The Cuban Show, continued

I guess, having never been on an all-inclusive resort vacation in the Caribbean, there were a number of things that seemed surreal to me.

The Daily Routine:

We awoke at virtually the same time every morning to beat the breakfast rush, and get to the beach quickly to reserve our palapa for the day (see below) - no sleeping in, even on vacation (just like Truman, heading out to work at the same time everyday)!

As we left our room and headed to the elevator each  morning, our maid (who was terrific) would be working on a room just down the hall. And since our Spanish was limited to one word, and her English was limited to just three words, our conversation was the same every day:

Us: "Hola!"

Maid: "Hola! 'ow arr ju?"

Us: "We're good, thankyou - have a good day!"

(I felt like using Truman's every day refrain: "Good morning, and in case I don't see ya, good afternoon, good evening, and good night!")

The Breakfast Buffet had the same selections EVERY day -- decent food, but by day 7, we'd had enough!

The waiters were the same every day (for the most part unhelpful), and we sat with virtually the same patrons all around us every day. But we never tired of the views from the dining room windows!

This photo of Melia Las Americas is courtesy of TripAdvisor

After breakfast, every day, we headed back to our rooms, put on bathing suits, picked up our provided beach towels and headed for the beach, where we claimed our spot under virtually the same palapa with the same view every day.

The beach was to die for - pure (clean!) white sand, and an azure blue ocean, with (at the beginning of our stay anyway) gentle waves.

Lunch was either the buffet, again the same decent selection every day -- although a little bland, and boring after a few days...or at the snack bar on the beach where one could have a burger and  fries - not bad, actually!

the buffet

This photo of Melia Las Americas is courtesy of TripAdvisor

Weather permitting we would stay on the beach until dinner. It was HOT!

DOTH, ever resourceful, had brought a thermometer with her and this was the temp most days:

Almost 113 degrees Fahrenheit, and the ocean registered at around 32 degrees, which I believe is close to 90 F -- so rather than cooling off, it was a little like having a warm bath. I got quite a bad burn the first day, even with lotion. Learned my lesson and slathered it on for the rest of our stay and kept in the shade as often as possible. But believe me, we were NOT complaining. Actually the Cubans were complaining - one of their hottest seasons for a long time, they said. The air conditioning in the hotel was definitely struggling to keep up!

Dinner was also the buffet with pretty much the same as the lunch selection, but we had been forewarned, and to break the monotony, had signed up for some a la carte restaurants on site: Japanese, Italian, Fine Dining etc.

The Buffet

This photo of Melia Las Americas is courtesy of TripAdvisor

These were interesting. One had to reserve well in advance -- we thought because they would be jam-packed with patrons wanting a relief from the buffet - but, no!

For example, in the Japanese restaurant, where the food was terrific, there were only eight of us, all arriving at the same time, out of a 350 room hotel! Remember this is an all-inclusive resort - no extra charge!. Again, it was surreal because there was all the pomp and circumstance over the meal...

This photo of Melia Las Americas is courtesy of TripAdvisor

...with the 'flambe' and the ongoing patter of the chef, wooing us with his fabulous food etc, but so few of us to enjoy it -- after we'd HAD to reserve!  Turns out the most likely reason is the sparse availability of the specialty foods in Cuba.

In the Fine Dining restaurant, where we saw people sent back to their rooms to re-dress suitably (honestly!), again there were only about eight of us - and again we all arrived at the same time. Yet we were wined and dined like the Queen of England, with our chairs pushed in under us, and our napkins laid on our laps with a flourish, the food served on covered plates, and an extremely talented, easy to listen to, quartet playing classics throughout the dinner:

This photo of Melia Las Americas is courtesy of TripAdvisor

(not a very good photo, but you can see three of the quartet)

So what was so surreal?  One got the impression, as the evening progressed, that the environment, the pomp, all the hard work, the beautifully displayed food on the plates, the extravagance, along with the 'live' music,  in all the restaurants, was not so much a desire to give excellent service to the patrons, but was designed simply to elicit a good tip. Which was unfortunate and left one feeling quite uncomfortable. The biggest surprise was when the violinist, towards the end of our meal, approached each table selling the quartet's CD - it seemed SO out of place!

