A Coffee Picking Christmas

I thought I'd share an email I received from Rodger Harrison, the President of a charity called Paramedics for Children (click here to learn more) based in Copan Ruinas, Honduras.  I share it for information purposes only and for no other reason than to enlighten you on what Christmas may bring to that part of the world.  

Hope you had a Merry Christmas and I wish everyone a Happy and Healthy 2015.

Discover Cuba's Explosion of Color

José Rodríguez Fuster is a Cuban artist specializing in ceramics, painting, drawing, engraving, and graphic design. 

As a part of his work, he has spent many, many hours decorating his home as well as over 80 others, in the town of Jaimanitas, which is in the outskirts of Havana.  When you arrive, you find the area full of color.  Imaginative murals, and sculptures adorned in colorful ceramics are everywhere.  I have attached a small sample of the works in the attached slide show.

I recommend spending some time in this neighbourhood when you visit Havana.  I think you will be impressed by the environment created.  Fuster's art is a cherished part of Cuban culture, and this creation is a must see when visiting Havana.  

Colores de Fuster

To discover more Cuban culture - take a look at my Cuba playlist on my YouTube Channel

La Habana - Is Havana really safe?

Hotel Telegrafo, Havana Cuba

The last three nights of our "Historical Central Cuba" tour took us to La Habana.  As we entered the once prosperous city, our guide briefed us on it's history before and after the revolution.  There are many buildings being refurbished now, and you'll see scaffolding and fencing everywhere.  The buildings that have been repaired are truly spectacular with their pillars, high ceilings, tile and artwork.
Our guide encouraged us to explore Old Havana during our free time, and told us multiple times how safe the city is.  That being said, off we went.
Cathryn and I had been there before, so we headed out to find a Bake Shop that made great little Guayaba turnovers.  One turnover and a coffee made for a great afternoon snack.  We returned to the Hotel Telegrafo in time to get cleaned up and head down for Happy Hour.
Turned out Happy Hour wasn't so great.  One member of our group had her purse stolen by an athlete who specialize in "snatch and run".  She lost her Passport, Drivers Licence, Credit Cards, and all her money.  The poor sole, traumatized as it was, now had to endure a marathon session with the Cuban Police in order to get a report which would in turn, allow for the issuing of documents to temporarily replace her Passport.  During the process, a number of different Police officers told the woman and her witness (through our guide/interpreter) that this had never happened before.

The next day I was having a Cristol (great Cuban Beer) at the Hotel Bar and a man from Germany sat down next to me.  We exchanged travel stories.  He told me how he was swarmed in a bar by a group of young women who left him without his money or his iPhone.  He fortunately, carried only enough money for the day.  The balance of his money, Passport and other documents were in the hotel safe.

Walking the streets in Old Havana

So, is Havana safe?  I'd say yes. We never once felt threatened when walking around, and have never heard of anyone being physically abused or mugged.   However, where there are people, there are thieves.  Practice good habits so as not to become a target.  Stick to the main avenues.  Use a bag/purse with a strap that can go over your head and shoulder.  Carry the bag under your arm.  Avoid flashing or counting large amounts of money in public.  If you don't have a safe at the hotel, use a concealed money belt for your valuables.  Always be aware of your surroundings.  Seeing the same stranger nearby more than once on a busy street probably isn't a coincidence.
This was a very unfortunate event for our travel companion to experience.  The lesson we learned from it is to never get complacent.  This could happen in any city, in any country.  Travel smart, be safe, and enjoy your travels.