Western Cuba
Las Terrazas
As
part of an overnight trip to Pinar del Rio in Western Cuba, the group
spent a day visiting Las Terrazas. Las Terrazas, an environmental
reserve, covers over 260 sq kilometers. It was established
in 1971 as a forestry and soil conservation station. The original inhabitants
of this area were all invited to continue living in the new reserve.
The students toured an old coffee planation, visited a hotel built on
ecological principals, and sampled coffee grown in the area. At left,
Maria enjoys the view from the former Buenavista Coffee plantation.
Pinar del Rio
At
Pinar del Rio, the students visited the local Casa de Cultura
("Culture House"). After a brief introduction from the director,
GC students broke into five groups to talk with writers, artists, dancers,
actors, and musicians. We spent close to an hour in small groups. We
could have spent another! The group in the photo met with poet Raul
Tortosa Rodriguez (at left), and Fidel Montano (at right, in the hat),
whose novel "Buena Hierba" was recently published
in both Cuba and Spain.
La Lima Agricultural Project
The
students spent an afternoon visiting the La Lima Agricultural Project.
This
project is an attempt to continue increasing the production of urban
agriculture. The land which is being used was idle for many
years. The government leased the land to a group of retired persons
who have done a magnificient job of cultivating it. They invited us
to eat caña (sugarcane) and showed us the site. At right,
some of the younger family member of La Lima show Emily, Sarah, and
Julia around.
More images
- Robin sits with a group of grandmothers at La Lima. During the day we visited a special program was being held for grandmothers of the community.
- Emily is shown around by several of the "younger family members" of La Lima.
- Rebecca tries to "help" Sarah with her hair.
- Dan gives a ride to a tired Elise.
Journals
"Re
flec tion (ri flek' shen) -- careful consideration;
to think or consider seriously."
The study journal is probably one of the most significance expressions of the students experience during SST. The journal is a permanent record of the student's experience, feelings, observations, and daily encounters in Cuba. William Carey Baptist church provides settings in which students can go to and find their "space " in which they can write their journals. Dan (right) found space in the second floor, overlooking the interior patio. Heidi found a ledge in front of the church for writing her journal.