In fact, the whole vacation, along with the side trips, which I will talk about later, really were marred by the blatant request for tips.

I think DOTH and I were finally able to qualify all of this, in retrospect, by remembering, again, that Cuba is a poor country. It was just difficult to stay aware of that, in our beautiful surroundings.




Our room, with an ocean view which we paid a little extra for. The hotel is rated as a 5-star: it is clean, comfortable etc., but not completely up to our 5 star standards




Hotel lobby from the front door looking towards the 'back door' access to the beach





Access to beach from the lobby

 I would like to say that I am not really complaining. We did have a fantastic vacation and would highly recommend the hotel to anyone, but it was just a little unusual in many respects.

I will soon be posting some of our more fun experiences for you to see,

 In the meantime, if any of my blogging friends have had any experiences like this, or any wisdom to add, I'd be happy to receive your comments!

The Cuban Show

So Snafu won the distinction of guessing the movie I referred to in my previous blog -- I knew he would!  It is The Truman Show, one of my all time favourite movies. Not sure why, because I am not a fan of Jim Carrey, but he did an excellent job in this role.

Truman is the unsuspecting star of a 24 hour a day TV reality show watched by millions around the world. Unsuspecting because he was actually born on the set, and viewers got to watch him grow from a baby to a grown man. They were able to tune in every moment of the day to watch him live out his life. He had no idea that he was on TV. He thought the world he grew up in was the real world and that all the characters around him were real people, when in fact every single person was an actor directed by Christof, the director who 'created' Truman. His environment -- his home, his office, the streets, shops etc were all simply scenery, including the ocean on which the town where he lived was located -- created in the world's largest ever studio. To make a long story short, and not to reveal the ending for those who have not yet seen the movie, Truman begins to suspect that something is not right, and decides to get away from the town. Ultimately, he ends up on the 'ocean' in a sailboat. The director sends a storm, to encourage him to turn back, but he endures the storm and keeps on going, until....he comes to the end of the scenery -- which is where our sailboat photo of Cuba comes in:

That's our photo.

Below is a shot taken from the final scene of the movie:



While we were in Cuba, we saw lots of sailboats off in the distance on the horizon of the ocean, and it became a bit of a joke for us, that we were there, experiencing the "Truman Show" syndrome, which we ultimately called the Cuban Show.

Why?

Well, let me say right off the bat, that this is not meant to be a put-down of Cuba and the Cuban people. Our surroundings were beautiful and the people were also beautiful and so very friendly and we really enjoyed interacting with them. But somehow, it all felt so surreal -- like the Truman Show.

We came to Cuba knowing that it is a communist country, and we have heard much about Fidel Castro, so I guess that immediately gave a framework for what we might expect.

Also, we knew there was much poverty and that many foreigners who go there for vacations empty their suitcases to give as much as possible to the needy people around them.

But our location didn't fit our expectations at all.

We were in Varadero, at the Melia Las Americas Hotel - a five star hotel by Cuban standards, and indeed it was very nice. But everything about our vacation felt like a show - unreal.

We weren't seeing the real Cuba.

In fact, our very first view of life in Varadero, was a bit mind-boggling. Everywhere we looked there were American cars on the roads, dating back to the 50s and 60s. American brand ­ Ford, Chevrolet, Cadillac, Chrysler, Packard and other classic models. And not in a dilapidated condition as you might expect for a poor country, but in immaculate condition -- many with not a dent or scratch, perfect paintwork, original colours, shining chrome. Car collectors in the US would give all they own to get their hands on one of these!

Click here to watch an extensive video of the Cuba's American cars. It's long and well worth watching if you are interested in old cars, but you can get the idea in the first couple of minutes:

http://www.wliw.org/productions/travel/classic-american-cars-of-cuba/342/

Here is a shorter look at some cars. Remember, one in every eight cars in Cuba dates back to the pre-60s!

