I’m staring out my window at another snow day here in Nashville, Tennessee. These days are January and I want to take it back to last July, when tank tops and ice in my rum made sense. If you want more on this trip, the other posts are under the Cuba 2017 link on the Menu. ¡Salud!
Chavi, Sylvan’s REALLY good friend. Let me state that dolphins are magical.
We were in the water on that platform, with the dolphin, IN THE WATER!
There were magic sparkles in the air and the water.
Perhaps one day Sylvan will tell me why he trusted this woman to hold him but would scream and writhe when greeted by others.
Delia winning…everything
First ride in Santiago’s car. They took us to Campo Florido to visit one of their sons
Hunting sea turtles is illegal, but it still happens every day.
Delia and Santiago, on their wedding day.
Tiny collections on our windowsill
Looking out
Arianna and her little sweet Odelay. This is Oslián’s (fav taxi driver and friend) family.
This guy was way chill
This made sense every day.
And Tía Abby arrived!
Wearing their handmade (by Raines) bracelets.
Sylvie y Tía.
We rented a ride around Havana with one of the only female drivers I’ve seen there. I’m calling her when I go back.
Playa Boca Ciega.
Precious and hilarious friends: Rubiceida, Idarmis, Cusita.
Señora Carmen and Abigail. This woman founded The Academy of Art on Isla de la Juventud, and in her 90s she still enjoys English workbooks and paging through old photo albums.
Cusita and me (wearing the jewelry she gave me for my birthday).
Rubi, Carmen y yo.
On our way to Viñales, Oslián stopped for Mangoes.
Viñales, the view from our room at Los Jardines
Mañanitas
My spirit was too tired before she even got there. I am so grateful for this sister of mine.
Cafecito sobre El Valle de Viñales.
Tobacco barn at Cooperative Hermanos Balcón.
Yosviel Baullosa and his cigars.
Our bratty trail horses.
After learning about their tobacco, we got to sit down and drink homemade concoctions.
Favorite.
Sylvan y Mamá, montados a caballo.
On a boat, in a cave.
Leaving La Cueva de los Indios.
Tesoritos con tesoritos.
Ran into a friend on the street in Viñales. Maikel says hi, Banning and Canción.
Exploring on Cayo Levisa.
Running towards billowing clouds.
La tormenta
Just before the storm arrived.
I never stopped looking for barracuda.
Raines and Abigail created some beautiful sand castles.
Hands full of candy and a toy shark.
Béisbol
Béisbolito
Raines, heading out to bring back la materia prima for Delia.
Weathered in ways I want.
When I talk with Delia on the phone she reminds me of the photos we left on their fridge.
Delia Quevedo calls me and tells me she loves me and to please come back. I call her and tell her I will as soon as I can.
Giving goodbyes.
Santiago hugs El Rubio, as we head to the airport.
¡BNA!
Us, and some fuzzy children.
Scéne á faire 