Sunday night and Monday

Is it possible that the high point of the trip could occur on the second night?  It will be difficult to top the performance we saw at the Buena Vista Social Club.  The music was terrific, but it was the infectious enthusiasm of the performers which was most memorable.   It even got most of us to join in the dancing - some better than others (like me!).

This morning we we to the Convento de Nuestra Senora de Belen, a senior citizen center housed in a restored 18th century convent.  After a warm welcome which included a serenade by the seniors, we toured the facility and learned of their programs which include occupational and physical therapy,

Next, we went to Cuban Institute of Friendship with People where we received an orientation about Cuba, including the issues between our governments.  The speaker referred continually to the U.S. “blockade” (it’s a embargo, which is bad enough, not a blockade) and the Cuban 5 Heroes, who are four Cubans (one has been released) held in American jails.  While we will hear more about this later in the trip, it is obviously a very hot issue here as yellow ribbons were well in view both at the Institute and at our next stop.

After lunch, we went to the National Union of Jurists, which is the Cuban Bar Association.  Professor Alejandro Vigil Iduate gave us an overview of the Cuban legal system, of which he seemed to be quite fond.  Again the Cuban 5 was a strong element of disagreement with the American legal system.

We left in a major downpour, so perhaps it was fortuitous that our block party which was scheduled for tonight will be rescheduled.  Besides, after a late night last night, an early evening will be welcome.

First full day in Cuba

Last night, we had dinner at Paladar La Guarida, which was the site of the only Cuban film to be nominated for a best foreign language Academy Award.  It was a great dinner, although being filmed by a German television program was a little weird.

We took the opportunity for a group picture which is above.

This morning, we visited Regla, which is a district of Havana  The first photo above is Havana, with the capital in the middle, from Regla.

We started at the Church of Nuestra Senora de Regla, which iis the second picture above, then walked to the Municipal Museum of Regia. 

After lunch, we went to the Centro Cultural Antiguos Almacenes where over 300 booths sell art, handicrafts and the usual tourist fare. 

So far, our contact with Cubans has been somewhat limited to those trying to sell us souvenirs.  The conversations we have had, however, indicate a great deal of friendliness to Americans and a wish that the boycott could end so tourism would be open and frequent. 

Tonight, we will have dinner at El Guajirito Paladar, followed by a performance by musicians from the Buena Vista Social Club.

Arrival in Havana

After a 45 minute flight, we arrived in a small, but crowded Havana airport.  Luggage collection took awhile, but we finally got everyone together.  With one person cancelling due to illness, we have a delegation of 13, nine of which are lawyers and one paralegal and one psychologist.

Our first stop was  the main square in Havana, which was bordered by this building with an outline picture of Che.

We just walked around the square a bit - it was about 90 degrees, but not overly humid.

. 


The center of the square was this monument.  The square is sort of Havana's "Red Square" and used for parades and celebrations.







We then had lunch and, being rather tired after a 4:30 a.m. meeting time this morning, went to the hotel for an afternoon of relaxation.  Tomorrow being Sunday will be mostly a day for touring with the professional meetings starting on Monday. 

Welcome to our blog!  For the 4th time, I will be leading a delegation of lawyers for People-to-People.  We are going to Cuba!  We are very pleased that a number of members of our delegation have been with us on past trips and are already friends.  And we look forward to making many new friends.

Our trip looks like a terrific mix of professional meetings where we will learn about the Cuban legal system and social events where we will learn about Cuban society.