So what is THAT all about?

Well, as best as I can understand it, the US embargo against Cuba took place in 1960. With no more commerce between the countries, restrictions were placed on ownership of cars in Cuba. Cars owned pre-1960 were allowed to be kept. Any car purchased after 1960 is actually state-owned. So these old cars are being preserved as best as possible, and are passed down through the generations; each one being probably the only car a Cuban will own throughout his lifetime. And even if the only original part left is the chassis, they are loved and cherished and kept immaculate.

So, imagine traveling on the tour bus from the airport to Varadero, past families living in tiny roadside shacks, signs of poverty everywhere and seeing pink Cadillacs and multitudes of other ancient yet beautiful collector vehicles driving all around you -- surreal!

But that's not all about the Cuban Show -- there's much more to come!

A Vacation Quiz

DOTH and I have just returned from a week in Cuba. We had a super time, and hopefully I will post some pics very soon.

In the meantime, to whet your appetite, we made some interesting observations of the part of the country we were in, and this shot kind-of says it all. It became quite a topic of our conversations, as it reminded us so much of one of my favourite movies (although many have told me it certainly wasn't their favourite!) -- can you guess what the movie is? My only clue is that all is not as it appears to be:

I am betting on snafu for the correct answer!

The Fear Factor

One of my online friends loves to challenge herself to the limit, overcoming fear and trepidation - I am wondering how she would feel about this feat. The CN Tower, in Toronto (and both snafu and I have blogged about it in the past), stands 350 metres, or 116 storeys, high and one can take the elevator, or the 1267 steps to the Sky Deck and find a beautiful panoramic spread for miles. On a good day, one can see the spray from Niagara Falls.



Courtesy CP24 News



But the CN Tower's latest claim to fame is the Edge Walk.  You can find a video here, but don't watch, if you are afraid of heights! TG (The Grandson) and  I had queasy stomachs watching this, especially right after breakfast!

Keep watching, as a second video follows the first - sorry about the ad, but it's a short one:

http://www.cp24.com/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20110727/110727_edge_walk/20110727/?hub=CP24Home

Any takers?

Disaster! And Other Stories

So, DOTH is away and I am holding the fort - but not doing a very good job of it right now.

Well, the drought/heatwave isn't my fault, but knowing how particular she is about keeping the lawns well-manicured I have a feeling she will not be a 'happy camper' when she returns.



parched lawn

Despite getting up at the crack of dawn to water, green is turning very quickly to white -- but at least I am doing better than my neighbour. And we are not over the drought yet - going up to 36 Celsius on Thursday; will "feel like"  46, they say.

Then there's the case of the lilies:

Well, they WERE lilies, on either side of the rock in front of the purple cone flowers -- now they are just bare stalks. I was left with strict instructions to watch for the beetles - the ones that look like ladybugs, but aren't so nice, since they feed on the lilies. I have been very diligent, honest I have, even though I hate picking them off and squishing them, at least twice a day.

No, I have a feeling the naked lilies are the result of.....

the bunny, whom I keep shooing away from the front lawn. I caught him one day (no camera in hand, unfortunately), front paws up on the stalks chewing away to his heart's delight.

Then, this morning, with living room windows open because it's a bit cooler, I heard a squeak, squeak, squeaking. I thought it was children playing but when I heard it again, got up to look out.

Suddenly, out from the bushes under the living room window (foreground)...



bushes in front of living room window

 came a neighbourhood cat, chasing...a baby bunny so small it could fit in the palm of my hand, but the exact replica of the larger one - white cottony bobtail and all.  They chased  around the rock a few times and then took off down the side of the house - no time to get my camera and it all happened so quickly I don't think I could have captured the scene anyway.

So -- now it appears we may have rabbits living in those bushes under our front window. DOTH will be thrilled :{ but at least it accounts for the little pooey blobs I've been finding on both front and back lawn and on the patio.

And -- speaking of poo (sorry), to top it all off the loo has gone on the fritz, so now I am flushing Romanian style - dumping buckets of water into the bowl each time.

