Three Weeks On

Time Flies

Time is flying by and life is full. We’ve been to Havana three times – once to visit friends (and we had a lovely time), once to hear a concert celebrating Mozart’s birthday and yesterday for a conference on the early history of the Protestant church in Cuba.

In the meantime I continue with my studies. There is lots of pleasant socializing with other students – something I don’t indulge in too much in Toronto but which I am thoroughly enjoying. It is a great way to develop friendships and to learn about life. Sometimes it is necessary too – in order to learn how to cook in a Cuban kitchen or where to buy or borrow something that

you need. Though my brain sometimes turns completely off – too tired out from thinking in Spanish.

Emma is still waiting for authorization to start school. In the meantime, by playing with kids here at the seminary and being her social self, she has learned quite a bit of Spanish. Hopefully, she’ll begin next week.

Happy Birthday, Mozart (and Emma -- 13)

The concert of Mozart featured a new orchestra made

Emma in her new dress

up of the most talented graduates of the Instituto Superior del Arte. It is conducted by the son of my conducting teacher who, upon graduation was appointed (and required by the government) to be the assistant conductor for the National Symphony Orchestra. Education is free here – but graduates have an obligation to fulfill (for which they are paid a stipend) upon completion. The concert was stupendous. I have rarely, if ever, heard Mozart played and sung so well. It took place in the newly (and beautifully) restored ‘Oratoria San Felipe Neri’. The party afterwards was fun too.

Emma and I travelled to and from Havana in the choir’s bus.

Last Monday was Emma’s birthday. On Saturday we went to Varadero overnight to celebrate. We stayed in a house called CESERSE, run by the Presbyterian church, right beside the beach. Emma loved the beach.

The house provides lodging for visiting foreign groups in the winter and space for sick children (including kids with cancer) and the elderly in the summer. We’ll be heading back there when Alan and David arrive this week for a little down time.

Emma and Becca at home

On her birthday proper, all the students sang to her in the dining room (the comedor) and subsequently everyone who greeted her wished her felicitaciones. She also received a couple of very thoughtful gifs (a hand made purse, a handmade book and some cheese from the country). We had a fabulous supper with all the Episcopalians on campus. I inquired about getting a cake (thinking this was an easy question) – 10 minutes later and after several discussions, we decided it was too complicated. The local place is not that great and it is almost impossible to find flour in the stores. Instead Emma and I prepared a Canadian delicacy – frozen bananas with chocolate on the outside – we were amazed that no-one had ever tried that particular combo before.

David wearing an astronaut
suit at Camp Ooch sleepover

We are really looking forward to the visit by Alan and David – they arrive on Sunday! Tomorrow, we will head to la Habana again, this time for the Episcopal (Anglican) Synod. Best wishes to all.

The Boys Back in Town

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PS Alan officially apologizes for the placement of the pictures.

While a person is simultaneously/alternately blogging and packing some editing functions are apparently disabled, dismasted or disintegrated. sorry.

[David after taking a bunch of pictures at church on Sunday a day after the sleepover, posing for Grandma Marty]