Tumultuous
arrival in La Habana
The
flight from Miami was a short 40 minutes, the flight was full and I was happy
to see a fair number of American tourists, they seem to be in a group and lot
of returning Cubans/visiting Cubans. I had a pleasant chat with the flight
attendant, a man, who had grave doubts about the directions of the airlines in
America. Money for the Investors and for themselves is the motto of the
management rather than comfort and service to the passengers. They fill each
and every one seat in their planes; offer very little service, whether you are
flying International Business Class or Domestic First Class.
I
was quickly out of the door and the immigration official was pleasant and no
questions asked, the same with incoming security. I had three pieces of cheddar
cheese with me and I am glad they did not take it away as they were hard cheese
rather than soft cheese? I have noticed that customs and immigration all have
lost their threatening tones and have turned themselves into pleasant welcoming
ambassadors for Cuba.
I
waited for the bags to arrive and I was surprised that they were not marked
with the usual A for Alimentation or X for electric but they did have a yellow
line across, I did not know what it meant. I had already spoken to some friends
at Customs and they assured me I would have no problems.
The
chauffeur came in quickly and we were in the Vedado neighbourhood promptly.
Had
a Mulata (espresso with condensed milk) and a small sandwich at David’s Café in
front of the US Embassy, which now stands empty of any consular activities
after the newer presidency of that country.
I
wanted to unpack and soon there was a knock at the door and my neighbours,
husband and wife, came bearing gifts, symbolically offerings that my good
friend Castro of Baracoa had left me. He had been in town for the Book Fair
where he presented his latest book of verse, magical realism was invented in
Cuba and he is one of its descendants. He also had left me a diploma in which
as The Spiritual Guardian of Baracoa has honoured me with Native Citizenship as
an illustrious son of the town! I immediately called him and had a long
conversation with him; he personifies what friendship means, a friendship,
which has a strong-shared love for that city by the bay in the extreme orient
of this island surrounded by mountains and rivers flowing through it. I felt so
blessed with the gift of his friendship.
Thus
began my re-entry to this island that I love. I am looking forward to a quiet
time while I am here,
Two
Omaha Indian friends will join me in two days time and I am looking forward to
dinners with my professional colleagues.
As
the Shabbat is arriving, I thought of this wandering but such fulfilling life
for which I am grateful
Last
Shabbat in Cochin India at the home of the Last Jew of Cochin, with special
Cochini Malabari dishes prepared by his wife
The
Shabbat before it was so lovely to hear the three young daughters of my younger
brother recite the blessing over the candle in Haifa, Israel
The
week before in Quiberon, Brittany in France
Miami,
Florida
And
the Shabbat before I was reciting the prayers along the Amazon River with keen
attention by two of my Tikuna Indian friends.
Life
is like that dear friends
Shabbat
Shalom from Havana, Cuba.