Well, let's look back to brighter days. Snafu who was here with his better half not so long ago, posted some great photos on his blog of their time here. But he didn't post this one:

Just wanted you to see what an earnest photographer he really is. He got some great shots!

I took this one, in the parking lot of the same park down at the bluffs:




Doggy Day-Care - this one is worth clicking on, for a closer view

  You've really gotta LOVE dogs to do this!

Finally, not the burning bush, but a burning fir tree:



Just the way the early morning sun hit it



Countrified Living -- ah the joys (and the sorrows)!

He's back...!

...and in broad daylight!

No fear in him, our bird-feeder predator...but at least he has not yet tried to climb up the pole to help himself. He's content with the crumbs under the table!

All those sunflower seed shells make one very thirsty!

But then, the very next day we were asking ourselves...

was he responsible for this?

This was the view from our kitchen window last Friday (trash day), early in the morning:

Just how did that bag of trash get on top of our neighbour's van?

It would have been quite a feat for a raccoon, but this kind of mess is pretty typical of him:

But no...turns out we have some pranksters in the neighbourhood who decided to have a "mischief night" and wreak some havoc in a number of driveways.

Fortunately, DOTH and I were late getting our garbage out that day!

Me peeking out through the office window, at a rose peeking in.

We don't actually live in the country. We are less than a mile away from some really busy streets, but sometimes we wonder...and smile...

A goldfinch enjoying a seed

A nuthatch (or black-capped chickadee) having a harder time - breaking open the shell as he holds it between his feet

A male cardinal and a sparrow "breaking bread" together

A change of diet for the downy woodpecker - a first ever at the bird-feeder!

A baby robin...

with mom (or dad) watching on.

And look who's here...also in broad daylight!

The wily old fox....

...makes himself thoroughly at home on our front lawn.

Looking very refreshed after his nap, he's on the prowl again!

But, oh dear....was this one of his victims?

 I'm not sure if foxes eat squirrels, but this was on the front lawn later that day.

Now I am on the look-out for a tail-less squirrel all the time --

or perhaps that's all there was left of him :{

Canada Day 2011

Friday, July 1st was Canada's 144th birthday. Not sure if it is my imagination, but it seemed that there was much more of a patriotic spirit to the celebrations this year, in general. I think we are beginning to realize just how blessed we are to live in "the True North strong and free:"

O Canada! Our home and native land!

True patriot love in all thy sons command.

With glowing hearts we see thee rise,

The True North, strong and free!

From far and wide, O Canada,

We stand on guard for thee.

God keep our land glorious and free !

O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

For our celebration of the day, which is typically climaxed across Canada with a firework display, DOTH (Daughter of the House), TGS (The Grandson) and I headed down to DOTH's sailing club for a very nice, late dinner. Then we settled in, with around 100 other celebrants, to a prime location on the deck of the clubhouse, to wait for the fireworks to begin!

Presented by Ontario Place, a premier waterfront park in downtown Toronto, the display took place on a barge in Lake Ontario just off the coastline of the park.

The CN Tower was all decked out in patriotic colours:

and, although the firework display was disappointingly short this year, still it was quite magnificent.

It was my first time taking nightime photos with my new camera and I had a terrible time finding the right setting, but, right or wrong setting, they turned out not too shabby! Sorry about all the yachts' masts looming in the foreground. Click on the photos for an enlarged view.

About 30 minutes' worth of fireworks at what some have estimated as a $1000 per minute - which TGS, in typical teen fashion, (truthfully) said wasn't worth the money!

It took us three times that long to get home. We left the clubhouse at 11:00pm and arrived home at 12:30am - normally about a 40 minute drive. Traffic was horrendous especially because it was the first really warm day of our summer, a holiday at that; there were a number of other large fireworks displays downtown and some Canada Day parades had garnered thousands of people also. So we crawled home and then crawled into bed, tired but grateful for the country we love.

And now wishing all my U.S. followers a very happy Independence Day - July 4th!