Back to the Motherland

For those that know me, I am very proud to be of Cuban descent. So this year (or last year? I straddled years), I spent New Year's in Cuba. It was a great time and I wanted to share a little bit of Cuba with you all.

This was my 4th time going and my husband's first. He was scared!!! He thought he would either get stuck there or not be let back into the country . I told him he had nothing to worry about whatsoever. I forgot to mention to him, though, until the last minute, that we were going during the 50th Anniversary of the Cuban Revolution. Talk about a great time to go!!!!

Needless to say, he only got more paranoid. Too funny. Well, as it turned out, he LOVED it and can't wait to go back. So were all the festivities up to par? I wouldn't really know. I pretty much stayed with my family and did sight-seeing with the husband, of course the signs were everywhere, flags were everywhere and there was a general sense of pride emanating from everyone.

So what did my husband think of Cuba? As I said, he loved it, but more than that he felt it was quite peaceful; a land of survivors. There's a certain mystique to the island that drives everyone there. You have the sounds, sights and smells of the streets that draws you in:

But the tranquility of the ocean to relax you:

Varadero Beach

Then of course there's the history of this magical island:

El Morro

We didn't even see the whole island. We were confined, due to time limitations, to Havana, Pinar Del Rio (we went to Viñales, where there are tobacco fields), and Matanzas (Varadero Beach). But as I said, we will be back soon and we'll see more of the island. I'll share some of those experiences as well.

Until the next post...

Oh, and yes, I brought back cigars and I've already smoked one. I don't smoke, but I'll always make an exception for the delicious cigars from my island.

My Favorite Band of all Time

I found out about 2 months ago that U2's next album, No Line on the Horizon, was coming out in March and it was available for pre-order on Amazon. Except, when I went to Amazon, they have about 4 different versions of the album. The plain album for $9.99, the limited edition digi-pak for $25.99, the magazine edition for $35.99, and the limited edition box set for $66.49 So many choices!!!! I will obviously get the box set, nothing less will do.

So what started my obsessions with U2. I honestly cannot say. I think I have to credit my sister. I was still too young to really appreciate their music when they first came out back in '79 (I was only one). By the time, their 6th album (The Joshua Tree) came out, I had already heard of them and liked some of their songs (New Year's Day, Two Hearst Beat as One, Sunday Bloody Sunday), but of course, With or Without You took the cake. I became a full-fledged fan then, and I'm sure that's when many people did too. However, I started to really listen to all of their albums, and I realized that all of their songs were good. yes ALL. I like each and every one of their albums, even Pop. Many people said it wasn't classic U2, but they obviously didn't hear it the way I did. :o)


So yes, I own every one of their albums, plus any album that they were either featured on or produced (soundtracks, singles, etc). If you happen to know of any other albums or songs that I may have missed, please feel free to share. I can never have enough U2.

Tea Infuser or Ball Cruncher?

I'm back from my little hiatus and vacation. I will post about that shortly (and some other neat gadgets that have recently come under my ownership), but first, let's talk tea...

I love my tea, especially loose tea. So, some time ago I went and bought a tea infuser that I could use at work. It works pretty well, but every time I use it, I can't help to think how much it looks like a ball cruncher. And when I say ball, I am, of course, referring to the male genitalia. I also wonder how painful, if at all, it would be to actually use it. I know, sick and sadistic. :o)