So long but not goodbye

September 23, 2016

So long but not goodbye

Gardeners, sewers, teachers and painters headed as usual this am for our last day of work.  How different our early morning walk was from 10 days ago:  now the sites and rhythm of the city are familiar, as is the route.  What seemed so astonishing just 10 days ago, now seems normal and comfortable.

Fast work at the sewing table allowed me to finish several granny squares, as well as sew together several into a bag(handle to be added by the "real" sewing jefa).  Phil and Kathy both finished multiple squares, and Yari learned to crochet for the first time, and proudly held up her first square.

The teachers, gardeners  and lone painter had satisfying mornings as well.  Lunch brought pizza, meeting, last minute planning and pleas to fill out the end of program evaluations.  Next up was a visit to the local museum(a beautifully restored old building) with a dance presentation by Rumbavilla, an award winning AfroCuban dance troupe.  As with most things in Cuba, this included audience participation with all of us trying to learn the new beat.

A few hours of siesta, swimming, and packing and then we all gathered at the first restaurant we ate at 2 weeks ago to celebrate our team and our adventures.  We were thrilled to be joined by many of our local hosts, filling the small room with 24 people. Drinking, laughing, eating, and more drinking ensued, with toasts all around as well as thanks to each volunteer as well as all of the local hosts.

Heading out early tomorrow morning for the 2 hour bus ride to Santa Clara airport I'm guessing that most will realize what a powerful and effective team this has been.  We set very high goals when we started; and as we head back, across a very small geographic gap, we hope that we have helped, in our small way, to heal old wounds, and as Eduardo says so well:  "built bridges for our governments to walk on".

In the meantime, thanks as always, to family, friends, and colleagues who have stayed the course at home, while we have had the chance to serve the Cuban people,

With love and tremendous gratitude,
Barbara

Gloria Discusses Life and Death, One team member faints(almost) during teaching

September 21, 2016

Gloria Discusses Life & Death, One Team member faints(almost) during teaching

The day started with the promised trip to the sewing room, where the sewing ladies were stunned by my ability to crochet granny squares. Now, this will not surprise those who know me well, or have received an afghan as a gift, but knocking off 5 squares in a short morning anointed me as the new "jefa"(boss) of the crocheting team!  Others crocheted and worked on finishing the throw rugs.  In between stitches we had coffee and conversation; time flew by and soon it was time to head out to meet the team for lunch.  With promises to return early tomorrow, and many kisses,we wished the ladies "Hasta manana".

A much more energetic and upbeat team greeted us at the Community Center .  Phil and Keith proud of having finished most of the painting, the gardeners showing off their newly planted tomatoes, and the teachers engrossed in a hearty (and loud) game of UNO with their students. Lunch and a meeting with Eduardo, and Phil and I were headed back for swimming and siesta.  

Evening teaching was proceeded by a carriage ride with Gloria(our hearty 91 year old volunteer, who hasn't been sick at all).  When I inquired about religion she said emphatically:  "none".  When I asked her if she had been in touch with her nieces. And nephews at home:  "no", "I told them if I die in Cuba, someone will let them know".  Are you scared of dying I inquired?  "No".  Do you know where you are going?  "Well, she said, pointing down then up:  I am going either place, and no worries, I will know a lot of people.  ". She went on to say that she has had a great life, and at her age , she feels lucky to be in Cuba.  Off she strode down the street, to dinner and teaching. 

Initially the evening was going well, until Phil showed up at the little kids table where I was helping Suzann, with that look on his face.  "Susan is down".  Uh Oh.  Pale , dizzy and sweaty she lay on the bed in the back room having grown faint during teaching.  No other symptoms, and refusing to go to the hospital.  After rest, water, and juice, she still had only a blood pressure of 85 systolic sitting up.  Not good.  "No, she said, no hospital".  After a bit, she looked better, we summoned Eduardo with his car, and she is resting comfortably in her hotel room with admonishment to drink water with electrolytes.

Despite the minor bumps in the road, this has been a great team.  I realize that I haven't given due credit to the stamina and upbeat attitude of everyone, but special kudos to our "elders":  Jane and Gloria, who have been stalwart throughout, with high energy and not a single complaint. 

Plans are in the offing for our final two days in Ciego: shopping, celebrations, another trip to La Trova for music and dance, and final goodbyes.

