Beautiful Decay

This is the only way to describe the Cuban city of Havana.  A city of beautiful architecture, all in a state of crumble.  So few of the buildings are in really good shape.  Mostly just the ones that are owned by hotel chains etc.  Tourist buildings.  As you walk around you cannot help but wonder what was it once like?  Sort of like seeing an older person who is bent and stooped, wrinkled and time worn.  You wonder what they were like 'back then'.  It is then us -- still youthful -- who marvel at the beauty and grace of that stooped person, or crumbling city when we see a picture.  Amazed that these two, then and now, are connected.

The Cuban people were so friendly, so welcoming, and very joyful.  All while confined by a state that stops them from taking a holiday to a foreign country or studying overseas without great difficulty.  Friendly and welcoming though they cannot access the goods we take for granted.  Being issued rations by the state monthly, and then having to supplement on the open market.  It is pretty mind boggling.  No wonder they think Canadians are rich.  We can afford to come to their country, relax and holiday.  A luxury beyond their experience and tough to imagine.

It made me stop and think.  Think about standing in an aisle gazing at the choices I have when it comes to basics like toilet paper.  Toothpaste.  Shampoo.  Incredible!  And it is just the way it is... but why?  Is this a reflection of our excessive culture?  I wonder sometimes.  No wonder it is so hard to keep it simple.  We are bombarded.  All it makes us do in the end is want more.  And more.  Yet, happiness is not any closer.....