Today we enjoyed a day with each of our host families, which gave us insight into a typical family day in Cuba. The slower pace of the day was welcomed as everyone got the chance to rest and reflect. In my case, I (Jessica) spent the morning at home with my roommates and our host family learning how to play dominoes after a leisurely breakfast. [Insert domino picture] . My (Sarah) family time began last night with a special Cuban dinner prepared by my host family that included many local dishes, highlighted by the simmered pork chops, and finishing with a flan and espresso for dessert. [Insert photos of pork and flan]. Today we rode in a 1947 Chevrolet taxi [Insert photo of taxi] to a special beach that the family enjoys every weekend where we dipped into the water after watching a spectacular dolphin show [Insert dolphin show photo]. I feel fortunate to count my family as new friends in this intriguing country.
We all came together at mid-day to travel together to another local restaurant D’Carmelina where we enjoyed a delicious lunch. A band called Trio Ilusion played music just for us, and the lunch gathering turned into a dance party. After lunch, we held our first formal learning session dedicated to developing strategies for project-based learning. It was a rich discussion which will be continued through discipline-based conversation tomorrow.
On another note, our group got to experience the excellent medical care that Cuba offers to all of its citizens and visitors, as gastrointestinal illness befell two of our members. The local health clinic provided quick and comprehensive care as needed, and doctors even made house calls this morning to the patients. Thankfully, those affected are recovering well.
Sarah Buchanan and Jessica Cuni