Hoping all of you are healthy and hearty,

With love from Cuba

Barbara

Sent from my iPad

Low energy for the team

September 20, 2016

This morning brought news that Susan is still sick, and now Cal is ill as well.  Interestingly enough, not the usual expected GI maladies, but rather both with upper respiratory symptoms.  With our numbers dwindling we headed out to maintenance, teaching, sewing and Tai Chi exercise class. Suzann and Jane were heartily welcomed to the class, which was somewhat abbreviated due to the extreme heat and humidity.

On to the sewing room, where "la jefa" was irritated with me because she thought we were going to do crocheting today, but we had planned that for "manana".  Much laughter and apologies ensued, with promises to return with those who could crochet tomorrow.  Meantime, I followed the stream of those carrying bread to find the nearby bakery and pick up sweets for lunch.

Arrival at the community center revealed a somewhat low energy team, hot and bothered.  During our pre lunch meeting, I reassured them that most teams feel this "let down" early in the second week of work, when the glamour has worn off, we are tired of our same clothes, the food has lost its interest(how many times can you eat rice and beans and love it?), and we are wondering what we are achieving.  A review of our progress to date in achieving our goals seemed to help reset the "thermostat", and the team left for afternoon siesta and shopping in better spirits.

An afternoon swim was followed by thunder, lightning and torrential rains, with the temperature dropping many degrees.  A great reprieve before our evening tutoring session.  Our earlier discussions about how to improve the teaching sessions panned out;  much more organized, with specific activities for all ages and abilities.  Phil's intro of twister to his kids, lead to a hearty ending to the evening, with all gathered around to join in the fun(accompanied by admonishments to speak in English!).

Hoping that our ill teammates will be recovered by tomorrow and be able to rejoin our projects. I am looking forward to a morning of crocheting with the sewing ladies,

With love from Cuba

Walking tour of Old Havana and long drive home to Ciego

September 18, 2016

Walking tour of Havana, the American Embassy, and a long drive back to Ciego de Avila

After a quick walk in the early morning light, and another sumptuous breakfast, we were picked up, met our guide Guillermo and headed out to learn more about Havana. Initially we had stops at Revolution Square(museum closed due to it being Sunday) and the American Embassy.  Located on the waterfront, it stands alone, guarded by a sole soldier.  I have to admit that it gave me chills to be standing in front of the embassy, knowing how recently we have restored diplomatic ties with this needy nation.

On to Old Havana for a several hour walking tour.  Square after square, small path after small path, with large churches scattered in between.  Close to the big squares were all manner of touristy type stores, but as Phil noticed, only a few blocks away, no stores, and buildings in disrepair.  He commented that it was kind of like being on a movie set, with the "real " Havana a few blocks outside the radius of the churches and squares.  Sadly,  one aspect of tourism that we found unfortunate was women, children,  and dogs dressed in a variety of garb, and wanting money to have their photos taken.  We skipped that.

Another big lunch(how many more big meals can we consume), and we were off back to Ciego de Avila.  Our planned stopped at the Che Guevara memorial cancelled as it is closed on Sundays.  Arriving back in Ciego early evening, it felt like we were arriving home:  most of us even have our same rooms.

As I was rereading parts of these notes this evening, it struck me that these pages are don't have much "team leader" issues or angst. Quite different from my Montana teams where I acted as chief cook, bottle washer, psychologist and driver.(also laundress and housemaid).  Leading an international team, especially to a place like Cuba with poor infrastructure has its challenges, but I have found the hospitality of our local hosts, as well as my fantastic team, have made the job relatively easy.  

We will bid goodbye to Suzanne Pender in the morning as she heads back to Boston.  She has been a wonderful contributor to the team, and she will be missed. Already discussing what our next trip with Global will be.

We were sad to learn that another explosive device was found in New York, and hope that they figure out quickly what is going on.  With lack of electronic access, and no newspapers, we definitely feel like we are in a land far far away.

