Thursday, December 20, 2012

Christmas Chaos and Cuba

So we got back and have not stopped, the gallery has not gotten to full reconstruction mode, but things are coming along SLOWLY. Of course this is always the issue when dealing with the city. The roof is being replaced today! The interior walls have been knocked down and are now being re-stuccoed.
I am still processing photos from Cuba, but thought I would share just a few with you. These photos are Ken's! He actually had to pick up a camera and practice the craft of photography! I think he did great for his first time. Ken realized the importance of getting up before the sun to shoot.  He would call it a cultural safari, because you rise before the sun, take a break midday because the sun is too harsh and go back to shoot at dusk! I had an amazing time watching and learning from the great Arthur Meyerson, one of the best photographers and more importantly humans beings you can meet.  The one thing I would hope for all of the Cubans that left in the sixties, is that they find some type of resolve, and leave the hate and bitterness  behind. I find the Cuba issue terribly complex, like the group leaders would say, Cuba is complicated and so are the emotions of those that fled in the sixties. I hope to expand on this after Christmas. In light of the tragedy we all experienced this week with the devastating loss of 26 souls, I hope and pray that people will love a little harder and remember the true meaning of Christmas and not the material chaos we all fall prey to.
Merry Christmas, love and light, Elizabeth








Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Cuba, Havana, Viñales and more

Ken and I just returned from an amazing week in Cuba! What an experience, what a gloriously grand city and what a country!  For years I was conflicted with the idea of traveling to Cuba, do I honor my mother's wishes or do I travel to Cuba and see the "motherland" my roots, where I came from.

I had heard so many stories about Cuba, so many negatives and positives that at the end of the day the right opportunity presented itself and I decided to jump on it and go! We went on a "people to people"
cultural exchange and it was just that! We interacted with everyone, they are friendly, open and warm!
The city of Havana itself is one of the most grandiose cities ever, only Paris compares to Havana.

I cannot believe how neglected and state of disrepair the city is in, another reason to go now before they knock everything down!

I will post some photos shortly and continue my thoughts....