Cuba is so lively and vibrant, both on land and in the water!
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- Old Havana
In January we first spent 4 days experiencing the arts, music, dance and cuisine of Havana and Trinidad.
It was meaningful and touching to see community projects and most of all to interact with the warm-hearted Cuban people.
Our hearts leaped into our throats when we watched kids from working class parents train in the art of circus acrobatics in the outskirts of Havana. The director, coaches, volunteers, and parents all work together as a team to provide the training, costumes, and equipment free of charge to the children and their families. It’s truly a project that supports Cubans, their dreams, and the arts.
Muraleando is community art project has won awards in Cuba for being the most effective community project in the country. Garden sculptures, paintings, mosaics, and trash that has been transformed into art.
Fusterlandia
We wandered along cobbled stoned streets, explored markets, and marveled at the crumbling but beautiful architecture and 1950’s cars.
We enjoyed a riveting dance performance by the Compas Dance company. And then there was the food. We expected simple meals especially after Cuba was closed for 2 years due to the pandemic. I don’t think I’ve ever eaten such creative and delicious meals anywhere!
And then there was the Gardens of the Queen! Just 2000 lucky souls a year are allowed to experience the reefs. This kind of protection keep the reefs are marine life astonishingly healthy. The reefs are teeming, just roiling with schools upon schools of grunts, hogfish, snappers, and angelfish. Lots of rays, sharks, tarpon and lobster too. The robust Elkhorn coral is remarkable. We were thrilled by fast moving drift snorkels and enthralled by leisurely snorkels over never-ending.
Simply put, the entire trip was a feast for the senses and a remarkable journey. Can’t wait to return to this beautiful land and lovely people.
Wendy
Feb 2022