In the winter of 2001, I was able to go to Cuba through the Global Exchange Organization. This was BEFORE the embargo was lifted. A group of us went under the direction of Professor of Dr.Black and her husband, Marty. We started our trip by touring Cuba by BICYCLE! It wasn’t scary as there was hardly any traffic. We got a great feel for the country by bicycle. I took a picture of a billboard near the Malecón that said basically “Americans we don’t need you for absolutely anything “. We would do some other touring by bus with our two hosts who tried to show us the positive side of Cuba; thus the visit to a Hospital where the staff could accomplish a great job with few resources. Many of the doctors had practiced in Angola as they were used to caring for patients with few resources.
We would see Havana, Bay of Pigs, Trinidad, and Cienfuegos. We got to see Compay Segundo in concert and everyone danced. We were introduced to Santería and Palardades, restaurants run undercover but simultaneously very visible by the Cuban government, Cuban food is delicious and simplistic. Congri, or black beans and rice, and Tostones, fried plantains. I don’t know what Cubans do to Tostones, but they are delicious. I am not able to comprehend Cubans love of pork, maybe due to Spanish influence?
While in Cuba, I roomed with Laurenteen. I have a picture of us in front of a huge tower where there’s a huge portrait of Che Guevara. One time we went searching for a Coca Cola; we were unsuccessful. Dr.Black later dissuaded us from going out unaccompanied
Life changing event 