Friday, November 27, 2015

Friday, November 27, 2015
Varadero, Cuba

To Cool Cuba

I wrapped up this stay in the Toronto area the night before at Dhira’s home.  It’s an annual program where he invites friends and family for kirtan.  He had asked that I share some of my experiences from the recent walk in the States.  It was a great opportunity to encourage pilgrimage.

For an attempted sleep, I spent the night at Nanda’s place along with monk, Hayagriva.  The three of us set off for the Sunwing check-in counter at the airport for the trip to Cuba.  Omesh joined us.

The only real issue was not catching rest until arriving at our resort called “Memories”.  There, we also ventured along the beach for a good walk westbound and back.  Before reversing directions, Hayagriva and I sat on the sand for the silent Gayatri mantra and we also adored the clouds, admiring their variegated images, not the least revealing an avatar or two.

It was a moment to appreciate.

One tourist I met, who was rather mild mannered, expressed that he decided to come to Cuba, “before the Americans come to take over and the prices go sky high.”

Personally, our small group of four came to Cuba not just for the great beaches and decent weather but more so to offer encouragement to our humble but developing group of students here in the land of mystery.

At least mentally I vowed to one day walk the length of this largest of the islands in the Caribbean.

May the Source be with you!

6 km