Monday, December 28th, 2009

Adios!

Havana, Cuba

Many aspects of life in Havana have that vintage-edge to them – the cars (and there's never a traffic jam with them which is vintage in itself), the home’s the pace of life, the way of communication. There are no wired-up I-pod people in sight. Toilets, private or public don’t always flush. A handy bucket of water is available. People actually talk to each other. And another feature which I find appealing is the high percentage of walkers that you find on the streets. People look healthy. Obesity is low compared to the tourists you see. Most of what I mention here is a presence of the past and it is delightful to see. It is relieving and a break to not witness capitalism in full swing.

In fact banners are up to denounce consumer culture. On one large display strapped across the facade of Habana Libre Hotel, Raul Castro is quoted saying that the time is now for Cubans to bond while capitalistic crisis is on. I was looking at this banner across the street sitting inside one of Cuba’s primary radio stations and thinking of the arm wrestle between capitalistic and communistic societies. I was reflecting on the Vedic view of life. Whatever is the ‘ism’ people are ensnared by three modes of nature with prominence in passion (rajas) and dullness (tamas). Whether one is in Havana or Savannah (Georgia) people are on the same trip.

Let’s try to get on with our spiritual life.

It was 9AM when Jetu, Hrdai and I and translator Julan were called up for a lengthy interview for radio. We were recording for a future broadcast of chanting in addition to question and answer interview. We were able to even mention the word “God”.

The recording happened in a sixty-year old studio (that is before the revolution). So there we end up in the vintage department again. This was my personal ecstasy for the day – chant Hare Krishna over the radio airwaves. The recording was our last assignment in Cuba before a high-carb meal. Then enroute to Canada, we went with a send off of typical hugs and kisses from all. Hare Krishna!

Adios amigos!

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