la torcha!

Cuba overview:

People wearing overalls count: 7
Bug bites: 5
Dogs hit: 0
New friends: 2
Torch marching: 1
Sunburn: NOT TODAY!

Today is Jose Marti's birthday and (rightly so) the steps at the Univ. of Havana were packed with people shouting "Viva Fidel! Viva Raul! Viva Cuba!" at the the top of their lungs. Others were more sedated and fascinated with constructing a *torch.

*Not your average torch: piece of wood+nailed soda can+lighter fluid

There was a barrel of gasoline next to us for people to refill their soda cans...but needless to say...we moved.

I found it especially unsettling to have such huge pelo (hair) around the fuego.

At midnight it was like a stampede was coming off the steps of Univ. of Havana. Hundreds of people had waited around until midnight just to march down to the malecon from the steps of the Univ. of Havana and from the outside (because I was not close to the steps) it was as if Marti had 1000 birthday candles.

No one acted like us being there was weird, which was comforting...especially amidst the many home-constructed fuego holders.

Torches aside, this week classes start and I've already enjoyed today's class being outside (even though today was a bit windy). I am still "fresa" in my residencia and probably will be until I leave...or resemble another fruit. ..or get huge thighs.

Until then,

todo mi amor.

la reina de fuego,
Sara