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.