Soul Sauce returned to the states on July 5 happy to return to our familiar lives and material comforts. Two days later, I find myself reliving many wonderful sights, sounds, tastes, and human kindnesses offered by the warm people we met along the way. Here are some of my favorites.
Cienfuegos
- Standing in the town square in Cienfuegos, I hear a heavenly choir from on high. When our guide asks if we want to tour the Teatro Tomas Terry from which these sounds are coming, I answer yes. Not only do we tour this beautiful theater that once hosted performances by Enrico Caruso and actress Sarah Bernhardt but we are also allowed to attend the rehearsal of the Cienfuegos Choir. This choir can sing anything from Monteverdi to contemporary music, and, most importantly, they provoke goosebumps and tears with their completely heartfelt and technically exemplary singing.
Vinales
- Watching the sunset over the Valle de Silencio and the limestone mogotes, we enjoy an amazing "farm to table" dinner at a private organic farm.
- The kindest hosts ever provide great food and an impromptu Casa de Cultura for salsa dancing and a musical rehearsal.
Cayo Jutia
- One of the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen provides crystal clear, bath-water warm ocean swimming.
Havana
- We meet Maria and Alexei, the hip hop duo Obsesion, on three occasions: once for a peña-an informal gathering of musicians performing for each other, another time as fans at our performance, and, finally, for a lively discussion of their work and rap in Cuba and the US.
- Alberto Faya shows us the roots of Cuban music, including a beautiful Bantu prayer that he sings in an arrangement created by his wife. His son, bass player David Faya, an amazing pianist, Miguelito, and an unbelievable percussionist transport us all with their virtuosity and heart!
- At the Canon Ceremony at the fort, we look back at Havana at sunset, the lights of the city twinkling, and can almost believe we have traveled back in time to 1958.
No comments:
Post a Comment