Last days in Cuba

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After the rest and relaxation of Viñales, we returned to the livelier and more chaotic buzz of Havana. Returning by taxi with an Italian/Israeli couple was pleasant and we were delivered right to a decent, and cheap casa particular on the Malecon, Havana´s seawall. However, after one night in this only slightly dirty place, Laurence decided that it would be best if we searched for other accomadations. After a lengthy morning of visiting one casa after another we finally ended up taxiing to the first place where we had stayed in Havana upon our arrival nearly a month before. Unfortunately due to a miscommunication, our reservation was cancelled and filled by someone else leaving us high and dry. Nevertheless, by mid-afternoon we had found a nice casa in Havana vieja which was to everyone´s liking... huurray!

Being our last 4 nights in Havana, we decided to splurge a little on drinks and decent meals hoping to soak up as much of the warm cuban atmosphere and delicious music as possible.

In the last days we also walked kilometers all over the city, exploring the nice suburb of El Vedado to the East of the city. This tour included a visit to the US Special Interest office which is a site to behold indeed. Set near the Malecon, the office building is completely shrouded by 134 huge black flags (one for every year Cuba has struggled since independence) that were intended on blocking the propaganda messages that used to move across an electric signboard. The spectacle is quite something! In addition to the flags, there is a huge plaza that was constructed in front of the office during the Elia Gonzalez debacle some years ago, which acquired the name protestodromo because of the huge crowds, some in the millions which gathered here to protest American Imperialism.

We would often stop for a cold beer of drink to quench our thirst in the 35 degree plus heat, making our walking tour as pleasant as possible.

After a couple more days of casual exploring, drinking rum cocktails and smoking fine cuban cigars we found our departure day had arrived.

Our month in Cuba was amazing, like nothing I had ever experienced in my travels. It is a complicated country which contradictions and exceptions to every rule. It is equitable and fairly well organized with little to no poverty, something that can´t be said about Canada, the US or many other countries. That said, it has problems that are steeped in its socialist ways. Taxi drivers make far more money than doctors and engineers and soon the country may face a generation who has no desire to continue post-secondary education in favour of these touristic opportunities. Their health care, like our own face impending problems as the population ages to unparralled heights. How will Cuba cope with its own baby boom?

Fidel is 80 years old and is the heart and soul of the Cuban revolution, whose charisma and ability to manipulate and control the masses are incredibly important in maintaining Cuba´s socialits revolution; what will happen when he dies? Furthermore, how will the US react when he dies and how will the people in Cuba react? All of these questions, amongst others make for a very grey future for Cuba, much is up in the air. That said, the commoraderie and friendship between most everyday Cubans and the equality that has been transformed the majority of the population will have a lasting affect on future generations. I am hopeful that Cuba´s incredible experiment and example will continue long after Fidel is gone.

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Photos

John Lennon statue
Interesting that they rememeber John in Cuba

The US special interest office
..and Cubas response

Comments

[Cory Turkington]

First Time Writer, Long Time Admirer
Hey buddy, long time no speak. Sorry for never writing you or commenting on any of your posts, I think I am just jealous. With that said I have followed your amazing journey the entire way. I check the site weekly and I am blown away with the distance you have traveled, the places you have gone and the people you have met. I can only imagine what it must be like to be there. Oh yeah, pictures do say a 1000 words, keep up the good work. I am reading the Che biography at the moment, and I noticed that the route you guys have traveled is quite similar to the route our revolutionary friend took through the Americas. Hopefully you'll bring back u some of that spirit with you. Enjoy the rest of your travels. Can't wait to share a couple of cold one and hear stories from your adventure. Cheers, Cory