Note From Cuba

Luis (middle) is a Student at the Havana College.
I spent 3 days with him and his friends... they treated me like family and I did the same in return... Heres what he wrote me.

"Hi Samuel, you can´t imagine how much I miss you, and the rest of the
group too, you know you change our life for ever because we never
tough that one day we going to meet someone so special like you.
I feel sad because I can´t meet you since the first day you was here in
Cuba, we just spend 3 days with you, I have to say that
you are like a god*,
because not everyday someone meet a nice boy like you.
You are young but you have a great heart, more bigger than your body,
you are kind, brave, honest, a real friend, and you accept me like I
am, today I check in the internet all your webpages, photos, your work
is really cool, I have to congratulate you, for all the good things
you made and make in the present too. I know that you going to be very
famouos one day and this day is very soon. Please never forget me, I
am still crying because you leave. We wait outside of the airport
until your plain enter to the sky, well I guess that you are in
mexico now I hope you see this email anyway I´m going to send it for
your normal email too, well bye for now but I have still many things
to tell you, excuse the way I write but I´m not so good writing, I
understand and speak well but I have many trouble for write in english
ah!!!, bye little mouse take care and you was so kind and good with me
that I have to say I LOVE YOU a big hug your friend Luis."

I'll post more from Luis and his thoughts on a Post Fidel Cuba... He's mentioned that he wants to marry a girl from Equador. He writes "...maybe I get married with a friend she is from Ecuador and can help me to get out of this country."

When Luis sent me that note, it made me sad to read it, but it also made me happy to know that I could go somewhere, meet a group of people and effect their lives in such a way...




*I think he meant hero.

Havana Club

Rum, Rum, Rum! I've ordered 3 Mojitos* since I've been back from my Cuba trip and I am truly spoiled... That muddled fresh mint leaves in a chilled glass, that fresh squeezed lime and the main ingridiant Havana Club RUM! I can duplicate the mint and the limes and even the chilled glass, but I can't seem to get my hands on some of that Havana Club Rum!
Its whats on my wish list.


If you like Mojitos and know of the best white rum to use, let me know which you prefer. Otherwise I'm going back to Cuba for a drink...whos coming with?


The reserve is good too.



(If you have connections with this, feel free to let me know:)
*I had to return one of the mojitos because it tasted nasty! I asked the server what it was and she said a mojito... it was made out of syrupy minty sauce and had horrible rum.

Feb 2, CUBA journals: 18 Stories

Feb 2, 08
Today Was A Good Day

I spent most of the day (noon – until now) w/ the university crew.
Its so nice to be around my generation again. I walked to the market, bought veggies for dinner, soda & cervesa. Each cervesa is 1 cuc. Which is a lot to the Cubans. So I felt rich buying 10!
The girls live on floor 18. Each floor has 17 steps, the elevator is currently broken. 3 times up and down and my legs are once again done for! (306 steps to the top x 3 times = 918 steps!)
This culture is sooo different! The water only flows into the sinks, toilet and showers for 2 hours each day* 6-8pm I was able to experience the stock piling of water for the other 22 hours when agua didn’t flow. Another thing I take for granted.
The rooms in this place aren’t furnished. Only a set of bunk beds per room. “oh how nice it would be to have a couch right here” I said at least 4 times. Dinner making was interesting, especially preparing the lettuce…which took nearly 30 minutes for one head. Such filthy lettuce! Leslie (one of the girls, who looks like Christina Ricci) helped me hand wash each leaf by pouring water over it w/ a cup! Yeah, salad never will taste the same.
We went on the roof. 280ft up. Mini fences (small, not meaning plenty) I took pictures of the sunset, caught a pigeon & sipped Cuban Beer. An Amazing highlight indeed.
I’m not sure how many people keep sugar under their bed in Tupperware besides these Cubans. Although I may start when I get home.
Great day indeed. I also ate 2 hamburgers I helped make (or burn one) I need to edit some pictures.
Good night indeed.
Remind me to talk politics. (or at least Write it.)


Cheers

*Not sure if this was just for their building or for the whole neighborhood...I doubt this is for the whole city.


