I’ve been feeling rather grumpy lately, and just figured out why; I have Cuba on my mind. Not the “all-inclusive” this beach could be anywhere in the world Cuba – I need the living, heart pounding, take your breath away Cuba. The Cuba that prompted my son to ask how people with so little could be filled with such joy.
Havana is like no other place I’ve travelled. Evidence of the revolution; images of Lenin and Che Guevara , bullet scars, socialist slogans, and meandering lines of residents waiting patiently outside government stores for state supplied rations of rice, beans, and rum – are nothing more than a small chapter in Cuban history. A 16th century Spanish fort stands guard over Havana’s harbour; the shells of giant sea turtles float in the murky waters surrounding it, centuries old refuse alluding to lavish meals of Spanish rule. Taxi stands filled with pre 1959 American cars compete with horse drawn carriages for tourist dollars. Remarkably clean streets do little to hide the crumbling façades of Spanish colonial occupation. Gorgeous building held together with chicken wire and cinder blocks. Ballerinas from the National Ballet spill onto the street, mindful of the broken pavement and uneven curbs. Open air markets filled with books, soviet era propaganda, old movie posters, and art. A meal of chicken, potatoes, and beer for $2.00 as night falls and the air fills with music.
Cuba stole my heart and I need to go back. I long to be stuck in time, surrounded by remarkable people who when given lemons made lemonade. People who persevered, improvised, and never forgot how to laugh and sing. I don’t for a second believe life is all roses, but know Cuba is a special place with people I admire. At the moment my only wish is to fly to Havana, get on an ancient train complete with a roll of toilet paper and coffee mug as none are provided, and travel the 500 miles to Santiago de Cuba. The train will likely break down along the way stranding travellers for hours, hopefully days. I can’t think of anything I would rather do. I have Cuba on my mind.
notestoponder 
Love it…. You are a great writer!
Jade’s iPhone
Thanks Jade 🙂
If grumpiness will get you on that train, then grumpiness it is. Once boarded, you will wonder why on earth it took you so long.
PS smoke one of them monsters for me. That will take you three weeks 🙂
I always get a little grumpy when I haven’t travelled for a while. 🙂
Can I go with you?? 🙂
I like it. Lots of literature about Havanah, Green, and the name escapes me. I’ll send something in the reply.>KB
Cuba was never on my list of places I thought about to visit but since reading your description I find a part of me yearning to go and experience all of it …right down to the breakdown of the train…so lovely when random happenings take you out of your plans and give you gifts you might never have experienced otherwise.
k-
When my son looked at me , asking how people with so little could be so full of joy, I nearly cried. He thanked me for opening his eyes, saying Cuba changed him forever.In my own little way I suppose I write from the heart to possibly spark that moment in others. 🙂
I only hope that one day I can do the same…to write something that can invoke a range of feelings. You really have a wonderful gift!
k-
Thank you, that means a lot.
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Reblogged this on notestoponder and commented:
Summer possibilities tickle senses, with spring poised to concede defeat I have Cuba on my mind.
Its Awesomely Written . You could be a great poet too i think coz while reading the post i felt a poetic charm in the article too 🙂 Keep it up the excellent work .
Thank you my friend, your encouragement means a lot 🙂
One of the best times I ever had was in Cuba with my then wife. We stayed in a pretty basic hotel, went out every day, met some of the loveliest people you can imagine; poor but generous, big hearted, great sense of fun. I loved it
I like the comment above “Once boarded, you will wonder why on earth it took you so long.” Stop dreaming and make the commitment to do it! You know you want to.