The weekend passed quickly as they always seem to do. The temperatures have been up, and summer seems to be in full swing with a onslaught of tourists pouring into my area every weekend making use of the beaches, the lake and the roads. Yesterday I was enjoying a relaxing day at home when we received a call that some good friends of ours would be passing through the area on their way home from Muskoka.
We were not prepared for company and had already started smoking a rack of ribs, but as always, the door is always open and the light always on. I had wanted to get a bit of writing done, and possibly work on a painting I had been blocking out, but to turn down friends on the road is bad form. I'm glad I didn't listen to my inner organizer screaming about my uncompleted task list. I love seeing Julie & Aaron. Although our lives have been running on opposite roads as of late, there is something to be said for someone who can walk back in and literally it feels as if no time has passed. This describes how I feel when I am spending time with Julie. Within 5 minutes of their arrival laughter was the music in the air and it carried on until fairly late in the evening. No we were not prepared to put on a meal like I normally like to do for company, but we all made due with what we had and a great meal was shared and even Aaron who has a strong dislike for pork tried Jason's smoky ribs. Which all of us decided were the best ribs in Simcoe County and he could have easily won the RibFest taking place in Barrie at the same time. Of course my list sat undone, and I'm okay with that, it can wait for awhile. The time with good friends, sharing a delicious meal, laughing so hard that my sides hurt. That is what summer is about. The rest can wait.
Slow down, enjoy a laugh, enjoy some good food. Some of the keys for a good life I believe.
J.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Monday, July 4, 2011
An Adventure Is What I Need!
After spending a delightful week in Havana I have come to the realization that I can no longer visit all the people I need to while I am there in a one week time span. Each trip I stretch myself a bit further, make new friends. Each trip is better than the last. The Cubans that I have become close with have dubbed me as Cubana and I fit in. As the hour of my departure came, I almost did not board the plane. I was on the phone outside the airport discussing the option of changing my flight with my APS (BFF in Spanish). In the end we decided I should get on the plane, we had already said goodbye, and delaying departure for 3 days, to endure the same upset again hardly seemed worth it. It planted a seed in my mind though.
As a Canadian I can stay in Cuba on a tourist visa for a maximum of 90 Days. What if I didn't come home after my normal 7-10 day stay? What if I stayed for 2, or 3 or even . . . 4 weeks?
When I was a teenager and deciding to have a career in Tourism my dream/plan was to work for the wholesalers as a destination rep. I wanted to live abroad. I studied my Spanish, I did my Geography. I got my diploma from Humber in Travel & Tourism and then the industry changed. Destination reps became locals, they were no longer having Canadians in destination to assist the passengers. I resigned myself it wasn't happening and I took a job at a Travel Agency. 15 Years has passed.
Why couldn't I stay for 30 days in Havana? I have a support network there in case "things go horribly wrong", I speak the language, I understand and have become quite accustomed to shortages, and making due with rice when you really had your heart set on Chicken . . . Could I do it? Quite possibly.
I have started planning my 30 day adventure. I am in the beginning of searching for accommodation. I plan on taking an apartment (not a villa like March), I will need a full kitchen. AC is not necessary, but appreciated. I want to be outside of Habana Vieja/Vedado and maybe in Santa Fe. I will have to be able to walk or take buses to the grocery store. I will live like a Cuban (but with Refrescos) for 30 days. I am not set on a date yet, I have to arrange a 30 Day Leave of Absence from the office, and plan this and earn the money to do it. It's a plan though. It may be 15 years later, and may only be for 30 days . . . but I'm doing it. My Mother has confirmed she thinks it's a bad idea . . . which lets me know it's BRILLIANT!
My "APS" only had one concern "What will you do?" ha ha ha when have I ever had a problem passing time, between my writing, my "doodling" and day dreaming . . . I'm sure 30 days will go quickly and I could always busk I guess LOL or do caricatures in the streets . . . normal Cuban activities. Kidding Kidding.
Time to leave Oro Station behind for a few weeks and see what finds me.
Here's to 30 days off the grid!
