Cuba, Day 13
In and Around Habana
Habana is a most interesting city. Part historic, part renovated, part faded glory, and all people, it enchanted most everyone. It has not yet been really spoiled by outsiders, and thankfully, there are no McDonalds around. Yes, Cuba has her own fast-food outlets, but they are small and discreet.
The cars, of course, are famous. For anyone who grew up in the 50s and 60s, it is a treasure trove of classic cars. Some are in excellent condition and earn their owners a lively living taxiing tourists and locals around. Others serve strictly as coveted transportation, and while the paint finishes are past prime, they are loved. Drivers have fuzzy dice, trinkets, and other items hanging off the rear-view mirror, their arms hanging out the driver’s side, windows open, music entertaining, not blaring.
It is a good scene.
We returned to learn more about the African-based, Santeria religion. For many of this second group, as with the first, there is something quite eerie and chilling about Santeria. Offerings and animal sacrifices are made to their saints, and surprising to us, many members had to be baptized first into the Catholic faith before being allowed to participate in Santeria. There is a continuing relationship between these two religions. The images I got this time I could not share, as they are too disturbing for me.
The neighborhood around the Santeria house, however, was teaming with kids playing. One handsome boy took a break by a wall.
Below the house of Santeria, we observed a simple baseball game going on. It involved a catcher, a pitcher, a batter, and someone in the “outfield.” Of course, there was always someone on the side lines checking things out.
We were wending our way back to the Malecón, and Arnie and I encouraged our group to try some panning shots. I did a couple for fun. Here, a small yellow car goes by. When I first saw one of these, I asked what happened to the rest of it. Our guide laughed and said that the drivers of these pocket-sized cars of the were called dreamers, as they dreamed they were driving a whole car!
Soon after a late-40s vintage beauty rolled by, Cuban flag proudly flying behind.
We returned to the hotel for Mojitos and dinner and sharing of images. Sunday would be our last full day in Habana!
Next: The Famous Cementerio de Cristóbal Colón