There
was a time when I approached the Immigration and customs at Havana airport with
great trepidation. In those days, there were only charter flights to Cuba and I
was always singled out as an educational case for up and coming interrogators
from the State Security. Apart from the annoyance, I would help the young ones
along, helping them with their questioning, and giving them answers they want
to hear, at all times writing everything down nearly in a piece of paper,
(where are the tons of such papers?)
Very
seldom was my luggage checked and after an hour or so of waiting I was sent on
my merry way. While waiting, I used to console myself, just guess what is
waiting for me on the other side? Always, friends, some of whom have left
graciously without leaving footprints, but lately for the past two years it has
been Yodel my faithful chauffeur.
With
the ascendancy of Obama, regular flights became operational and travel to Cuba
became very easy for me. No more weighing your bag and charging you 2 dollars per
pound like the Charter companies do. I have status with AAirlines and I am
allowed to bring two bags and I am usually upgraded. It is a short flight,
today it took only 40 minutes but the possibility of getting out first and then
presenting yourself at the shortest possible, is satisfying.
The
Immigration hall was beginning to stir with the Cancun flight and our flight
arriving around the same time. I saw the young man at the VIP Diplomatic line
was free, I presented myself, jokingly, treat me like a Diplomat, and within 30
second, picture taken and passport stamped I was on the other side.
Two
young women, were at the screening, they are actually screening your hand
luggage which happens in many countries on arrival, I can think of Malaysia for
example. I had cheese from France and Salmon from Miami and other edible
things, which are not strictly forbidden, but a disinterested but stern member
of the State Security, as are all the Customs agents, could have made my life
difficult. I handed my health card to the doctors and nurses at the station and
proudly said, Like you I am also an International Doctor and elicited a kind
smile from them.
I
was in an extraordinarily good mood.
There
was something so attractive about this country, the way people move, with such
dignified languor and the energetic atmosphere of the customs all. I felt close
to them.
I
was resigned to wait for my bags but much to my surprise, my two bags arrived
quickly one of which had the mark Ax on it, that means Alimentacion, Food stuff.
I stood in line and a very gentle older lady opened my bag I told her I am
Jewish and I cant eat pork or pork products so I have to bring tinned salmon
with me. She did a cursory look and stamped my luggage tag and within a minute
I was on the other side, where a milling crowd was waiting for loved ones, and
owners of private homes licensed to rent, waiting for their clients.
I
went outside, changed some Euros into the Cuban Tourist Dollar which is on par
with USD but if you try to change USD, they charge you about 13 per cent ..
getting about 87 cents of the tourist dollar to a Greenback.
Within
minutes I could see the blue car cruising towards me and my chauffeur greeted
with effusiveness which is rare in other countries. He has been my driver for
over two years and we have a nice understanding between us. He helps me and I
help him.
A
friend of mine from Moscow, an artist, had wanted some photos of Havana and
with that in mind, I was taking pictures of scenes which I have seen a thousand
times but still appearing warm and welcoming to my eyes. I took picturs of a
Lada at least 30 years old and motorcycles of the Soviet era. We passed by some
soviet style buildings and soon I was entering the familiar sights and streets
and trees and monuments of my suburb, Vedado.
More
photos and the chauffeur takes my bags to the entrance to my apartment. I see
my neighbours who were in their balconies waving to me with great enthusiasm,
that mad my chauffeur remark: they do love you, don’t they?
In
Miami, I am usually asked by people, why don’t you stay here rather than going
to Havana and I tell them I go to Havana
to be with my friends!
I
am happy to be back, outside it is hot as hell, but inside the air conditioned
comfort of my apartment, I am content to listen to music, read and write and
think of my friends and family in
Miami
Portland
Indian
families of various tribes
Quiberon
Haifa
Kuala
lumpur, Fort Cochin
And
some new friends who have entered my life
Russia,
Maroc..
