We have been without Internet for several days, so we have not even been able to report about what we have seen after the death of Chávez’. For many of the Cuban people, he is a national hero. Those outside of Cuba knew of his medical trip to this country, but how many of us knew how Chávez’ death would affect this island nation.
There have been three days of national mourning, flags, of course, at half mast. Today (March 7 as of this posting, but not of the writing of this blog) marked the gathering in Plaza de la Revolución (Revolutionary Square) of thousands of Cubans who came to pay their respects to their hero. For Cubans, Chávez provided aid and oil to this country, and they are worried about what the next regime in Venezuela will bring.
There has been hardly any street music today, and the city was eerily quiet this evening. When we heard the news on Tuesday afternoon, one could see the fallen expressions of the Cuban people. It was very powerful to watch.
Now, to catch-ups on the blog…
Cuba, Day 06
From the Market to the Malecón
We got an early start to get to the market when it opened. This is not the touristy market, rather the one where local Cubans go to buy their vegetables, meats, beans, and other staples.
The light coming in to the covered market was wonderful, and we had a great time photographing, both close-ups and overviews.
The aromas of the spices and herbs was wonderful, and the various vendors calling out to entice customers into their booths was compelling.
Next, we went to the Christopher Colon Cemetery that covers some 135 acres and has some 2+ million “residents” on its grounds. Laid out like a city, the avenues are broad and named on a grid. Letters in one directions, numbers in the other. There is no question of the disparity between the rich and modest.
Marble imported from Italy shows off the monuments from the well-to-do families, whilst simpler materials are used for the other memorials. Here, one looks up the long slope along the stem of the cross to the statue above. I never made it to the other side, so I can only assume it was the person memorialized.
Along one of the streets, a daughter laughs with her mother, their pet dog in the doorway.
We learned about the Santeria religion, a mix of African and Catholic spirituality. For many of us, it was both fascinating and curious to see one religious icon juxtaposed against one from another. There were what seemed to a number of us some bizarre pairings such as the one here.
Along the streets, as we were walking, I found this little boy, happily eating his ice cream. We think ice cream is part of the Cuban culture! 
The light was getting beautiful, and we were eager to go down to the Malecón, a seven-kilometer, seaside walkway. This is where people come to talk, lovers lock in passionate embraces, and families gather. It was quite windy, as a cold front was coming through, and the waves kicked up.
I was working with one participant in what we thought was a protected area. After all, the pavement behind a stone pillar was dry while the sidewalk and pavement on either side was wet. False security. Suddenly, a big wave came over the pillar, and the two of us were soaked and laughing with abandon.
It was all in the spirit of the Malecón!
Next: Meandering around Old Habana