day before. The walk started at Zocalo, which is enclosed by The Cathedral, National Palace, and other government buildings. The murals inside the former residence of the President, National Palace, was my personal highlight. Painted by one of the greatest artists of our generation Diego Rivera, they depicted Indians as a highly advanced civilization which was deceived and pillaged by the greedy Conquistadors. The life-sized murals, sequentially arranged all along the walls of the inside courtyard, are full of detail and truly amazing color. The group, consisting of about 8 hostelers, then proceeded to the ruins of ... read more

At last my modest journey is under way. Currently taking up too much room at the food court of Houston International while passing this 5-hour layover. By around 8 pm local time I’ll be landing in Mexico City. That is as far as my superior planning skills have taken me, a one-way ticket to an insane 20-million-person metropolis. Furthermore, foresight has driven me to reserve a hostel for the next two nights. After that, all is fair game. I spent the last 3 days in San Diego: eating well, reading, cultivating a tan, and taking long walks with my girlfriend overlooking the downtown San Diego vista. Prior to that we spent another 3 days in Santa Monica with my brother and his wife. Catching up with my nephew, meeting my 6-month niece for the first time, ... read more