Hello from Cuba (15) - Goodbye, Havana.....
Hotel Habana Libre, Saturday, April 16, 2005, 9:51 am
So my stay in the Cuban capital is rapidly coming to a close.
Even the good weather seems to have taken leave. This morning
it clouded over, followed by an intense downpour and now the
sky is grey and the wind is blowing strongly. Unless the weather
improves, I think itīs going to be a day for a museum or a
movie and for letting this Cuban adventure come to a slow
and gentle close.
Walking along the famous Malecon.
These last 2 or so weeks have truly been a defining experience.
I have never before travelled to a developing country, and
I have never travelled by myself in this way. Moreover, I
have never consciously immersed myself in a foreign culture
as I have here. I spent more than two weeks studying at a
local university and spending time and interacting with Cuban
people as much as possible. I have been reading Cuban books,
listening to Cuban music, watching a little bit of Cuban TV
(also an interesting experience) and immersed myself in Cuban
life as much as I could.
The Neptune Statue with the Christo de La Habana in the background.
I think in the 2 weeks that Iīve been here Iīve learned a
tremendous amount about this strange and beautiful country.
I have been exposed to its politics, its history,
its architecture,
landscape and music,
its street life and its people. I have made a concerted effort
to open myself up and pursue my curiosity and ask questions
wherever possible. Itīs been intense, to say the least, and
it feels like I am going to need 2 or 3 solids days to reacclimatize
myself when I get back to Toronto. The environment is so different
from what I am used to that it has really rattled my brain.
New friendships have been formed, with professors from the
university and with some of my language study colleagues from
around the world. Last, but definitely not least, I have to
thank my local friend Pedro for spending a lot of time with
me, showing me the local sights, explaining the local culture
to me (and also for protecting me from the continuous onslaught
of male attention that female travellers are constantly exposed
to). More appreciation goes out to Pedroīs family who have
received me in their home like a long-lost friend or distant
cousin.
Most importantly, I have gained an appreciation of the things
that define Cuba (especially the Cuban enjoyment of life,
their close family relationships and their ability to make
do and be happy with very little), and at the same time I
have gained a new appreciation of what I have at home.
Interesting and useful books about Cuba:
Related Articles:
"My
Post-Cuba Reflections: Appreciation and Balance"
"Cuba
is Calling - Why I selected Cuba as my language study destination"
Hello from Cuba (1) -
First Impressions"
"Hello from Cuba (2) - Rain
in Vinales"
"Hello from Cuba (3) - Hiking
Vinales and Exploring Nature"
"Hello from Cuba (4) - Bureaucracy
Galore - The University of Havana"
"Hello from Cuba (5) - Another
Mind-Twisting Experience"
"Hello from Cuba (6) - The
Student Experience and Political Insights"
"Hello from Cuba (7) - Fun
and Recreation"
"Hello from Cuba (8) - Bicycle
Rides, Camellos and Cannon Shots"
"Hello from Cuba (9) - Havana
Neighbourhoods"
"Hello from Cuba (10) - A
Country Excursion"
"Hello from Cuba (11) - Inside
a Cuban Home"
"Hello from Cuba (12) - Contrasts
and Contradictions"
"Hello from Cuba (13) - Exploring
Downtown Havana"
"Hello from Cuba (14) - Field
Trips and Interviews"
"Hello from Cuba (15) - Getting
ready to say 'Goodbye, Havana'..."
"Hello from Cuba (16) - The
final day"