My Cuban Itinerary

Karla López

 

I-45, Dallas Love Field, Tampa International Airport, José Martí International Airport, la gua gua from Havana to Matanzas; give or take, this was my journey to the destination: Ediciones Vigía. Everyone at Vigía greeted us with open arms and kisses on the cheek. I had just met these people, and I already loved them! They had a table full of foods for us to snack on; fresh guava, fruta bomba (papaya…which in Cuban is NOT papaya), Cuban cakes (which were WAY TOO SWEET for my taste buds to handle), ham and cheese on toothpicks and a variety of soft drinks. As I took it all in, I honestly couldn’t believe that I was in Cuba on a school trip with my school.

We walked from Vigía to the hostel with our suitcases dragging behind us. Everyone stared at us because it was so obvious we were NOT from around there. We were greeted by the owner of the hostel Don Roberto, who made small talk with us and handed over the keys to the rooms where we would be staying for the next week. It was Saturday when we arrived and it had been a gloomy type of day. It was raining and we were starving. Hector, Adrian and Alejandro swung by to pick us up and we all went out in the rain to grab some street food: bread with ham and cheese, and to drink: some rum and coke. I’m not exactly sure if it was the hunger or if the food was actually good, but it was the best meal EVER! From there, we walked to an outdoor nightclub. We were the only people there and we danced the night away. We walked back to the hostel singing at the top of our lungs, almost got run over by an 18-wheeler and overall, had the most unforgettable first night in Cuba.

For the next week or so, we worked at Ediciones Vigía for a few hours every morning; helping to create a book with materials that one would never think of for such a thing. After our work time was up, we would have lunch and then do a number of things; visit guest speakers, go on excursions to museums, castles, going to the most beautiful beach I’ve ever been to, visiting mummies, you name it, we did it. Every night we did something different and didn’t go to sleep until the early morning, but everyday I was excited for what would be in store. 

I went to Cuba not having any expectations of it. I wanted more than anything to learn about the culture but I came back with so much more than that. I came back with friendships that will last me a lifetime and honestly, that’s the best souvenir I could’ve brought back. I could go on writing about my experience in Cuba, but no one will ever know, not really.

Cuban Food for the Soul

 Keila Williams

Before arriving in Cuba, my interest in travelling had always been fueled by my passion to experience cuisine from every corner of the world. Being able to understand this one facet of a country’s culture has been my way of connecting to people. Unfortunately, this view of travel was not exactly cohesive with Cuba. The political turmoil in Cuba has left the citizens without basic resources including ingredients that were once accessible staples of many Cuban kitchens. Although this may seem like the most insignificant issue that the citizens are confronted with today, it brings up a larger concern: are the government’s political maneuvers (or lack thereof) causing the downfall of a once vibrant society? Is Cuban culture dying?

Once I realized the dishes that we consider “Cuban cuisine” were a thing of the past, I found the essence of Cuba through other mediums. Our hosts at Vigía Ediciones were unequivocally welcoming and taught me everything I could learn about Cuban culture. The amazing people of Vigía who graciously gave us their time and energy showed me Cuba. They explained the confusing history of the country which has led to their complicated socioeconomic status today. I began to admire the people. The people that I spent my time with were intellectuals who were not only preserving Cuban culture, they were creating it. The artistry in Vigía books is one of a kind. The pages of these books told a story before words were ever printed on them. I learned that the culture of a society does not stand in the economic status of the country, but in the people who live there. Furthermore, any attempt to silence or erase said culture only fuels the determination of the people to keep it alive.  

I will miss a constant rumble of robust voices, intimidating roars of horns and the ethereal scent of guava throughout the streets of Matanzas. I will take with me a new view of what travelling means. It is much more than a plate of authentic food. It is the impact that a place and its’ people make on you.

La perla del Caribe

Linda Castillo

 It’s insane to believe that only one month ago I was arriving to Cuba, anxiously awaiting my weeklong journey. As I sit at home today, I look up at the many things I brought back. While looking them over, I stop to read a beautiful fan with the words “la perla del Caribe” written upon it. An artisan inscribed these simple little words to sell his crafts to many tourists like me; however, little did he know that these four words truly sum up the essence of Cuba.

 

 

Amongst the treasures I brought back, the one image that sticks with me the most is the cityscape of Matanzas. During the trip, we took an excursion throughout the city.  In the moment I felt the walk would never end, until it did and then I wished it hadn’t. We traversed the city seeing how the less fortunate of Matanzas live. These people don’t complain about the way they live and make do with so little. This is the Cuban way. I can vividly remember a man on the street, fixing the springs of an old mattress. In the moment it made me think how the American way would be to replace it and buy a new one. There are certain things that money cannot buy, such as great friends, a good time, and an optimistic prospective on life.

Once you walk up steep slopes to the highest point of the city, you reach the most beautiful view, Matanzas wrapped in the Caribbean Sea. Cuba truly is a beautiful pearl, even in its not so pretty corners. Its beauty radiates from its people. These beautiful people are the ones who help you out with the little they can. They take you out on the town and befriend you as if they’ve known you for ages. Cuba’s beauty cannot be captured through pictures, only through experiences and memories.  “La perla del Caribe” is more than just that beautiful cityscape that I will always remember. It is new found friendships, but most importantly it’s an appreciation for the little things in life.