18 stories of pure workout

The Market was in an old shed down the street. Unmarked and unclean.

Bright Colors Dominate Habana

I was starving, so Leslie made me a hamburger...
yeah, this is how they make um!

As you can tell, I ate the hamburger...now I'm happy.

Best meal ever! I ate even more then the night before. Maybe I can gain a few of those 10 pounds I lost while trying to spend $8 a day!

Cristal is sexy, don't you agree?

Rooftop sunset viewing. These fences wouldn't do well in CA. insurence companies would flippp!

Yeah, they would really flipppppp!


My Cuban friends quickly got used to the many images I would capture.
Rooftop relaxing.

More relaxation.

The pet Pigeon and my crew.

Cuba: Hardcore Alley Stickball

Feb 1 – Part Dos (or 2) “stickball”


That medical tape I brought has once again proven its worth (maybe even its weight in Gold?) First the pen(for journaling), now for béisbol! I was watching some older boys (14-20) Play Stickball in an empty lot. After about 15 minutes of watching, their ball got stuck/lost in a nearby tree. After a few moments, I remembered the tape in my pocket. I pulled it out and to their excitement offered to make a new ball. They asked ¿Cuánto? (how much?) I denied payment & I was immediately thrown into the outfield(which felt much like a small field of pavement littered with random divots and health hazards, I guess you can thank Fidel for free healthcare, although it may not be worth it) (see playing field in image above). I played w/ them nearly 2 hours. I’m sore. Between innings I would do pull ups called (barro) in espanol…or something like that, I asked a small child that was watching me "¿Cómo se dice pull-ups?" I asked him as I pulled up another. He replied "Barro"...but I really find it hard to believe...I'll look it up online when I get back to the states.

Anyways, I hit 3 huge hits that sent the ball over a building each time. Only one the team called a homerun, even though the others were good on regulation… then again that was my first time playing stickball. I liked it mucho gusto? I’m off to go get dinner… maybe meet up w/ those pseudo flirters HAHA. I need to hear some musico and have another mojito! Adios for now!



I didn't bring my camera to the alley to play, but I'll dig in my archive for an image of the place I joined a team to play.

I'm getting more and more tan each day. This Cuban sun is hotter then most. I'm enjoying it, especially mixed with exhaust and a warm breeze coming from florida.


Writers NOTE: This is a journal excerpt from my trip to Cuba a little more then a week ago. I am currently in my LA Studio.

Highs and Lows from Habana

Feb 1st (2 months till April Fools Day)
New pen! WooHoo! It was broken, but w/ a little medical tape and some hard work… it is now my tool of choice.
The new casa will be a good change of pace. The 1st spot was great, but I always felt crazy lonely and the place reminded me of being broke and new to the country. Now my spirits have changed. I've started picking up the bible, I've really felt like I can relate to Paul in Acts and David in the Psalms...it might sound pathetic and extreme to go that far, but I actually can grasp alot of their emotions at this point. Oh and then even being able to feed my internet addiction & contact familia. That was mucho bueno!
Miguel isn’t around today… kinda bitter sweet. Great tour guide & friend, but things get awkward when he asks for deniro I don’t have and sometimes I feel like he's pocketing some of it just because he can… Anyways, its good to have a day to relax, to break from walking 20 miles. My inner thighs are chaffed and these vans don’t prevent blisters. On that note: I’ve been enjoying the following… (keep in mind this is all copied text from a beat up little journal I woul dwhip out and jot down random notes and thoughts...I'm not crazy and I don't type with a pen)

1. More Language Confidence (I still can’t conversate, but I can comprehend much more)
2.El Sol (Sun) (Not too caliente, just perfecto(haha, thanx Rita:)
3. I’m only using 6 pesos a day. (3 for bread, 1 for vegetables and 2 for a good mojito)
4. Meeting cool people (everywhere!) Most people are extremly friendly if you can communicate with them.
5. Rationing. I’ve actually come to enjoy the challenge of not waisting anything!
6. Immunity to the tap water. This will save me at least a dollar 50 a day!
7. A break from photo taking. I left the 50 @ mi casa for my leica. Which is really only good in the day. Horrible w/o flash…
8. Free breakfast! El casa madre heard I’m broke & offered it for free! I now see where my So-Cal madres get it. They can’t see a nino go hungry. I told her my moms would be very greateful. But not as much as I am.
9. my new pen. The tip is being pushed further and further into the bac of it. So I may need to do surgery on it soon.
10. spending thime w/ Jesus. Has given me patience, endurance & wisedom.
11. Safety. It feels really safe here. Not sure why though…

