Hola Hola Que Bola is a phrase we heard often onboard Carnival Paradise from author Heidi Siefkas and then repeated by the Cuban people. It means what’s up or que pasa... Bola is a made up word and specific to the Cuban people.
The Cuban people have captured my heart. They are so happy. I think because they don’t have problems, but situations. Situations are easier to overcome than problems. And if it’s really bad you can have a mojito.
We had a situation while on our people to people tour several times. The first being that every time we we going to stop in old Havana it would start pouring. We just kept going. The second was lunch was not ready so we had happy hour of rum & coke. The third situation was a bit more work on our part in that we had to climb 5 flights since the elevator didn’t arrive, but then we had lunch and mojitos or beer. See if you don’t make it a problem it can be overcome.
The Cuban people have a roof over there heads, education, and even college. Our tour guide went to college. She had to work for the government for three years and then is free to do what she wants. She said she is going to continue working for the government and do translating on the side.
The most surprising thing is that while they have homes,they are multi-generational. Grandparents, parents and kids and their spouses and their families all in a tiny apartment. They own their own homes/apartments though.
They have Frankenstein engines in their classic cars. Kept running anyway they can. Diesel is cheaper so many are converting to diesel.
As you can tell they are a colorful people. Our tour guide said they use the bright colors because it makes them happy. And really isn’t that what life is all about?
I intend to return to Cuba someday. I hope you get the chance to do so too.
Great blog post. I'm very happy you got to experience Cuba and share it with us in pictures and here. Great way to look at obstacles. I'll remember that. It's not a problem if a solution is available. Also, I like the idea of multiple generations. It's good for everyone. Elderly people don't need to be lonely or apart from family with this concept in place. Family can share the joys as well as struggles and that makes people stronger and happier.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sherry.
DeleteThank you or better said mil gracias for sharing my part in your Cuban experience. There are so many life lessons on the once forbidden island of Cuba. NOW is the time to go. Please let me help with my 50+ trips and experience on the island. Visit my blog mentioned in the post as well as grab a copy of my book Cubicle to Cuba (English and Spanish versions) on Amazon: http://heidisiefkas.com/cubicle-to-cuba/
ReplyDeleteThank you, Heidi. Or gracias. We bought your book on the cruise and I will be reading your blog. Our next big adventure is a Celebrity cruise out of Dublin to Norway and Scotland. We will get back to Cuba though. Probably with Ralph’s co-worker. We’ll be doing a people to people tour with the company you recommended if we still need them when we make it back.
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