I haven’t traveled much since 2010 consequently just getting
in a mobile entity beyond bike or subway is a delicious thought.
Packing is always a trip! I’m not really up on how much Air
Canada will extract for one bag destined for cargo. I know there’s nothing they
don’t charge for and give little in return.
I was reminiscing when I took one of my first flights with
American Airlines in 1966. They handed me a menu as I was seated. I had a
selection of beef or chicken. Being a ground round Indiana boy I pleaded for
beef. When the meal came it was chicken. I had such a look of disappointment
the stewardess suggested I wait a few minutes then casually walk to
first class. That I did. It was my first experience with the class system.
Everyone I knew growing up was either ten dollars above or below prosperity.
And yes – they fed me steak and drink and plied me with comfort. Not Air Canada
– it’s grief and thief.
Travel is in my veins.
I’m always apprehensive until I arrive at airport, check in
and board. From that moment on I wholly submit.
I’ve
been to Havana a few times dating back to 1992. I arrived just after a brutal
hurricane that stomped unmercifully all over
the city. There were broken palms, thick patches of mud and stones in the
street.
My first thought – I love it.
I stayed in the
old Presidente Hotel. No air conditioning and broadloom from ceiling to window
to floor. The room had the smell of Nixon’s rotting corpse. I loved it!
All night congas beat a steady rhythm beyond the flowered
window ledge. The moment they ceased a rooster started barking – then more
roosters. I could hear them answer in the way distance. I figured they just
wanted to get some hen. I loved it!
By 5a.m. I’m tossing and turning in a pool of sweat. I get
up and look out the window and sunrise was creeping across the landscape.
Everything was in pastels – pinks, blues, greens, - soft color. I loved it!
By morning I was ready to eat. Nice thought – there was
nothing to eat. The embargo was starving folks - this was still cold war territory.
Somehow I managed to find a tomato or two and some butter and made due.
That week was an eye opener. I traveled from one end of Cuba
to the other. I saw the sumptuous countryside from a van. Stopped in one town
after another and met musicians. Jammed, sang, drank a bit and mostly got
hugged a lot. Tourism filled a container with ice – plenty beer and Mexican
Coca Colas all with the Olympic seal date undetermined. I remember arriving in
Santiago De Cuba opening the van door and pouring the remains of the cola on
pavement when suddenly a half dozen children arrive screaming and one girl hits
the pavement as if she were going to lap up the stain. My heart nearly stopped.
The kids were all over me with bright smiles and chatter. I was told bring
Chick lets the children love Chick lets. I did just that. I had a box with me
and passed around. Oh the smiles, the giggles the sweetness that permeated
every molecule of life is something I’ll take with me into the next life.
Lido from Beaches Jazz gave me a pile of T shirts and hats,
I had boxes of CDs all which found gracious hands for long keeping.
I’ve spent one week of my
life living and sleeping on the street in my early twenties totally destitute
and know exactly what that means – never again. I saw a nation so close to
collapse yet invigorated and full of love and kindness after the soviets left
who would struggle long and hard to make small change.
I returned in 2004 and 2006 to a country going through
renovation. Deemed a heritage city Havana’s been given a face lift. Oh those
buildings of supreme magnificence.
The embargo is still in place but visas are being
distributed and slowly but slowly Cuba is opening up. This has to be the
hardest shell to pry open.
Most travelers dream of a beach – baking in the sun. I dream
of a veranda, cold drink and a view that smacks the senses silly and being near
people.
I’m ready yes indeed!
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