LINES OF THE DAY

". . . But the past does not exist independently from the present. Indeed, the past is only past because there is a present, just as I can point to something over there only because I am here. But nothing is inherently over there or here. In that sense, the past has no content. The past -- or more accurately, pastness -- is a position. Thus, in no way can we identify the past as past." p. 15

". . . But we may want to keep in mind that deeds and words are not as distinguishable as often we presume. History does not belong only to its narrators, professional or amateur. While some of us debate what history is or was, others take it into their own hands." p. 153

Silencing the Past: Power and the Production of History (1995) by Michel-Rolph Trouillot

Friday, March 10, 2017

Waving In the Freezing Temperatures and Snow

     . . . . Been as if a mad woman for days, getting ready for the Eastern Cuba Trek, getting things to take to people, the sorts of things that it is difficult or impossible for them to get there such . . . Tums.




I was still running errands for things to take to people this morning . . .  in the snow . . . and the cold.

Alas there was no direct flight to Santiago. Our region's contingent are flying in a few hours to Fort Lauderdale, and from there to the airport at Holguín. Who knows how long it will take to get us and our luggage processed for entry into Cuba.

Then to the only hotel in that not insignificant city.   Night activity.  Then early, on the bus to Santiago, check-in to hotel (a brand new one, built by the Spanish) and then off to the mountains for an activity. Dang that this is the daylight savings time changeover day too, so we lose an hour.  After that, things will be rather more settled, thank goodness. It's been rather a PITA to get prepared for all this.

The Castillo de San Pedro de la Roca; back in the day, the castillo protected the city of Santiago de Cuba from the English, the French and pirates.  I'm so looking forward to visiting it again.

OTOH, it will be 17° when we go to JFK, and stay in the deep freeze for a few days thanks to another polar votex.  Also a much bigger snow event is likely rolling in on Monday.

La Gran Piedra (The Big Rock), overlooking the Caribbean

It's in the 80's on this Caribbean side of Cuba, plus mountains!  and beauty!  and so much music, culture and spirituality So, you know, I think we're ultimately the winners here.

Plus, I have been given a new camera -- a teeny tiny one, with terrific video ability.

Other than this camera I'm taking no digital devices.  There will be no posts or photos until I get back home.


No comments: