The “Accidental Tourist,” making unusual discoveries
Most mornings and evenings in Cuba, I walked the short distance from our Airbnb to the oceanfront. The sea in many ways is like a magnet, which is odd because I can’t swim. It’s most likely a connection to my Granny, who took me fishing daily each summer as a child. Claudia (our host) first described this place shortly after our arrival. I of course couldn’t wait to see for myself.
The first morning I walked over to a beach area, a little further out. Meaning, I walked about a half mile to the water. Here, there was an abandoned building right on the beach. But the odd thing was a concrete (and steel) symbol of, a missile. I didn’t think much of it, as my ride came and we went to explore the Pinor del Mar (western) district of the country.
The next day, I walked to the place Claudia described and the beauty was amazing. The rocky coast was full of coral and taller groups of rocks. It was a cove where people could dive. The surf hit the surface, and splashed in the air. On this morning, I watched a man (with spear gun) dive into the water, and then head out to sea. A good guess? He was likely hunting for lunch/dinner. This whole area was mostly devoid of homes. Something had once been here. I just couldn’t put my finger on it.
The sunsets here are spectacular, the coast, pretty difficult to walk on. Yet, I came here each day to think, say my prayers, and absorb the beauty God created. As the days passed it began to make sense, and on this day, I made a discovery, a 1960’s era military gun emplacement probably to hold a 6 or 8-inch gun with a slot to hold a large caliber machine gun. In a further observation, I noticed a concrete covered (now collapsed) military trench. Which direction was this facing? Florida. I had a compass to confirm it. This was a former military installation!
Times have changed. Thankfully we are no longer at the brink of something that millions of people would regret. Cuba is one amazing country. Communists? Yes. Something tells me things will eventually change. But like many things it will take time since the governments of these two countries have had hate in their veins for nearly 60 years. From what I can tell, it was the people and not the Castro regime who paid the price. We can learn from these people, (like not living on our smartphones) and they seem willing to learn from the people of the United States.
I’m getting off my soapbox now.
The next stop, the so-called “DMV,” where a ballet recital and a high school graduation awaits. There’s nothing like the love of your children, mom and dad to make the world a bit better.
From one “Accidental Tourist” to another, enjoy the journey and tell someone you love them. My love goes to Glenn Jr. and Madison.
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