Last time I wrote to you I was on my way to Cuba, and now I share my reflections from a most amazing trip.

 

Cuba is a country with such a diverse sense of contrast.  Some believe that time exists on a vertical level with past, present and future all happening at once.  In Cuba I was able to witness this phenomenom.  In any one moment the past is alive as you look around to see an oxen plowing a field, a 1957 Chevy driving a family into town, or street vendors haulking their wares.  Look again and you see the present time in vehicles imported from China, France and Germany, computers with high speed internet, and cell phones.  Look into the young faces of the future and you see their hopes and dreams alive and well.

 

The architechture reminds me of some of the most beautiful cities in Europe, with a mixture of styles, art, and color.  Art is everywhere, as esthetic blends with the practical; ornate with functional; European with Russian.

 

Then there is the music!  Everywhere we went there seemed to be music, music, music.  And where there is music, there is dancing.  The sense of joy that is expressed in dance is well and alive in Cuba, as people celebrated the beauty of human nature with the interpretation of music through the physical body.  (You know I was right there with them.)

 

Small country, large island in the Caribbean, Cuba's history is steeped in contrast, and conflict.  What is evident when you meet the people is the sense of pride they have in their country and hope for the future. The bridge through conflict is in the heart, and I saw it everywhere. 

Change is already happening there, and I look forward to the day I can hop onto a boat from Key West and visit this beautiful country again.