As a Canadian I can stay in Cuba on a tourist visa for a maximum of 90 Days. What if I didn't come home after my normal 7-10 day stay? What if I stayed for 2, or 3 or even . . . 4 weeks?
When I was a teenager and deciding to have a career in Tourism my dream/plan was to work for the wholesalers as a destination rep. I wanted to live abroad. I studied my Spanish, I did my Geography. I got my diploma from Humber in Travel & Tourism and then the industry changed. Destination reps became locals, they were no longer having Canadians in destination to assist the passengers. I resigned myself it wasn't happening and I took a job at a Travel Agency. 15 Years has passed.
Why couldn't I stay for 30 days in Havana? I have a support network there in case "things go horribly wrong", I speak the language, I understand and have become quite accustomed to shortages, and making due with rice when you really had your heart set on Chicken . . . Could I do it? Quite possibly.
I have started planning my 30 day adventure. I am in the beginning of searching for accommodation. I plan on taking an apartment (not a villa like March), I will need a full kitchen. AC is not necessary, but appreciated. I want to be outside of Habana Vieja/Vedado and maybe in Santa Fe. I will have to be able to walk or take buses to the grocery store. I will live like a Cuban (but with Refrescos) for 30 days. I am not set on a date yet, I have to arrange a 30 Day Leave of Absence from the office, and plan this and earn the money to do it. It's a plan though. It may be 15 years later, and may only be for 30 days . . . but I'm doing it. My Mother has confirmed she thinks it's a bad idea . . . which lets me know it's BRILLIANT!
My "APS" only had one concern "What will you do?" ha ha ha when have I ever had a problem passing time, between my writing, my "doodling" and day dreaming . . . I'm sure 30 days will go quickly and I could always busk I guess LOL or do caricatures in the streets . . . normal Cuban activities. Kidding Kidding.
Time to leave Oro Station behind for a few weeks and see what finds me.
Here's to 30 days off the grid!
Friday, May 13, 2011
Really? I Am a National Security Threat?
I generally don't buy into conspiracy theories. I think thoughts like "the USA blew up the trade centre themselves" are absurd, and Bin Laden is dead, he's not hanging around with Elvis, TuPac or Biggie Smalls.
This week, my resolve was tested. I may be being watched by . . . the commies. (insert hysterical laughter here please)
I communicate with approximately 5 families in Cuba. We communicate daily, by a variety of methods. I never give much thought to what I'm saying to them, because I always kept one thing in mind. Don't say anything bad about Cuba. It's not my country, it's not my business. I know the history I know people are arrested and worse for speaking against the Cuban Government/Policies. Plus, to be honest, in a small way I respect their attempt at a system they thought would be better. I digress, I keep it clean.
As of last Thursday (May 5), not one of my text messages was received in Cuba. I had been texting diligently about the things my friends enjoy to hear about. They aren't national security or even political comments, unless, "had pizza for dinner - wish I was eating it in Havana" or "Going to the drive in - wish you were here" is considered a national security threat. After it was brought to my attention that nothing was being received by any of the families I communicate with I did what every normal person would do I blamed Rogers Communications. I called them, we started testing the line, and the network. I tested my network of international contacts, everything got through except for Cuba. Then I began to worry a bit. Rogers could not resolve it, so after 3 days of no head way I just decided to change my number. Low and behold my texts are now being received in Cuba again.
I reviewed my text logs, and the only thing in months I ever said, that could be construed as political is "Osama Bin Laden was killed by the American military last night, he was an asshole, I'm glad he's shark food" was really that disturbing to the Castro's? Then I read this and this So, that was it! I spoke about Bin Laden, shared the news with my friends, and suddenly my cell phone doesn't work to Cuba? Coincidence . . . or Conspiracy?
Michel is a little nervous is a little nervous, When we had a call drop the other night he told me "they might be listening" REALLY Do you have nothing better to do with your time than to listen to me talk about my dogs and what I'm cooking for dinner? Or listen to a Cuban tell me about how hot it is at his place of employment and that he wished he had air conditioning? I have one thing to say to our eavesdropper - enjoy yourself. I will not speak against Cuba, maybe their politics cause me a headache but it's not my country so therefore not my problem. The only problem I have is you chose to censor me, and with that I have a huge problem.
