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