This particular phase of IC, has took a different format and mind set as It would have taken if riding my bike solo. I have been a crew on a private sail boat, (belonging to a family; Patrick, Melanie and Paciphaée) and all plans regarding travel (where to go, when to go, etc) were made by the Captain, not me. I therefore have had to work on other aptitudes like doing as I'm told with out any comments, Also always being ready for duty and the trickiest of all would be to try and fit in somewhere in the family dynamic.
Binoculars
With these new structures, I can say that we have gone through some difficult times (some would say it is inhumane to have 4 people living in such confined space - the boat) and at one point I came close to considering coming home. But with all that said, we managed to work it out, and are keeping our words till we reach Central America, Roatan - Honduras.
The morning after a night shift
In between all of this, lies Cuba... A glorious nation, geographically close to the States, but quite the opposite contrast in culture and distribution of resources... Here even though the greater amount of the population, live in simple, undeveloped conditions some of us in North America would consider "poor". They live happy lives, with the support of their families and communities, everyone has access to good free education, good free Heath care, and the cost of food are subsidized making it insignificant and available to everyone...
Hasta la Victoria Siempre
The island shares no borders with another country and are very strict in not allowing anyone to leave, (with the exception of a couple of situations, including marriage) so the concept of travelling I introduce is quite foreign to them. And opens up a can of warms that has been tricky approach in conversations, never mind understanding it. The ideas I present here are those friends of which I had a chance to talk with. According to these friends, Castro keep a close eye on it's people and there are many dos and don't s. If you are cough doing a don't, you might be considered an Anti-revolutionary, and may have to live and work and a farm for over six month, with out pay. I have a friend who did that, and has now an open application as a refugee to the States. Some of them fled to Mexico on a speed boat, only to get caught by the Mexican police two weeks later and be deported back to the island.
I view of the ocean
These above mentioned cases, are only a small fraction of Cubans, and is indeed a rare occasion now days. When travelling on a boat or bicycle everyone we meet is very friendly and helpful. The socialist culture is to share all that you've got, and they will feed you with what ever they have, with out hesitation. They are very aware that 1 dollar to us costs nothing, but to them is a full days wage. In Puerto Esperanza, for instance, Some friends get by only because of foreigner sail boats that came by with gift and what not. In the boating world it is well known to always have small things to give away in places that you visit. Things like books, plates, soap bar, tshirts, hats, tools, etc can really make a difference for some and they will feed you and love you for it. This way you make friends where ever you go.
Little Brian... reminded me of me!
Cuba relies on 80% of income from the tourism industry and a good Cuban knows to treat tourist right, so they enjoy and come back again - quite a simple concept. This is a country with two currencies, the national pesos, and the convertible pesos (CUC) that holds equal or greater value to the USD, There are about 24 national pesos in one CUC, and like I mentioned earlier, a regular Cuban earns around 1 CUC per day. It became apparent to me, that Cubans who work jobs that come in contact with tourist, can increase their wage rapidly and swiftly. I began to share this idea with people that I met and they agreed. However, in the first few days in Cuba I saw how these huge all inclusive hotels work and many, many tourist come here to "experience" Cuba. but stay in the resort all day, with the friendly staff, and they don't even have a clue about the real situation, or that there is a national currency... These resort establishments, in my opinon provide a fake experience of Cuba
Sailing Vessel "Seren" and the sun
Every so often I met someone and had the impression that they were really just helping me cause they wanted my dollars - this seams to be a common feeling amongst world travellers - and this is not the best situation you want to be in so you really have to know your stuff (actual prices etc...) and always keep an eye on the back of your head.
phew... so much to write... so little time...
Cayo Largo, Cuba