Not Enjoying…

1. Showers… if these are hot! I would HATE to try a cold one.
2. The food. (although I did find a cheap pizza spot. Nasty… but cheap!)
3. Blisters on my feet from walking oh and chaffing hurts!
4. Being alone. No conversations except to my camera (video)
5. The litter… people here toss trash everywhere! It must be legal and maybe even a sport?
6. Exhaust: A lot of vehicles are from the 30's, 40’s & 50’s. That was back when emission standards weren’t a concern. Nor was air quality. Lucky for all living things, we are on the ocean & the air gets pushed around more frequently.
7. This pen. (every page I need to repare it!)


I didn't bring my Canon 5D today, since I wanted to blend in and look like a local...not that locals look like this...see video I took with my Leica D-Lux 3. (I'll post the video when i have time to get it up...iMovie is making me feel retarded)

1am journal excerp.

January 31st (1am)

Just showered, creamed up (That sounds bad...I meant put lotion/IcyHot on)(IcyHot does wonders to legs that have walked 20 miles in one day!) Now I’m lying in bed seeing my trip being half complete. I have 4 mas days here and I wish it were only 2. AHH! Miguel & I walked everywhere but the playa. I took over 300 pictures.
Anyways, I went to the ball game, watched Habana play Rio (not de Jenir)(sp) Didn’t stay the whole game, but didn’t meet up with the youngsters @ 9pm… I didn’t know the walk to the stadium would be 3 miles & nearly 1 hour walk…geez! So its late, I’m not as anxious as b4, but still home sick & ready to see my lady.
I think this trip has done a lot for me thus far. I’m less prideful, my ego has been pounded w/ humility(try being forced into being an introvert and a foreigner all in one). I feel closer to jesus. (he’s the only one that understands my language) I also miss Audrey A LOT.
Cuba is bizarre. People,cars,homes,water, restaurants, even sometimes I feel like the sun is controlled by the government. Oh what its like to have a socialist authority looking over your shoulder at all hours (besides now, in my bed...at least I hope!)

I've been reading Acts in the Bible and finding out just how hard of times Paul had on his journey to Rome while in chains...this experience is challenging, but oh sooo easy when I put it in perspective to Paul's story.
Thanks Jesus for keeping me in your watch and loving me through this adventure.

