This morning we walked to one of the places I most wanted to visit, the steps of the University of Havana. So distinctive, so historical, a witness to the role of university students in revolution, the Alma Mater sits at the top, reigning over her world.
And there we found the James Scanlon of Havana: Dr. Delio Carreras Cuevas, Profesor Emérito, Historiador official de la Universidad de la Habana. What a wonderful story he told us of this school, started by the Dominicans in 1728 in the Old City, but relocated to this site in 1906. We heard the story of the statue, of teaching through various eras, of the tank in the plaza, and we stepped inside the Law School.
And, being librarians, we were most eager to see the library. Upstairs we found the card catalog and students studying, who were kind enough to look up for photos!
In Habana Vieja, we had lunch in a lovely old colonial courtyard, with very non-colonial music by “5 pa’ 8.”
Back in Vedado, we went to the headquarters of the National Cuban Writers and Artists’ Union, UNEAC and met with a few representatives, including the president, the poet Alex Pausides, to hear about their history and their work.
Then we met with Esperanza to hear about The Five, Cubans who are held in jails in the United States, which is viewed as a great injustice by Cubans. There is much to investigate when I return home.
The day was ended with a visit to the suburb of La Lisa, where a CDR: Committee for the Defense of the Revolution met us with a street party! We talked, walked around their ceiba tree and then danced with our new friends. Well, some of the men went to watch the baseball game together! And as I walked to the bus to leave, I was singing Guantanamera with my new friends!
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