Cuba: Unique and Puzzling

Sunday

December 19, 2010 

This page represents my inaugural initiation into what I plan to be an ongoing blog of photographs and articles about my research and creative activities in Cuba - particularly in Santiago de Cuba.  I have been in Cuba 6 times since the summer of 2007 and have spent anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months there each time.  For those who are wondering how I have been able to do this legally, since the United States still maintains an embargo (or 'blockade" as Cubanos call it) against Cuba, it is because I am a university professor who has been doing legitimate creative activity and research there.  Most recently, I choreographed a dance on the Santiago Ballet this past October for their 20th Anniversary celebration.  In the future, I plan on posting video excerpts of that performance.

It is my intent to be non-political in this blog because my topic is about "people" who happen to be our neighbors in a country 90 miles south of the Florida Keys, and who share the same basic human experiences that all of us do.  I am keenly aware of the unfortunate history of conflict between our two countries; after all I grew up during the Cuban Missile Crisis and clearly remember when a traveling bomb shelter display came through the town where I lived during that time.  The tragedy of all the political rhetoric and bantering back-and-forth, that has gone on for over fifty years, is that it blurs (if not completely covers up) the fact that Cuba is a beautiful country with some of the most warm and open hearted people that I have ever met anywhere in the world.  In addition, they are some of the most resourceful and ingenious people that I have ever met - largely because the embargo has made that a necessary skill for survival.

Other Americans who have been to Cuba may take issue with some of my opinion(s) in this blog.  But, I mostly hang out and work with creative artists when I am there, so my viewpoint(s) are obviously filtered through that lens of perception.  So far, what I have learned from my observations and experiences in Cuba is that there is much to be admired and respected about the Cuban people, who daily struggle to make ends meet in extremely difficult circumstances and rarely complain it.  Rather, they seem to maintain a sense humor, happiness, and enjoyment in their lives.  I have even overheard lighthearted jokes about the difficult situations in their country in order to provide a sense perspective and levity to their circumstances.  As one friend told me: "Look... Cubans have very little because there is very little to have, so we make do with what we do have and don't see much purpose in complaining and whining about it.  If you have your health, food on the table, a roof over your head, and the love of your family and friends, then what else do you need?  ¿Sí?"  ¡Absolutamente!  I said, Claro que sí.    

Below is a very small sample of photographs that I took in Havana in the summer of 2007.  They represent a rather standard array of photographs that one may see in travel books and magazines about Cuba.  However, I must confess that Havana is not my favorite city in Cuba.  It is certainly a beautiful city, but it doesn't represent the whole island of Cuba or the totality of the Cuban culture.  It would be a disservice to any visitor to only stay in Havana and not see the other end of the island.  Havana is much different then the rest of Cuba and it is changing rapidly.  Personally, my heart belongs to Santiago de Cuba and the beautiful Sierra Maestra range that surrounds it.  I find that Santiago is a truer representation of what I consider to be the "real" Cuba.  The people there seem more “real” and grounded, and the Caribbean culture is much richer and less oriented toward tourist.  It's focused on the art form for its artistic value and not on its potential tourist revenue.  All you have to do is spend an afternoon and evening at the Casa de la Trova, or go to their International Trova Festival in March and you will be changed forever.  <http://havanajournal.com/culture/entry/casa-de-la-trova-music-festival-in-santiago-de-cuba/> 

It has always been my preference, no matter where I journey, to be a traveler and not a tourist.  Therefore, as much as possible, I avoid tourist hotels and stay in private family homes called "Casa Particulars," and (for the most part) eat what Cubans eat.  Staying with a Cuban family is the absolute best way of getting to know what it is like to be Cuban.  But, if you are an American in Cuba you're going to stand out in a crowd no matter how much you try to blend in, and you can usually expect to be approached by someone on a regular basis - especially if you are traveling alone.  So, knowing and maintaining your personal boundaries, and clearly communicating that fact in whatever way you can (without being obnoxiously rude) is your best defense.  In general, most Cubans are very polite and respectful.  

There are always safeguards and precautions that one needs to practice no matter where he or she travels, but I have never felt unsafe or in serious jeopardy of ever being physically harmed in Cuba.  There are usually security guards and/or "la policía" nearby, and there is certainly no shortage of hidden security cameras.  But, no matter what you experience... Cuba is a unique and unforgettable adventure of a lifetime.  There is no other country in the world quite like it.  It was aptly summed up when Christopher Columbus described it as: "Es la tierra más hermosa que ojos humanos hayan visto." (Literally: “It is the Earth more beautiful than human eyes have seen.”). 

More photos, videos, and articles about my research and creative activities in Cuba will be forthcoming in future updates of this blog.  I hope that you enjoy the pictures.

Saludos,

Calvin