Hoping all of you are safe and well,

With love from Cuba

Barbara

September 16 2016

God Kissed the Earth and there was Cuba and Opening Windows in the mind

In the cool early dawn Suzann and I headed out for our morning walk.  Initially the neighborhood was filled with the sounds of the roosters, and the smell of old garbage.  Quickly it gave way to lovely old homes in varying states of repair:  some had been lovingly restored, others in disrepair and decay.  Early risers made their way here and there, with quiet nods of greeting and good morning.  As the sun rose, we found the wifi park, sent off some notes to home, explored a bit more, and headed "home" to our Casa, where waiting on our outside porch was a luxurious breakfast spread of omelettes, sandwiches, fruit, juice, deep rich coffee, and pastry.

Satisfied and sent off by our hosts, we headed off picking up the rest of the team.  Reports from all Casas were glowingly positive:  "best night sleep yet", "I have new Cuban sister", "wonderful food and people".  Even Jane, who had been somewhat nervous about her lack of Spanish and her host's lack of English, reported a good experience.

At the Cuban Council of Churches we spent the morning learning about Cuban history and Cuban education.  Our professor(and attorney,  and pastor, and teacher), Uxal, took us through the history of Cuba from the time of Christopher Columbus.  "When God finished making the earth, he was very pleased with his creation;  he kissed the earth, and that was Cuba".  Despite its challenges and opportunities, this is a man who loves his country and his people and remains optimistic about the future.  We were sad when he had to leave for another appointment.

Next came Amy (and her lovely  eight year old daughter).  An English teacher and lover of people and education, she spoke with us about the history of education and literacy in Cuba.  Right after the revolution, the government set to work as a major priority, improving literacy rates for the people of Cuba.  Within an astonishingly short time, they increased the literacy rate to over 98 per cent(do you know what the literacy rate is in the US?).  Now all Cubans are entitled to education from Kindergarten(compulsory) through University.  You cannot avoid going to school:  if you do not attend, there is a knock on your door to find out where you are.  Resources are sadly scarce however, and even though there is "equity" in education, there is not always "equality". Sound familiar?  She is preparing her beautiful daughter to attend an Arts school(her daughter would rather color and play games right now, she and Phil spent our break time playing "grass" flutes).At the conclusion of our wonderful time together, Amy thanked us for coming, and for teaching English to her people.  She said. " what you are doing is opening  a window in the minds of those you work with".

Yes, another meal followed:  the church council ladies made us a massive spread of fruit, soup, chicken, lamb, and breads

Off for to visit, Murealando(with a frustrating stop to exchange money and buy internet cards, very slow and time consuming. ) It is hard to describe this new place, a decade ago, a group of creative Cubans wanted a place to teach and practice their arts.  Having no location, they asked the government to let them use an old water tank, initially covered in a mountain of trash.  the government reluctantly oked the project with cynicism about what they would be able to accomplish.  Fast forward to the present(well, apparently not such fast work).  the "excavated" site is clear of trash, is home to incredible tile and painting and statues, and now has changed the face of the local neighborhood.  Kids and adults come to work and learn performing and other arts.  A real success story.

The day winded down with a brief siesta for some, shopping for others, before we headed out for dinner.  The team was "surprised" by being picked up by vintage convertibles for an hour drive through Havana's beautiful old neighborhoods and forest.  With cool breezes, and lots of laughter and photos, we ended up at our restaurant for the evening.  A last stop at the wifi park, and a team filled with impressions of a complex Cuba, and vibrant but still resource poor capital city headed off to our Casas for the night.

Tomorrow brings a walking tour of the city, and then a trip "home" to Ciego.  We head back to work on Monday.  We will be sad to bid goodbye to Suzanne, who heads back to Boston on Monday morning.

Meantime, we learned late last night of an explosion in Manhattan, and await more news. We hope that all of you are safe and sound.  And, as always, thanks for holding down the fort while we are gone,

With love from Cuba,

Barbara

The garden, Tai Chi Exercise, teaching and La trova Dancing

September 15 2016

The garden, Tai Chi Exercise, teaching and La Trova Dancing

Joining the gardeners for their early morning departure to the "garden", we strolled through the outskirts of Ciego, stopping along the way for a most delicious cup of coffee, served over the fence in ceramic cups by a local family.  The "garden" is a four hectare(similar to an acre) farm brimming with vegetables of all sorts.  The local workers welcomed the team with hugs and kisses, then everyone got down to work....well except me, I was busy taking photos.  The government took a piece of barren land, and with the hard work of local people, turned it into an oasis in the city.  The food now feeds local day care centers and schools, and is also sold to local families.  This cooperative is a real triumph.

