Cuba - Notes

In the plaza this morning, there were lots of young local men and women sitting around as if waiting.  A stern looking older guy in army uniform came over and barked a couple of words and they all got up and gathered around and listened while he spoke to them. Turns out they were army recruits getting their assignments somewhere in Cuba for their two year service.

Everyone on motos wears a helmet, must be a law, but no one does on bikes.  Cuba is known for its lack of crime and they are known to be very strict  with some things, like drugs or crimes against foreigners but not so much with driving.  People often drive a high rate of speed on small residential streets, testosterone fueled stuff.

Tobacco is king.

Handshaking is a big deal here primarily among men.  Reminds me of what I've heard of Arab culture where everything stops for the handshake (only men).  Here, you can be in the middle of a transaction with someone and a guy will crash right in and do a handshake and big greeting. Cars passing in opposite directions will stop and reach across to do the big handshake.  It's like a ritual greeting for a club or secret society.  

No such thing as a satellite or direct tv dish here but there is cable TV for the "lucky" with about 10 channels available, some from the US surprisingly.

Much transport is done by horse carriage in Viñales.  These are drawn by small, well groomed horses that prance along at a rapid gait.  One afternoon I sat on the front porch and watched them go by, as well as other street activities.

                   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlckI1kWoDU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88R1HLbdveA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDvKdhTv3vE

Getting a free lunch

But you need some good strong oxen to pull a dead cow.

 People young and old work hard

And sew it goes