CUBA-GETTING AROUND

Most of us are aware of Cuban's unique ability to keep 1950's american cars running, particularluy Chevy's. The following pictures will not only show you some of these automotive miracles, but also the many different modes of transportation Cubans have implemented as part their austere creativity

Invariably, 1950's American cars are followed by a plume of exhaust fumes that can choke the most hardy of us mortals 

Horse powered wagons are everywhere; this one runs down my old neighborhood Marianao, a suburb of Havana. Most animals in Cuba, whether beasts of burden or stray cats and dogs appear malnourished and ill. 

This Ford truck, probably 1940's vintage is kept in an unusual protected carport.

The dead are transported in these rather well maintained covered pickups. Notice the colorful flower mats that cover the top of the truck where the coffins travel 

Transtur, the Cuban tour agency, carries tourists, mostly European and Canadian across Cuba. A well preserved Triumph is parked in the shade

As we approcahed this scene on foot, the guy who was riding the bicycle repeatedly and frustratingly tried to accomodate his bicycle on the motorcycle, so he could hitch a ride on the motorbike 

Even station wagons are still running

Pedal powered taxis are everywhere in Habana Vieja

This motorbike looked like it was on its last leg (tire) but stioll running!

Major violent crime is non-existent in Cuba, but petty crimes like pick pockets, are common in Habana Vieja and Centro Habana where many tourists congregate. The government has established a special police force to cover these areas as a deterent. This "Patrulla" (patrol) had just nabbed someone (notice the back seat is occupied) as we walked by

Many Ladas (Russian cars left over from before the collapse of the Soviet Union) are still running and many of them serve as taxis

Coco taxis: a motrocycle with a funny looking dome that provides some protection to the passagers. Notice the driver (center) is required to wear a helmet

Chinese-made Viazul buses are the main method of transportation between the major cities and towns in Cuba. They are comfortable and have a bathroom, but the ride is not as smooth as in American buses. This is the one that took us to Trinidad for 27 CUC's (about $30) one way. We received a 5% discount for buying our round trip tickets, but even though there is a sign advertising the discount, you are only entitled to it if you ask for it.

Vegetable vendor in Trinidad uses a tricycle-type method of transporting his goods

The main method of transportation for Cubans to-from work are these trucks (camiones), which have benches for people to sit while they travel. When the benches are full, people stand and hang on for dear life

My view of Cuba

We all appear to be doing 'themes' of Cuba, and since my fascination was with the old cars, I thought I'd show the pictures I had taken, until my second and last camera battery died...silly me, I didn't bring the charger to Cuba.  I took a few more with Jorge's camera and I'll try and post them.This line of cars was at the airport, waiting to pick people up. I'm not sure how Tikki got in here, I think he stowed away in my suitcase...An old hearse.The cars were in better shape than most buildings.  If Cubans could sell all those old cars to American car buffs, I bet they would become a rich nation!

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

More Boston Pictures.

Here I am in Boston, but I think I should be wearing one of these 'little shear black aprons' don't you think?  I went to the textile museum and one of the special displays was 1950's aprons and I got a kick out of these, not what I would call very useful!

Jorge at the "Top of the Hub" - the Prudential Tower in Boston.

Another picture in Boston Commons.