I also read while doing my research that President Castro LOVES the internet and enjoys spending his leisure time surfing (although his people are not permitted such luxuries). So, by chance he googles himself, which he probably does since I personally think he is a self absorbed old fool with a inflated value of self worth, whose actual political significance expired about 40 years ago, and by chance stumbles across my little Canadian blog hosted out here in the "free" world. Enjoy your internet connection President Castro. Oh and since time is not on your side . . . when the natural time comes . . . say hi to Elvis for me - asshole.
Hugs & Kisses
Ms. Castillo
This week, my resolve was tested. I may be being watched by . . . the commies. (insert hysterical laughter here please)
I communicate with approximately 5 families in Cuba. We communicate daily, by a variety of methods. I never give much thought to what I'm saying to them, because I always kept one thing in mind. Don't say anything bad about Cuba. It's not my country, it's not my business. I know the history I know people are arrested and worse for speaking against the Cuban Government/Policies. Plus, to be honest, in a small way I respect their attempt at a system they thought would be better. I digress, I keep it clean.
As of last Thursday (May 5), not one of my text messages was received in Cuba. I had been texting diligently about the things my friends enjoy to hear about. They aren't national security or even political comments, unless, "had pizza for dinner - wish I was eating it in Havana" or "Going to the drive in - wish you were here" is considered a national security threat. After it was brought to my attention that nothing was being received by any of the families I communicate with I did what every normal person would do I blamed Rogers Communications. I called them, we started testing the line, and the network. I tested my network of international contacts, everything got through except for Cuba. Then I began to worry a bit. Rogers could not resolve it, so after 3 days of no head way I just decided to change my number. Low and behold my texts are now being received in Cuba again.
I reviewed my text logs, and the only thing in months I ever said, that could be construed as political is "Osama Bin Laden was killed by the American military last night, he was an asshole, I'm glad he's shark food" was really that disturbing to the Castro's? Then I read this and this So, that was it! I spoke about Bin Laden, shared the news with my friends, and suddenly my cell phone doesn't work to Cuba? Coincidence . . . or Conspiracy?
Michel is a little nervous is a little nervous, When we had a call drop the other night he told me "they might be listening" REALLY Do you have nothing better to do with your time than to listen to me talk about my dogs and what I'm cooking for dinner? Or listen to a Cuban tell me about how hot it is at his place of employment and that he wished he had air conditioning? I have one thing to say to our eavesdropper - enjoy yourself. I will not speak against Cuba, maybe their politics cause me a headache but it's not my country so therefore not my problem. The only problem I have is you chose to censor me, and with that I have a huge problem.
I also read while doing my research that President Castro LOVES the internet and enjoys spending his leisure time surfing (although his people are not permitted such luxuries). So, by chance he googles himself, which he probably does since I personally think he is a self absorbed old fool with a inflated value of self worth, whose actual political significance expired about 40 years ago, and by chance stumbles across my little Canadian blog hosted out here in the "free" world. Enjoy your internet connection President Castro. Oh and since time is not on your side . . . when the natural time comes . . . say hi to Elvis for me - asshole.
Hugs & Kisses
Ms. Castillo
Monday, May 2, 2011
A Day of Change
I awoke to the news as most did that Osama Bin Laden had been killed. I doubt that I need to give any run down of his horrible crimes, or any other information other than people seem glad that he is dead. I cannot seem to even muster a bit of pity for the man. I do however fear for the future. As with all villains, there is always someone waiting in the wings, much worse, and much more evil to take the the villains place.
I also received an article that I had been reading about last week about proposed changes in Cuba. Talk of the end of the ration card system, the sale of cars and property. Of course, this is just talk. Raul is slowly taking a more public stance now that his brother has officially stepped back. Raul brought the Cubans, cell phones and DVD players previously. From experience I know though that the cell system is expensive, and not everyone has a cell phone. To give a freedom that is unobtainable by most? Is it really still freedom? I suspect the sale of houses and cars will bring more freedom to my favorite little island. Raul's plan though, does not address how someone who makes the equivalent to $25 per month can afford any of these new freedoms or even dream to afford them when everything else is including food is an unreachable goal. The elimination of the ration card system should bring more food to the table, more than the existing monthly allowance of 7 eggs, 1 loaf of bread, 1 lb of chicken and a bar of soap, but with more and more Cubans out of work, excessive lay offs happening in all industries in Cuba, what shall they use to buy these soon to be uncontrolled items? I hope it flows evenly to them, but I somehow suspect that for the Cubans, the hunger, and the days of condom pizzas are far from over.
