Cuba’s mourning of Mandela changes itinerary
The group visits a traditional Cuban cigar shop.
By Jen Roberts
I apologize for the delay in posting. I was told that Cuba shut down access to the Internet early Sunday morning in honor of Nelson Mandela, and it just came back on Monday evening. I had thought about trying to venture out into the city in search of phone service, because I couldn’t even get a phone call out, but decided I better not, and I was told I shouldn’t go off alone.
Due to the Cuban tradition of canceling entertainment in honor of a death, our schedule changed a bit and unfortunately we were unable to attend the Fire of the Cannon of 9 O’Clock at the Fortress of San Carlos de La Cabana where Che Guevara established his headquarters after the Revolution came to power in 1959.
However, we have plenty more to enjoy as you can see in the photos (above and below) from Saturday.
There will be more info and photos to come from Sunday and Monday, but for now a quick update. We will be visiting:
- The Instituto Superior de Arte (ISA), the country’s top art academy.
- Lunch hosted by Jose Fuster, one of the most important Cuban ceramists and painters today.
- Visit to the Lizt Alfonso Dance School.
- Enjoy Afrojazz, Cubajazz and Sonjazz at Club La Zorra y El Cuervo, Havana’s most famous jazz club.
As soon as I am able, I will send a longer update! Thanks for following along.
A vendor cuts sugar cane for the students to chew on.
Craig Bastert, left, Ben Bruckerhoff and Keegan Kindle pose in front of Ernest Hemingway’s home.
Lina Schiel-Madsen enters Hemingway’s home.
Celeste Land enjoys a beverage at a restaurant.
Cubans use alternate transportation to get around Havana.
The food has been a pleasant surprise.
We decided to do as the Cubans do and pose for a photo (blogger Jen Roberts on the right).
Students, faculty and staff enter the Havana scale model.
Another mode of transportation is used in downtown Havana.
About the Author: kwilson@whig.com
Love the pictures!