Thank you CUBA!

Yasely Carrizales

A month now since we left Cuba, and I can honestly say I want to go back. When arriving to Houston the first question I was asked by family and friends was “How was it?” , I could only take a deep breath, close my eyes and remember….Matanzas, Varadero, Las Cuevas de Bellamar, La Habana, Ediciones Vigia, Ana Maria, Iosmey, Hector, Adrian, Alejandro, Lorena, Elizabeth,  Dona Margarita, la tía Yolanda, the cars, the sky, the museums…… CUBA!

Taking a step back to the beginning of class I remembered professor Cuestas saying “we will dedicate 15 minutes of each class to talk about preparations for our trip to Cuba.”, but in fact our 15 minute conversations turned into 30 or 45 minute long with 12 other strangers. As the trip approached my heart pounded faster and faster…Before we knew it we were in Tampa , FL less than 24 hours away from physically touching Cuban grounds, less then 24 hours away from being completely disconnected from Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, and WhatsApp, less than 24 hours away from starting the experience of a lifetime.

While arriving to Jose Marti Airport in Habana, Cuba everything seamed so surreal. Riding the sky blue school bus that said “End The Blockade Against Cuba” on one side and inspirational quotes handwritten on the inside made me not want a fancy air-conditioned tourist bus like the ones parked next to us. Feeling Cuban air in our faces and taking in all the amazing views was breathtaking; as I looked around the bus I could see the excitement on everyone’s faces.

Our stay consisted of working at Ediciones Vigia for four days, were I learned to value everything and everyone. Working on hand crafted books made from scarps of paper, old cardboard, coffee, a couple of brushes and diluted glue made me realize anything could become what you want if you put your heart to it. Our new co-workers weren’t only co-workers and tour guides, in just a few hours they became very good friends.

Having to work in the morning, being a tourist in the evening and enjoying the Cuba’s nightlife was unbelievable.  Honestly, while planning the trip I had no expectations of what anything would look like or what I would be eating, but while being out there I was more than satisfied… the people, the culture, the views, the beaches, the food was all……. Indescribable. Our pictures from Cuba would do no justice to what our eyes saw.

“Hay un cubano en La Habana, vendiendo habanos prohibidos se le han quedado en la cama, tantos sueños dormidos un cubano en la Habana, que es inventor de futuros bloqueado a la americana el enemigo cianuro, un cubano en La Habana…. Un cubano en La Habana que no es culpable de na’ “

Hacer un libro en Ediciones Vigía, Cuba

Martha Jacobs

Al escuchar el semestre pasado que iba a haber una clase de edición que iba a ir a Cuba no lo pensé dos veces. Quería tener la oportunidad de poder visitar y conocer otro país y ayudar a realizar un libro con Ediciones Vigía. También quería conocer más a fondo cómo funciona una casa editorial y la dedicación que se toma cada simple paso para la realización de un libro. Así como entender y apasionarme por el trabajo que se está realizando en ese libro. Después de esta experiencia mi forma de ver un libro ha cambiado, ahora cada libro tiene su propia personalidad y puedo decir que su propia historia. En este momento el haber asistido esta clase es una de las mejores decisiones que he tomado.  Mi experiencia en este viaje a Cuba fue extraordinaria. Conocí un país que es muy bello con lugares y paisajes naturales maravillosos, playas, museos y su arquitectura. Y ni hablar de su gente que es muy alegre y cordial y nos hicieron sentir como en casa.  Conocí parte de sus costumbres, tradiciones y su comida.  Conocí una Cuba que a través de las noticias nunca hubiera conocido.

Ahora que regresé a Houston, extraño a las personas de Vigía a las que considero mis amigos. No solo gané la experiencia y la oportunidad de aprender de ellos, sino también haber compartido durante todos esos días parte de sus vidas. Además, este viaje también contribuyó a que conociera a mis compañeros de clase quienes antes del viaje eran solo  eso: compañeros de clase. Trabajamos juntos en un proyecto, reímos y nos divertirnos y también -como dijo Monica- no extrañamos las cosas que consideramos importantes: el celular, la internet y hasta el Facebook; nos dimos cuenta de que pudimos disfrutar del contacto con otras personas y interactuar más tiempo sin la interrupción del teléfono, y que aunque no teníamos red inalámbrica la conexión era excelente.

Para terminar me gustaría agradecer a los maestros Mabel Cuesta y Guillermo de los Reyes y a la Universidad de Houston por haber hecho posible que la clase de Edición 2015 fuera una experiencia inolvidable de la cual nos llevaremos muy buenos recuerdos, y el libro de edición limitada “La Llorona” de Ediciones Vigía. 

