Today, we went on a shopping trip, Cuban style. The average government wage in Cuba is about $14/month. Haley gave us about $2 in a local type of Cuban pesos. Lots of bills, but little value. Our mission was to go out and buy some food for a nutritious meal.
A government run outlet, with almost no choices or inventory. We couldn't shop here anyway, as they only accept government ration cards.
We got to shop at the farmers market, where small entrepreneurs could set up shop.
Sandra's haul for the day: beans, rice and a few vegetables. Obviously $14 a month is not enough to live on today. Many people now have other jobs. People will also leave for lunch from their government jobs, never to return until the next day. They are out trying to figure out how to make more money. By the way, our shopping haul for the day was given to a needy local.
Cuba had a tough time after the U.S.S.R. Went broke and stopped backing the country. It was called "The Special Period", and out of it emerged much more religious freedom and the ability for individuals to start their own businesses. The above farmer's market is just one example. We ate at many private restaurants and are staying at a private hotel.
The streets of Havana taken from our ride in an old Buick convertible. Wish we had a better picture. This car was owned and operated by the government, but there are also private operators.
Mark being taught how to cook ropa vieja (translation: old clothes) at the national cooking school. We had lunch here as well, with Mark's version being the best.
Later in the day we visited an after school program in the arts for children, and these kids were outstanding. You could just tell by their reactions that they loved what they were doing.
Posted with Blogsy
No comments:
Post a Comment