Today after breakfast, we went on a walk through the city. We visited ICPA (Instituto Cultural de Actividad con Los Pueblos) and learned about history of relations between Cuba and other countries and the program’s role in Cuban society. Our host told us, for example, that Cuban teams were the first to respond in natural disasters in other countries such as Haiti after the earthquake. Cuba was also one of the first countries to aid in the Ebola outbreak in Africa. One of the ways that ICAP handles humanitarian efforts in Cuba is by allocating donated funds designated for healthcare and social programs. Afterwards, we stopped into a small paper and art store. The workers collect any type of paper products they can and break them apart to make new, recycled paper. They use no chemicals and use natural products like corn and tobacco instead. Gaby made a piece of paper today that we hope to pick up tomorrow or Friday, allowing time for it to dry. Our guides were eager to show us how their printing machines from the 1800’s to early 1900’s are still being used to print limited edition books, and spoke about how the elder typesetters are teaching the younger generation to continue in this craft. Several students bought unique artwork or books.
Later in the day back at the church, after some downtime following our delicious lunch, we walked to a local athletic complex with some of the members of the church – with ages ranging from early elementary to young adults. We split up into groups and had fun playing soccer and kickball. The park had so many people jogging/running and being very active. It is so different from any park in New Jersey. After soccer and kickball, we sat in circle and laughed a lot – playing a game similar to what we know as Follow The Leader. Tired, we walked back to the church to enjoy a great dinner followed by, as always, delicious ice cream. Our hosts are spoiling us! Overall, everyone had a great time and we loved spending time with the local community in Holguín.
fabrica de papel manufacturado
los chicos juegan aajedréz
durante la práctica de deporte
un momento de integración entre cubanos y americanos
¡Hasta Luego Baby!
Jason, Julia, Andrea