Potpourri

Lunes, el 3 de Abril…

Ciudad Universitaria José Antonio Echeverria

Our host’s nephew (who speaks English) completed an elec engineering program at the Havana University of Technologies, so he & Greg went over there in the morning. Greg had instructional materials on a thumb drive that they were happy to receive, and he thoroughly enjoyed talking shop w/ one of the professors. I finished reading The Magnolia Story (If you’ve ever watched Fixer Upper, you know what I’m talking about. The book actually offers several powerful messages. These 2 are hard-working, straight-shooting, strong family folks.)

Before dinner we had a small celebration to thank our host family. Cuba libres (or whichever component an individual preferred) all ‘round and a couple small gifts. We had brought half a dozen Costco kitchen towels, which were appreciated, but the gift that unexpectedly hit home was a copy of Saint-Exupéry’s The Little Prince (en espaῆol, of course). Greg had bought it for them, and I’m like “Why???” But it turned out that Marylin had read and loved it but didn’t have a copy. I had written a short personal note on the fly page, so it’ll be a lasting reminder of our visit.

Yasiel (nephew), me, Greg, Marylin & Alec (boyfriend)

Later that night we trekked up near the Capitol for a "50's Afro-Cuban" concert. Literally a very upbeat ending to our visit. Afterwards we took our last walk through "the hood" down to sea before turning in.

Concert venue
(3rd floor courtyard balcony)

Gran Teatro (not the concert venue, but a beautiful bldg)

Performers mingle.

Last look (back) at the Malecón

Random Thought... 
On that long walk yesterday I chuckled at these 2 couples, each wearing matching jeans.