Cuba

Frank Arriaga

            As I walked down the beautiful beach in Varadero, it was easy to momentarily get lost in its out of season emptiness… a peaceful state interrupted only by a few locals and the occasional pelican. This Caribbean gem, sheltered but not immune to American influence, offers an exceptional escape for those seeking to vacation or indulge in luxury for a fraction of it’s Caribbean counterparts’ cost; this paradise unfortunately comes at the ultimate price, a parasitic government that threatens to starve its host and a society which has become complacent to the atrocities done in the name of second-hand, so called Marxist ideology. 

           

                Despite the many problems that plague the country today, it cannot be denied that the Castro regime has indeed met Cuban citizens’ basic needs. Potable water, food rations, health care, a college education and shelter are all provided to the population… A true luxury to rural and low income communities all over south America and the world. It is almost ironic that some Cubans are dying to leave their country, while people are actually starving to death nearly everywhere else; the US included. This is not to say that countless people haven’t starved or died to secure their freedom and inalienable rights, but it does shine light on the difference between a resistance and an exit strategy.

            When I think back on our experience, I take a deep breath and go back to that beautiful beach. I find comfort in the looping shoreline’s eternity because I can leave, but if I were Cuban I would drown in it’s isolation. 

Cuba: An Unbelievable Experience

Noel Rodríguez

It’s been almost two weeks since my classmates and I got back to Houston. I had hoped that time would help me find how best to answer the question, “How was Cuba?” The first word that popped into my head two weeks ago is still the most accurate: incredible.

Cuba is a place without equal. It is a place that rises out of the Caribbean like a lush emerald when your plane inched its way closer to its coast. Cuba’s coastline is a smooth, undulating stage holding resorts and virgin beaches. The reason we came to Cuba, however, was not to stay in an all-inclusive, but to learn how to create books that reflect the art they house.

Our instructors, aside from our professors Mabel Cuesta and Guillermo de los Reyes, were the staff of the publisher, Ediciones Vigía. After an hour ride on a sky-blue school bus from Jose Marti Airport to what would become our home for a week, Matanzas, we finally arrived at Ediciones Vigía. The entire staff greeted us with broad smiles, a hug and a kiss on the cheek. They lead us inside where a large spread of ripe bananas, guavas, pineapples, papayas, cakes, and cubed ham and cheese awaited us. It may seem silly to list these things but Cuba isn’t like most places.

The embargo is felt on every street corner and, as a result, Cuban’s have learned to either do without or to make do with whatever is readily available. Furthermore, Cubans must purchase everything they need with a budget of about $10 dollars a month. As a tourist carrying dollars, everything seemed fairly inexpensive, however, for the average Cuban, a $5 meal is almost a month’s salary.

In spite of these challenges, Cuban’s tap into a joy and a strength that is as warm as it is remarkable. It didn’t take long for my classmates and I to feel part of Matanzas and for that matter Cuba. This is thanks to the younger members of Vigía who took us to their favorite spots. I cannot emphasize enough the fun they made the trip feel. Indeed, the greatest thing I took away from this trip is friendship.

When I left to Cuba, I traveled with twelve classmates and two professors. When I got there, I was welcomed by co-workers. Yet when I came back to Houston, I knew I was leaving behind some of the most talented people that I have the honor of calling my friends.  Likewise, learning from and getting to know my classmates and professors made me realize how truly lucky I am to be a student of the University of Houston: I have the good fortune to learn and count amongst my friends the highest caliber of people.

Cuba was incredible because you may not believe that someone can have the time of their lives in just one week. Which is why I leave you with what I’ve told everyone that asks me about my trip: don’t think twice about it and go to Cuba. 

UH Cuba edition

April Lopez

In the spring of 2014 I enrolled in what would be one of my last Spanish classes before I would graduate within the year. I was told we would have the opportunity to go to Cuba for  a week, and wow what a week! My experience in Cuba was a bit overwhelming, in a good way of course. I simply don’t know where to start. We primarily stayed in Matanzas, Cuba which is a relatively small town where everyone for the most part knew each other. I would say for me the most striking and impacting part was the generosity of the Cuban people. From an American perspective the people of Matanzas were living in poverty, yet everyone seemed so content and happy! They were so willing to help out and offer the little they had to us. One of the projects we worked on was centered at the ‘Casa Vigia’ an editing house that creatively based their publications on books made of recycled material.

I was truly inspired as to how they would take material that I would have considered trash and turned it into something wonderful. I was amazed at how they can make something out of what I thought would be nothing. The amount of work and pride that is put into hand crafting these books was unbelievable, needless to say I bought quite a few books while there. Aside from the various lectures, museum visits, editing houses we visited what I take from Cuba is the pureness it contained.

The walking down the street to your local little market, the dancing I did with Cubans, the negotiating at the little markets in Havana, sharing a piece of Yuca with my fellow classmate. Things I would have normally not done, or ignored by being attached to my cell phone. Which brings me to one of the songs we kept singing which was ‘Madre Tierra’ by Chayanne and I felt it was not only our anthem for visiting Cuba but something I should take home and live by.

Abre tus ojos

Mira hacia arriba

Disfruta las cosas buenas que tiene
la vida

I feel American life is too fast and you tend to lose yourself in it and being in Cuba I learned I should put my phone away every now and then and kind of slow down and enjoy the beauty that is around me.