Thursday, March 30
For the first time in almost a week, we were forced to awaken close to six in the morning. However, this was a nice change from our typical schedule of service and local touring. Today we went to Santiago de Cuba, a lovely, historic city in southern Cuba, that holds many iconic sights from Cuban history.
On our two and a half hour bus ride, we stopped at the oldest Catholic church in Cuba, dedicated to the Virgen de la Caridad de Cobre (Our Lady of Charity), Cuba’s patron saint.
As we continued, the views were unbelievable as the scenery changed from a rural valley of countless mountains to the busy urban hot spot that is Santiago. Our first destination was the national cemetery where many Cuban heroes are buried, including José Martí, Compay Segundo, and Fidel Castro. While we were there, we experienced the changing of the guard for Marti’s and Castro’s tombs and also learned more about the architectural symbolism behind the tombs.
After leaving the cemetery, we went to heart of the city, the Plaza de la Revolución, where Fidel Castro proclaimed the success of the Revolution in 1959. Soon after, we went to the rooftop of a hotel in the plaza to eat and enjoy the company of our Cuban friends, along with some live music and a beautiful view. Once we were done eating, we went out to souvenir shops and explored the center of the city, prior to visiting a small music and art gallery. At the gallery, which paid tribute to the Buena Vista Social Club; we experienced some authentic Cuban music played by local musicians.
We then got on the tour bus and left the city, driving past the Moncada barracks and site of Raul Castro’s and Fidel Castro’s failed attempt to raid the armory and jump start the Revolution. It is now a school. Driving home, we once again passed the scenic views we have grown used to in the past week. The day in Santiago de Cuba was different from what we have previously experienced on this trip and we came home with a better understanding of Cuban culture and history.
Jaspreet
Anna
Devin