Santiago de Cuba

Santiago de Cuba is the second largest city in Cuba and was it’s original capitol. It is considered the birthplace of the revolution. On July 26, 1953, Fidel Castro and his ragtag group of 100 or so men attacked. Within 10 minutes, they fled or were captured or killed. Castro went into the mountains, and it wasn’t until late in 1958 when he led the final offensive. 

He is buried in Santiago in the same cemetery as Jose Martí. Martí is the most celebrated Cuban for his role in the Cuban independence from Spain. 

Vitamin R

Vitamin R is how the Cubans refer to their rum. And we received more than our daily recommended dosage, either in a mojito, daiquiri, or Cuba Libre (rum and Coke—actually TuKola, the Cuban version of Coca-Cola since no imports have been allowed since 1960.)

We had three fascinating and exhausting days in Havana, more than I can report in a short blog. The infrastructure is crumbling, there is a housing crisis, ration books are still in use, it is a time warp with 300,000 American autos from the 1950s and 60s on the road, but the people are welcoming and friendly and tourism is the number one industry of the island. 

Of course we took a ride in a ‘57 Chevy (Rick’s choice).  But many, many of the old cars are pink!!

Farewell Florida

We had a very nice Thanksgiving with Paul and Gayle and the Bremers. Really nice to get a home cooked turkey dinner.  On black Friday, we didn’t shop but instead golfed at Crandon Golf on Key Biscayne. It provided a lovely view of downtown Miami. 

Before boarding our ship for Cuba, we visited the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. It was the summer estate of James Deering of Chicago whose family owned International Harvestor.  Very opulent. Designed in the style of Italian villas. 

We were about to sail away when we got word that the Miami Harbor is closed due to a boating accident. There is a search and rescue underway so we will get a late start. Hopefully it will not impact our arrival in Havana tomorrow morning. 

Sponge Bob

Did Sponge Bob Square Pants grow up in Tarpon Springs?  He could have—its the sponge capitol of the U.S.  The industry started in the late 19th century and by the beginning of the 20rh century, it was the center of activity. There are 5 types of sponges in the Gulf of Mexico, all harvested by hand by divers, most of whom are of Greek ancestry. Tarpon Springs has the highest concentration of Greeks in the U.S. so there are many, many Greek restaurants and bakeries. 

We witnessed a demonstration of sponge collection. The diver walks along the bottom in a heavily weighted suit. Looks archaic. 

And, of course, natural sponges are for sale everywhere. 

The St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral is an impressive Byzantine Revival, patterned after St Sophia in Istanbul. 

Lots of shopping to be had in the city, so here’s a solution for the wives. 

Florida

Well, they could use our help counting ballots here in Florida, but, instead, we are golfing and enjoying the sun. We spent a nice day with Bette and Bob in the Jacksonville area, including Amelia Island. Their new home is lovely, and they really seem to be enjoying their life here. 

Next stop was St Augustine where we visited the World Golf Hall of Fame and golfed both courses—the King and Bear (for Palmer and Nicklaus) and the Slammer and the Squire (for Snead and Sarazen). 

Here’s Rick on the 18th green in front of the Hall of Fame. 

And here’s the leader board for the big championship. Take note of who is on top.  

St Augustine is the oldest city in the nation (founded 1565). They were kicking off their Nights of Lights celebration so it was bustling. 

Elk Fest

It’s Elk Fest in Estes Park, and the elk are cooperating, putting on quite a show. The males bugle day and night. 

Rocky Mountain High

Enjoying Rocky Mountain Park with the “kids.”  Great weather, beautiful aspens, lots of elk, beer and good food.