Day 1 in Cuba

After Castro architecture.

Most of Cuba can be divided in two parts – before Castro (or BC), and after Castro. The BC sections of the nation are notable for their beautiful buildings, often Spanish in fashion culminating in the Art Deco style of the 1950’s. Post fifties, Cuba took on what they refer to as Russian-style architecture, referencing communist Russia’s blocks of pragmatic though ugly mass houses and similarly designed concrete, square structures. Everything is old here. As one of my fellow Americans remarked, “the whole place looks like it could use a coat of paint.” True enough.

Signs like this are everywhere - in lieu of commercial advertisements. 

We arrived at 10:15am, as planned, received our visas, made it through customs, then loaded into pre-arranged buses with Cuban guides who escorted us first into old Havana, then around the old American embassy of the 1920’s, which is in a tourist section of town frequented mostly by Europeans. From there we walked to a waterfront restaurant and then to a cigar club. Tonight we’ll have dinner, drinks, and a show with the Bueno Vista Social Club.

The national sports training center.

Tomorrow we’ll start the day by visiting the church that is sponsoring us as their guests. I have no idea what to expect.

More signs - as previously mentioned,

So far the Cuban people have been hospitable and friendly; somewhat surprised though very happy to see Americans. There are beggars occasionally and stray dogs as well – which I assume are better urban pests than pigeons and rats.

In Cuba the government picks your job for you. Evidently, these guys got handed "field laborer."

More to come tomorrow.