Day 3 - Guantanamo
Day 3 - Guantánamo (monday)
Today was a day of exploring the Southeast region of Santiago and Guantanamo. The region is not visited as often as Havana and it's important to know the
country we are in and experience the rich history. We We all had breakfast and were in the lobby by 9AM, ready for a bus tour of Santiago de Cuba. We
visited San Juan Hill, the Bacardi house, and the major sites
around Santiago. Then, we headed east for a 3-hr drive to Guantánamo. We learned that the people of Guantánamo were called “war heroes” which, over
time and combined with the Cuban accent, became “guajiro” or “guajira”. And that is where the song “Guantanamera” came from. The translation of
“Guantanamera” is “mujer de Guantánamo” (woman from Guantánamo). A “guajiro/a” is also synonymous with “rural/country/peasant folk”. So, a
“guajiro/a Guantanamero/a” is a rural man/woman from Guantánamo. “Guantanamera” is probably one of the most recognized Cuban songs sung by many
artists including The Sandpipers, Julio Iglesias, Celia Cruz, and Gloria Esteban. The mainstream version of “Guantanamera” is about a woman, and love lost.
It is also a patriotic song when sung using the full lyrics from Cuban poet José Martí. I'll find the MP3 and add a link – you’ll recognize the song.
We had a pleasant ride through the countryside, no traffic. We passed over the mountain at about 1,200 feet and then descended into the Bay Area. Our first
stop was at El Morro, a 16th century fortress – officially known as Castillo de los Tres Reyes del Morro (biblical reference to the 3 Magi). Then we continued to
the church of Todos Los Santos (All Saints) where we gathered in the church.
Water System Test Rick examined the water filter system and tested the water. The results showed the same conditions as in Santiago de Cuba ---
low in minerals. He explained the water test results to the people in the church and discussed future improvement he could make to the system on his next
visit. The group delivered a duffle bag of replacement water filters to last the next 12 months.
Then the group took a walking tour around the town of Guantánamo. Fernando bid farewwll to our group as we arrived the home of his mother. He's joined
us up to this point and will spend the rest of his time in Guantanamo. After the walk we returned to the Church in time for a 5:30PM service and
reconciliation prayer. Sarah delivered her message of reconciliation from Coventry, there was music by a group with violin, flute and beautiful vocal.
Everyone sang. We then walked down the street to a restaurant where they served a delicious dinner. The cooks looked in on our group from the kitchen
with curiosity. Not many tourists come through this area. We finished our dinner complete with desert of flan and then we walked back to the church and
took the bus back to the hotel in Santiago. It was late when we got back, so there were no evening activities. Everyone returned to their rooms and packed
for an early morning departure at 6:30AM, to catch our flight to Havana.
DAY 3 PHOTOS