Leaving the gardeners to their work, I enjoyed a quiet walk back into town, arriving at the wifi park just in time for the Tai Chi exercise class.  I asked the instructor if I could join, was warmly greeted in English and in Spanish, and he even made a special announcement of my presence.  Then off the class went:  a combination of Tai Chi and yoga, I think.  The woman in front of me coaching me to make sure I was following along.  I had more adjustments and suggestions in one class than in 10 classes at CorePower Yoga at home.  The end of the class was accompanied by more hugs, kisses and the requisite group photo, with encouragement for me to return on Tuesday.

Lunchtime found the team assembled at the community center having had a productive morning.  One of the local philosophy professors presented an interesting discussion about the structure of the Cuban government:  on paper(and PowerPoint), sure sounds democratic and representative, yet we hear otherwise.  More questions for next week.  After lunch, Octavio , born before the revolution explained life before and after the revolution:  many changes occurred at that time, from his perspective , many were positive: increased literacy and an emphasis on education being high on his list.  Much discussion ensured, with more questions......plans to continue that next week.

Dinner followed a short teaching session, and we had a chance to thank Suzanne Pender and Fiona, our two one week volunteers who leave us this weekend.  Onward to La Trova, a music club, with a special event for us:  a band, dancing , and rum& cokes!  It is quite impossible to describe the scene:  a bunch of gringos, dancing happily with a bunch of Cubans, to a band playing lively and soulful music.  The manager of the club said :" Music is a way of building friendships" and this event, and entire week have done just that.  Suzanne Pender and Suzann Lupton, along with Jane and Phil were particularly joyful.(Of course, Phil may not be able to walk tomorrow from all that dancing).

Back at home we learned that Suzanne's mother did well with her surgery, and her sister Virginia is there with her so Suzanne will be able to continue on to Havana tomorrow.

We leave tomorrow am for Havana, we will be staying in Casa Particulars(essentially Bed & Breakfasts) so not sure how much wifi we will have.  Will be back in touch when I can.

Meantime, have a dance and a song, and hug those you love,

With love from Cuba

Sewing, shopping and baseball

September 14, 2016

Sewing group, shopping, and Barbara goes to a baseball game

The teams headed off to their various work sites this am as I battled with my computer in the wifi park to get my assignment downloaded for my financial management course.  Guess who won?

Giving up on that attempt, I headed out to "scout" out the shopping choices in "downtown" Ciego de Avila.  I found all sorts of important souvenirs; but more importantly with my "Cubish", I found lovely Cubans, interested in helping:  go over there to buy fans, over there to buy hats, let me put your bag in your backpack; let me give you a discount.  Do you need stamps?

A stop at the sewing circle found Suzanne well ensconced with the group; discussing husbands and boyfriends, and where to get better fabric.  After a quick cup of very sweet coffee, I headed out.

Lunch(local pizza, let's just say it wasn't NY or Chicago style) was followed by an outing to a baseball game.  Many of you will recall that attending sporting events is not my greatest love, and the last baseball game I attended was likely in 1996 when we first moved to Denver.  But, what the heck I thought, might as well give it a go, I'll only stay for an inning or so.  Soon I found myself situated at the top of the stadium, comfortable(not fancy) chairs, and a luscious breeze.  Next you could hear me screaming at the "home team":  come on pitcher, you can do better; how about some runs here.  In between innings, more music and some dancing.  I was sad to leave the stadium behind to get ready for dinner, and Phil remarked:  "maybe we should come again next week if they are in town".

Dinner was followed by our now familiar teaching routine.  Suzanne, Suzann and I had the little ones again:  they were excited to see us, greeting us with hugs and kisses.  Thus followed lots of coloring and reading, interspersed with several rounds of Ring Around the Rosie(again the favorite), Hokey Pokey, Simon Says, and a round of yoga as well.  Exhausted at the end of two hours, we headed back to the hotel, only to learn that Suzanne's mother Alice fell and broke her hip, surgery will be in the morning.  It's so hard to be far away from home, with poor communications, when something unexpected happens.  Luckily Suzanne's sister is able to be there tomorrow for the surgery, and our thoughts are with Alice for a speedy recovery.  Suzanne is deciding what to do about her travel plans.  

Thinking of all you at home, stay safe and well,

With love from Cuba

Barbara