Back from Cuba

Back from Cuba

It has been awhile since I posted anything but my mind has been elsewhere and I really have not been in the right frame of mind to write!  I am back now from my trip to Cuba and there is just so much to digest, I am not sure if I will ever be the same!!

This time I saw Cuba.  I meet and stayed with people I know.  I lived life as they do – well apart from renting a car, which was an unexpected treat.  I only had 7 days but in those 7 days we traversed much of central Cuba.  It was awesome.  Up in the mountains, fishing on a beautiful lake, visiting friend’s families and of course the beach which is Cuba is renowned for.

Now this kind of visit is not for everyone.  Admittedly most people who travel to Cuba do not see Cuba.  This is fine.  But if you want to see the world and how other people conduct their daily life then get away from the hotels and resorts.  Cuba is one of the safest countries in the world to do this.  Yes there is the barrier of language if you do not speak Spanish but it is such a small barrier.  The Cuban people are one of the generous people I have met.  When they say “mi casa es su casa“, they mean it.  I have never felt so welcome.

I will say more later, but here and in my picture gallery are the pictures from my trip.

Cuba tiene mi corazon

How to Help Cuba after Hurricanne Ike

This is directly from Yoani Sánchez who writes http://desdecuba.com/generationy/ from Habana.

All the items would be easy to carry when ever you visit Cuba ……… please pass it on.

Those who have plans to travel to Cuba in the coming months and would like to show their solidarity by helping, I recommend bringing in your luggage a few kilograms of supplies to deliver directly to the victims. While anything can help those families that have lost their possessions, there are certain things and resources that are a priority.

* Water purifying tablets.

* Vitamins, every kind of painkiller, thermometers, band-aids, oral hydration salts, disposable syringes, cotton, medicinal sprays for asthmatics, aspirin, paracetamol and suture thread.

* Clothing of all kinds, including underwear and shoes.

* School supplies, especially notebooks and pencils.

* Rechargeable batteries, flashlights and portable radios.

* Toiletries: soap, toothpaste, shampoo and toothbrushes.

* Baby clothes and things for babies. Remember that babies have been left without even a bottle.

A recommendation to take into consideration: It is always preferable, whenever possible, to deliver the aid directly to those in need. Personal delivery or sending things through friends is the most secure.

View pictures of the devastation in Cuba:  miamiherald.com/photogalleries/…676019.html