cuba II: the farm and a fall

Tuesday was our first full day in Cuba. For the next two days we spent time working on the church's farm. They acquired this land through the government just last year with a 25 year lease to provide food and jobs to the surrounding communities. In just one year, they have transformed the land.

In Cuba, it is illegal to raise cows and keep the meat. The meat must be given to the government or you will get jail time, yes jail time. More jail time than killing another human being in fact. Red meat is sold by the government but it comes with a pretty price tag.

Have I mentioned I fell off a horse?? Actually, bucked off was more like it. It happened our first day on the farm when they offered rides. I'm not much of a thrill seeker but thought, "Heck, I'm in Cuba. I'm going to ride a horse!" Alli and I took a turn together. She chose the calm horse which left me with the loosey goosey one. As soon as I got on the horse started to freak out and back us up into a fence in which case we both fell to the ground! I fell entirely on my right side. I only left with several bruises and scratches up my leg but was really shaken up. So I did some crying and was just thankful nothing worse had happened. I'm most proud of myself for not passing out...that would've really scared everyone. It was quite the start to our stay in Cuba!

General weather observations: Not nearly as hot as it had been in Tallahassee before we left. We had great weather. It was definitely hot but with a coastal breeze. By mid-afternoon it was just hot and we counted down the minutes until the afternoon showers. It rained every afternoon which brought a huge temperature drop and it was very cool at night which made for a restful sleep. There is no air-conditioner, which I didn't really mind, but lots of electrical fans! Thank you Daytron!

patrick showing off the new st. peter's sticker in the coaster

entrance to the farm

alli and sarah ready to work!

elizabeth and justine with fr. carlos's son carlo miguel and wife ariana

our ride from the entrance of the farm to the actual land

they've built everything in just a one year

on the first day the girls planted fruit trees...this mango tree proudly planted by me and alli...in they will produce fruit in two years

farm bunnies

I gave someone my camera to take a picture of my riding a horse...instead they took a picture of alli while I was on the ground...thanks.

the second day on the farm we released 24 ducks into the pond...we carried them in bags!

showing us how to clip the wings so they don't fly away...you only clip one so they can't balance

first duck in his new home!

releasing a duck...

kissing a duck.

fr. carlos exclaiming "these are my ducks!"

we also planted a vineyard of muscadine grapes

fanny pack twins! the ultimate handsfree way to travel!
david was utterly embarrassed by my fp the entire time...which I did not wear in havana. he thought it screamed "tourist" to which I would reply, "look at my skin color and blonde hair!"

planting the vineyard

if you plant it, they will grow