If you visit Bob's blog you may find that the title of this post is not totally accurate chronologically. The potential for error arises as a result of my not recording our activities each day and, as Bob was more attentive to recording, his notes will more accurately reflect what times we did what. So, if you are interested in chronological precision and, of course, to enjoy a different perspective on our Cuba experience, visit Bob's blog.
My notes indicate that we spent a good part of this day at the pool at Hotel La Union, about which there is not a lot to say. We relaxed and read by the pool, had a lunch, part of which was included in the 20 CUC's we paid for use of the pool side and pool and Bob went swimming. Here there was a changing room, so no requirement for behind the towel acrobatics.
We also noted for the first time, evidence of recycling in the form of 3 bins clearly marked to indicate what material was to be placed in each. We were impressed and happy that there was recycling awareness and some implementation - then watched with not a little disappointment as the waiter repeatedly threw recyclable things into the trash!
On one of our last days, and I don't recall which one, (it could be today) we decided to just stroll north on the Prado to areas of the town that we had not yet seen. So here are some of my reflections on that walk about.
More old cars, which, obviously, I, enjoy, for several reasons. Most important, I think, is that they are there - in some ways a metaphor for the amazing adaptability and tenacity that Cubans have shown in accommodating and prevailing in the face of the external pressures of political isolation, economic embargo, military invasion and all manner of incursions by a foreign power over several decades!
I also like the cars because they are often brightly coloured, even gaudy, and, while I may be reading too much into it, as such they seem to reflect a sense of pride and confidence. And even those that are not so colourful outside may, as I described in an earlier post, be "colourful" inside with hearts and arrows, tiny TV screens and music videos!
And lastly, after 50 years or more, they still work!
Another bit of interest was the tendency to put bird cages (in which there were birds) outside on the street or even carrying them about.
The real reasons behind this we did not learn but possibly it is, at least in part, to give the birds a sense of space, maybe light and maybe to make them aware of other birds. Or maybe they just like to do it.
Further along we came to this interesting building which we thought might house something exotic, only to find that it is the employment office.
This fellow was walking toward us proudly carrying this large piece of pig and he was, obviously, pleased to have it recorded. This meeting reminded me of a missed photo on the first day we were in Cinefuegos. I was waiting in the internet cafe while Bob was labouring in front of a computer screen, when a guy walked carrying a large plastic bag which contained a pig's head!
This is at least the second sign I have seen which alludes to the continuing commitment to vigilance in support of the revolution, which is the way I read this sign. Exactly what that entails I don't know. It could suggest a presence in the community of information and reminders about the continuing importance of the revolution but it could also be a source of eyes and ears of the state. If the latter exists, one hopes it is a lesser component than it likely was in earlier years. I know, a lot of speculation, but such a sign kind of invites it.
At the end of the Prado we ventured over to one of the side streets paralleling the Prado and started on our way back. The neighbourhood is, as you can see, varied with strong contrasts in the structural state of buildings.
One of the things I was tempted to do, if there had been time, was to take photos of the amazing variety of window and door grill work on houses and public buildings. Click on this photo and have a look at the building with the pinkish upper floor railing for an example of a rather intricate web of grill work.
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