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April 26, 2016

We had an interesting lecture after breakfast from Carlos A. Lloga , called “Religions of Eastern Cuba”. He talked about all sorts of religions and beliefs. I thought one of his quotes was quite introspective and true. “In the world there are people in every religion who do bad things. That is the person not the religion.” We learned that from 1492 to the end of the 19^th century all Cubans were required to belong to the Catholic Church. There have been several popular religions in Cuba through the years. There is “Devotion to the Virgin of Charity” and “Espiritismo de Codon”, which the adherents communicate with the dead. “Palo Monte”, they have a portable universe. “Nfumbes” are people who ask the spirits of the dead about life challenges and decisions. “Ndokis”, is the spirits of accidents and unusual circumstances. “Santeria” is a cult that represents African ancestors and “Vodu Cubano”, which is voodoo that came from Africa to Haiti to Cuba. Animal sacrifice is common in the voodoo religion.

After the lecture we were off to Baracoa which is on the Far East end of Cuba. (As I sit here in October 2016 and write these blog posts I am very saddened to learn of the devastation of Baracoa, Cuba due to Hurricane Matthew. Baracoa was such a beautiful, fun city. The people are happy, the sites beautiful. My heart and prayers are with the citizens of Baracoa.)

Along the way we drove through the Province of Guantanamo. Guantanamo is the poorest province in Cuba.

The entrance to the Cuban land surrounding the Guantanamo Naval Base.

We stopped along the way to have a picnic lunch on the beach. It was heavenly!

It's much easier to keep the bathroom sink clean when there are no faucets to wipe.

Some locals fired up a pig roast. It was awesome!

Another self portrait

Psssst. I always knew the beaches would look this good. (bc)

Back onto the bus for more traveling. In the mountains we change to rain forests and tropical climate

We loved our bus driver!

We finally get to our hotel and it is very tropical in its design and appearance. Rooms are nice yet rustic, tile floor, air conditioners work (whew!) and a nice pool near the bar, with rum!