October 16, 2011

Havana is a 45 flight from Miami.  the buildings are a mix of art deco, 50's moderne, an soviet industrial.  There are images of Che everywhere.  We arrive at an orientation meeting at the hotel, greeted with small glasses of rum and coke.  We are reminded that we cannot bring rum, coffee, or cigars back to the US. The delegation splits up to have lunch 'on own.'. I tag along with a group the se ts out on a 45 minute walk to old Havana to eat lunch at the El Nationale Hotel de Cuba, built in 1930 and home to a Hall of Fame that recognizes celebrities, musicians, and politcos that have visited or contributed to Cuba.  After lunch delegation members contribute to the gift bags that will be presented to each of the groups we will be meeting with.  The bags are filled with professional resources.  The day closes with dinner at El Patio (state owned) on the Plaza del Cathedral.  Although it's a Sunday raining, dozens of small privately owned restaurants are open and music is everywhere.  Tucked into every corner you find a band playing to an enthusiastic audience.