|  | | A well behaved 3 days but there will be lots of time to misbehave | | | | | 6/18/08
Cuba
Cuba was not exactly the type of trip that I am use to. First of all it was only for 3 days and it was business than anything. I went down to see if I wanted to work down there. While it is tough to give up a rotational job it was not going to last forever and I really do want to learn a second language before I croak so that is aligned with this goal. I also stayed in a resort with all of the creature comforts which was a bit new to me as well
The facility is a gas and steam electrical plant that to my untrained eye looks like a stinky and dirty electrical plant. Apparently with the combined cycle is state of the art. The office is a decrepit old trailer that is indicative of the state of things in Cuba. It is fine with me as I will now do anything to avoid a corporate head office. Going to Cuba also fits with another goal of mine of not to spend another winter in Canada.
The job is full is Accounting Manager and is very hands on. This is a good as now I am just a well paid teacher in my job in Yemen. I really enjoyed teaching the Nationals but career wise it was time to move on.
The place that I will be staying for the first 10 months or so is idyllic. I can see the ocean and palm trees right from my bedroom and can hear the waves crash at night. Every room in the apartment has a view of the ocean.
Seeing all of the old cars (Yank Tanks) in Cuba was interesting. Strait from the 50’s with a lot of mechanical ingenuity to keep them going. Also, lots of Russian Ladas. I have heard how bad the food is in Cuba but it was fine while I was there. I guess the lack of variety becomes an issue one you live there.
About 5 minutes from the resort is the beach front house the Al Capone use to own that is now a restaurant. I also drove by the area that Hemingway use to hang his hat.
The reality of Cuba came crashing in as I saw the Cuban Coast Guard confiscate a boat (floating death trap packed to the gunnels with refugees) and arrest some locals that were making a run for Miami.
Good God I don’t know how anyone can drink rum. I tried some 7 year old Havana Club and thought it was just awful. The beer is not that great down there as well so at least that should keep me away from Cuba vices but hopefully I will find some. However, once I hear the lively Cuban music I just get out there for some dirty, dirty dancing.
I will be going down there for a couple of months and then back to Canada to become a non resident and that should be it for Canada for while.
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