CUBA
Sept 2017

When Joe got the invitation to speak in Cuba we jumped at the chance to visit the country of his birth. The conference was sponsored by the Havana Medical School where his parents had been students: a lovely symmetry coming full circle. Our first stop was Havana, where we found the people both friendly, and also a bit curious about these Americanos wandering about with our expensive cameras. The neighborhoods of Havana are steeped in history, each with it's own ambience: La Habana Vieja, the Old City,  with it's fine Spanish Colonial architecture was filled with music.  The residents of the colorful African district, the Callejon de Hammel  treated us to a lively performance of the Rhumba.  Hommage was paid to Hemmingway's favorite haunts and his home, The Finca La Vigia.  Then, with a little time to spare before Joe's meetings, we hired a driver and set off to explore the countryside. Cienfuegos, Bay of Pigs, and the tiny town of  Constancia, where Joe's papa had grown up.  There, long lost friends of the Leis Family warmly welcomed us into their homes, sharing stories and photos.    Our final stop, Veradero, the beautiful seaside resort  where Joe was a guest speaker for several days of wonderful food and walks along the beach.