Cuba, Day 11
Flamenco, Art, Baseball, Music, and Back to the Malecón
With Chavez’ death, there were initially three days of mourning, which meant no music. Fortunately, our dance troupe remembered us from last week, and because we had made a real connection with them, they invited us back in spite of the mourning period. After all, they still had to practice for an upcoming tour around Cuba, nine venues in all.
They were working on a new choreography, so at times, they went over to the laptop to see how this or that sequence was done, then returned to practice it.
We went on to Fuster’s studio. Fuster is probably the best-known Cuban artist. Not only has he exhibited internationally, but he has decorated over 80 houses in the little town in which he lives on the outskirts of Havana with ceramic tiles and whimsical arches.
Baseball is very big in Cuba. In fact, it is the national sport, and they take it very seriously. Here, some well-known Cuban comedians play. This game is not so serious, but they play hard. A few days later, when Cuba lost in the world championship, everyone quipped that there would be another three days of mourning.
We found the food in Cuba to be delicious. Beautifully prepared, nicely seasoned, and exquisitely presented, this was typical of some of the dishes we had. This elegant dish was stuffed eggplant with a tomato sauce. Yummm!
We returned to visit our professor of music who did a whole new program, because while the group was new, he remembered that I knew music. It was so thoughtful of him. He was an admirer of Chavez. The Cuban people have never seen the corrupt side of that government, and Chavez always came to the Cuban people as a man who came from the soil. How could they not love him?
The professor said it was a sad day for them. I responded that I realized that, but that in music, there is joy. He liked that, and it seemed to lift his spirits. Here, his son plays base guitar.
Wandering the streets with our group, I saw this little boy attending to his lessons.
And finally, at the end of a very busy day, we returned to the Malecón with its beautiful light.
We have been drawn to this area, so for us, it was a great way to end the day.
Next: Out into Tobacco Country