The Rural Voice, 2005-04, Page 48Patti
Robertson
operates
Classic
Interiors in
Wingham.
By Patti Robertson
Ward and I recently went on an
architectural and cultural exploration
trip to Havana Cuba. When Ward's
American Aunt Jo found out our plans
she was very concerned. She said, "It's
not safe. Quite run down, you
know...it's not a wise trip!"
Our travel agent also had
reservations, suggesting that we'd no
doubt be better to stay at an all-
inclusive in Veradaro and take a day
trip to Havana with a bonafide tour
agency.
"No", I persisted, I understand some
of the world's finest architecture is to
be seen in Havana and that was calling
to both my sense as a designer and
Ward's as a photographer. So, with
warnings noted but set aside, heart and
head strong we headed out for Havana.
Once we had our own stuff packed
we loaded up on school supplies,
medical supplies, soap, toothpaste and
brushes, clothing in many sizes and
bags of candies. At the airport, upon
weighing in we were informed they'd
need another $60, for excess baggage!
From the moment we arrived I was
moved to tears. Wow! Havana truly is
splendor amongst the mins. I could tell
you that the people's cups were half
empty but that would be a shameful
lie. What I experienced for seven
glorious days was a cup that not only
was half full but in many cases
overflowed.
Cubans are passionate friendly
people with a ready handshake and
easy smiles. They are extremely proud
of their free medical care for all
citizens and free day care, and free
education from kindergarten through to
university. They are passionate about
Ltheir national sport of baseball and brag
about only having two seasons — winter
and summer.
You do not hear them moaning
44 THE RURAL VOICE
Home Decorating
Havana will enrapture you
about how the Americans overran their
country, using it as a playground from
the 1930 to 1950s, nor do you hear
them rail about how Russia abandoned
them as their own country came into
dire straits. Things we take for granted
are luxury items to them. Air condi-
tioners, video cameras and microwaves
are huge luxuries while dishwashers are
nonexistent. A Chinese -made Panda
colour TV sells for $154. The
government issues 67 -month loans so
people can buy a TV but truthfully,
here in Canada most of us can pay off
our cars quicker than that! The average
wage in Cuba is $20 per month! The
truth is the ordinary Cuban would be
hard pressed to buy himself a cold soft
drink on the hottest day of the year!
The second day of our excursion we
became adopted by our cab driver
Jesus. Between our poor Spanish and
his broken English, nods, smiles and a
desire to know each other, we became
friends. Jesus took us to local sights,
hospitals, his son Kenny's school, and
never batted an eye when we requested
to see Havana's most noted graveyard
with its incredibly designed
mausoleums and large passionate
marble statuary.
Each day Jesus would pick us up
and our adventure would begin. Ward
and I enjoyed being dropped off at the
Market in old Havana where we
quickly left the tourist attractions
behind and headed deep into old
Havana where the "real" city resides.
There we were a part of the Cuban
everyday life. We'd see barbers,
manicurists, bakers, weavers and
sewers making a living from small
doorways and stalls. We took in a street
domino game, jumped out of the road
many a time as vintage cars and trucks
raced down the extremely narrow
cobbled streets. We were even lucky
enough to see a wedding procession,
with everyone dressed to the nines and
riding in 1950s vintage convertibles.
Clothes dryers are nonexistent so
laundry hangs from windows and
balconies creating a picturesque turn -
of -the -century tableau. Everywhere you
look there is an incredible sculpted
doorway or beautifully tiled hallway.
Stained glass is abundant. You have to
look everywhere for around every
corner, through every passageway is an
architectural delight to behold. It truly
is amazing. The Spanish styling is
uppermost but there is an undercurrent
of Moroccan styling that is prevalent as
well. They are trying very hard to retain
and preserve the inherent beauty but
sadly their infrastructure is such that
progress is painfully slow.
Kids are suitably dressed, clean and
slim. They play baseball and marbles in
the street. Their dark eyes gleam as
they mysteriously ask, "Candy Lady?"
Thankfully I'd taken plenty of treats!
We wandered into local bars where
Cuban beer or rum sells for $1 and a
nice sized salad or soup costs $ 1.50.
Cubans make their own ice cream and
it's incredible! Creamy, extremely
smooth and flavourful!
Twice Ward and I were hopelessly
lost somewhere back where tourists
don't tread and never did I feel
threatened or afraid. I cannot say that
for many of our cities! Mind you Cuba
is a police state and there tends to be a
cop on nearly every corner and there is
a "don't tamper with the tourists
mentality". so that probably accounts
for something.
Jesus took us into his neighborhood
to see where and how he, his wife Ida,
and son Kenny live. That was very
special!
We went to local grocery stores and
were amazed how shampoo, soap,
general hygiene products, candies and
potato chips are enclosed in Plexiglas
cubicles because they are so expensive
compared to our prices and of course
desirable. Shampoo is approximately
$7.99 for what we pay $2.99 and four
tea bags sell for $2!
This column isn't nearly big enough
to encompass the sights sounds and joy
I experienced. I encourage you if
you're headed south to give Havana,
Cuba serious consideration. I'll
guarantee you that with an open heart
you'll be enraptured. You'll come to
know how we really do live in the land
of good and plenty. You will marvel at
how ingenious and happy and stress
free these people who supposedly are
"have-nots" are.
For me, Havana has taught me
humility and for that I am eternally
grateful. Wow!O