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