I should not be so cynical. Of course the beginning of every journey starts with a single step.
I also received an article that I had been reading about last week about proposed changes in Cuba. Talk of the end of the ration card system, the sale of cars and property. Of course, this is just talk. Raul is slowly taking a more public stance now that his brother has officially stepped back. Raul brought the Cubans, cell phones and DVD players previously. From experience I know though that the cell system is expensive, and not everyone has a cell phone. To give a freedom that is unobtainable by most? Is it really still freedom? I suspect the sale of houses and cars will bring more freedom to my favorite little island. Raul's plan though, does not address how someone who makes the equivalent to $25 per month can afford any of these new freedoms or even dream to afford them when everything else is including food is an unreachable goal. The elimination of the ration card system should bring more food to the table, more than the existing monthly allowance of 7 eggs, 1 loaf of bread, 1 lb of chicken and a bar of soap, but with more and more Cubans out of work, excessive lay offs happening in all industries in Cuba, what shall they use to buy these soon to be uncontrolled items? I hope it flows evenly to them, but I somehow suspect that for the Cubans, the hunger, and the days of condom pizzas are far from over.
I should not be so cynical. Of course the beginning of every journey starts with a single step.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
When you Just Have Nothing to Say
I had almost forgotten about this, not because I don't think it is of value, but because I really haven't had anything to say. Of course, you can usually find me madly scribbling in my moleskine but that really is a different type of journaling, an inner view. I have it down pat. This outer view is what I struggle with, what to write and put out there.
I am happy to say that the "busy" season is over for another year at the desk I occupy during the day. Which has had me just itching to do something creative. I have been writing, here and there but with no real direction. I have a canvas half painted in my closet, that I have wanted to get back to, I also have at least 30 trips to scrap book. Oh yes, I had a "brilliant" (yes that is sarcasm ) idea to create a scrap book of every trip I have ever taken. This after being in the travel industry for 15 years, AND starting to travel when I was very young. It sounded brilliant at the time, now as I am working on ONLY the 3rd trip to Cuba (decided to work backwards) I am feeling I might be doing this until I am dead and only then if I cease and desist all travel right now. I kid, I kid. hahaha. Needless to say I can feel the creative urge starting to pull on me . .. now which project to tackle first.
Here's to spring and summer! Let's hope they bring lots of inspiration and lots of time to explore that creative part of me that I so often ignore.
I am happy to say that the "busy" season is over for another year at the desk I occupy during the day. Which has had me just itching to do something creative. I have been writing, here and there but with no real direction. I have a canvas half painted in my closet, that I have wanted to get back to, I also have at least 30 trips to scrap book. Oh yes, I had a "brilliant" (yes that is sarcasm ) idea to create a scrap book of every trip I have ever taken. This after being in the travel industry for 15 years, AND starting to travel when I was very young. It sounded brilliant at the time, now as I am working on ONLY the 3rd trip to Cuba (decided to work backwards) I am feeling I might be doing this until I am dead and only then if I cease and desist all travel right now. I kid, I kid. hahaha. Needless to say I can feel the creative urge starting to pull on me . .. now which project to tackle first.
Here's to spring and summer! Let's hope they bring lots of inspiration and lots of time to explore that creative part of me that I so often ignore.
Monday, January 24, 2011
I really haven't forgotten I have a blog . ..
I did however have a band of travelers show up at my desk and have occupied almost every moment of time since the middle of December . . don't worry it's not dead . . . it's just on vacation ;-)
I forgot as a travel agent - in the winter I don't have free time! LOL
Interesting stuff coming soon.
I forgot as a travel agent - in the winter I don't have free time! LOL
Interesting stuff coming soon.
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