Alright, manana is sneaking up fast.
-Good Night Day 2-

Cuba:Journal Entry #2

January 30th
(this is the part of the trip I try inserting spanish into my writing, I find it a little embarrassing, but it helped me learn, so whatever works right!)
I’ve learned mucho about myself these past few days. I’m lonely, tired & hungry, plus I’m finding out that I’m broke. I will barely survive off of $20 cuc per day, which is about $22 usd (actually $18).
This town is bonita! Although I’m ALREADY getting tired of it… I’m not sure if I’m using that correctly…”This town is bonita.”?? I guess I’ll never know…(till Audrey tells me back home.)
Today was spent traveling by foot all throughout the town. Central Cuba, Cuba Libre & Vedado where I live ( for 5 mas days) I had a "tour guide" & I think his name was Carlos…or was it Miguel? Shoot! I better find out. I’m horrible w/ names!
I took about 300 pictures w/ my 28mm 1.8 lens. I just switched back to my 24-105 4.0 because I thought I could sit on the roof of the casa & write this. El casa owner said I couldn’t…what the heck? Why not? Oh well, I guess I'll sit on the street.
While purchasing drinks (mojitos) today for my friend & I, I finally figured out the 2 kinds of dinero…Cuban pesos & Cuban national pesos (CUC). It’s a confusing mess & it looks like locals use 1 while tourist use another. Corrupt you say? Well maybe…but 1 might try to take ADVANTAGE too if 1 only made as much as some of theses people do… 180 cuc a month? That’s nothing! *** Now I just have to get my hands on some local cash.
Anyways manana I’m supposed to hit the playa w/ Miguel ( or Carlos?) hopefully the price won’t be crazy! I’m not living like a tourist here…I’m living like a local but w/o the language advantage. I don’t know when I’m being cheated or when I’m cheating.
The biggest worry right now is I haven’t been able to notify home of my arrival. This county is shut off from the world! Its really different from what I am used to. I hope the fam isn’t too worried…I’ve tried collect calling & I can’t afford to buy a calling card ... I bet I’m more worried then Audrey & everyone HAHA! They probably know I’m fine. Lonely but fine :)
I’m being flirted w/ right now… HAHA! A grupo of 4 boys & 1 girl just invited me out tonight @ 9pm…
Anyways… So I have baseball @ 7 & out on the town @ 9.
I love how everyone is so open here.
If only I knew everything they were saying!
Haha!
I need to know much more Spanish! Ahh!
Alright, that’s it for now… my butt is sore from this park bench. I’m mucho thirsty! Maybe I’ll go back to mi casa & drink that Leche. Although I’m sure I’ll regret it later. (the Leche was saved from breakfast, along with a few scraps of pan (bread) and a mini banana)


*** I found out later that the Cuban's make alot LESS (More like 50 CUC a month) not sure if this is totally true.



Here are some images I took today.


Morning view


Another Amigo I met randomly.


Platinos.



Cliche.




rabid dog on crack. As I saw it.

AfroCubano zone.

A legit Mojito

Miguel (as I confirmed when i had him write down his contact info a few days later)
Miguel and his families home. Notice the random air vents and messed up furniture.

closer up.

Its like this on every corner!

Space research?



The market

Cuba:Journal Entry #1 (29.1.2008)

I’m in Cuba.
Its weird to say that.
I’ve been looking forward to this moment for a long long time! But now I’m thinking I may be staying to long. I already felt ready for home before I came to Mexico City, now I have a week on my own to explore, to see a country shunned by the US. A beautiful people and culture (the women here are stunning!)
I’m tired, I haven’t eaten much and I'm lonely.
The people here are not used to seeing people from the US, I get only gasps and then smiles when I inform of my citezenship. It is illegal for US citizens to travel to Cuba. But there are a few loop holes with the system and I've found one. The Cuban people are a welcoming one and have nothing against the people of the united states. They only think our politics are bad.
I’ve rented a small room from a local. Its nice, there is a small courtyard, windows that open up to the street and a nice bed.
This town is pretty, but in a weird way. Its not painted well, the homes aren’t nice and the streets are run down. But the people here are so happy with what they have. All the children are playing baseball,basketball and soccer everywhere you look.
I walked through much of the lower east side of this beach town. Not many shops. Not many stores, just homes and 1950’s vehicles everywhere! Its an odd expierence and I’m lucky to be experiencing it… I just need to get used to the loneliness…its pathetic I guess…I’m really starting to feel just how great friendships are… Audrey,Ceasar,Ann,Cole,Brittany,Ralph,Ira, Justin,Courtney ,Josiah,Heather all of my best friends are sooo key in my life. I’m just realizing this now that I can’t speak to anyone without getting weird looks and I’m way out of my comfort zone.

Here goes nothing!
I hope to get great pictures these next 5 days… Also to get closer to Jesus.
I haven’t been gone even a week yet and I’m already ready to come home…I must be one heck of a home body… or just sick of the 3 flights I’ve taken this far, plus the hassel of getting to this destination...there is nothing like being questioned 4 times in a different language once you set foot on a new terrain.

Thank God for the US and English speaking friends.
I’m going to sleep in hopes of dreaming of a bi-lingual eperience.


(They call this transporter bus "The Camel" notice the 2 humps)


(A run down stadium)


(The local gym. Working out at night is the only option to avoid the heat))


(Sunset from my window)