CUBA-FAMILY REUNION

During the next few weeks we will document our pilgrimage to Cuba, my homeland. A journey so fabulous and inspiring it has given our family a new sense of being and belonging. This first blog documents the family reunion on March 23, 2010, which took place in Humberto's backyard, the same backyard I spent a lot of time in as a child when the house was occupied by my grandparents. The party was not only filled with wonderful joyful emotions, but with the most delicious plentyful food we had consumed in some time. The 5 hour feast started with grilled Caribbean lobster, croquetas and Loly's tamales, and later moved on to roast pork, moros, grilled fresh red snapper, rice with corn and salad. Of course, there was plenty of cerveza Bucanero and Crystal, as well as Havana Club Rum, perhaps the best in the world.   JIR

My cousin Humberto

Danny enjoys visiting with Teresita, my oldest

cousin

Luis (left) husband of Delia, my cousin who is visiting Miami now; son Liester (center). Steve, our soon-to-be son-in-law is on the right of the frame

Second cousins Annelisse (left) and Aliette; Aliette's husband Rodolfo is center

Humberto helps Loly with fish grilling. Danny pigs out

Steve, yours truly and Anelisse (Teresita's youngest daughter; one of my second cousins)

Humberto uncorks white wine

The blue tent was specifically set up for the party and provided much needed shade during the sunny afternoon.

Humertico, star second baseman and Humberto's grandson.

Daniela Victoria, Anelisse's daughter

Fabio, Alissette's youngest of 2 boys; smart, mischevious and constantly on the move.

Rodolfo, Aliette's husband, recovering from a nasty fibular fracture which had to be pinned.

Fabio carries Toy, Humberto's new dog

Anelisse helps her uncle Humberto at the grill

Teresita, gorgeous in her younger years, still shows her beauty, both external and internal. My oldest cousin, she took care of me often as a baby and child.    

Teresita shows me the neighborhood. Victor Daniel, Anelisse's oldest (brother of Daniela Victoria) walked with us through the neighborhood.

Toy wants to taste Chicky's cafecito

Christian (left), Alissette's oldest son, was elusive like any 13 year old, but we caught him in this shot.

The whole gang