At the beginning of the trip it was easy to find things to write about as everything is different and new and interesting. But as the trip develops the new becomes the normal and the interesting and different become commonplace. I suppose it is our ability as humans to adapt that makes this so.
We just came back from the beach and I'd tried some fishing off the rocks as I saw barracuda chasing fish close to the shore. A couple of them followed the lure but no takers. As we arrived at the casa a local who was walking by asked me "Any fish?" I smiled, "No" I told him and explained what had happened in a mixture of useless Spanish and enacting the event. He sympathised. I said I'd try later at the river mouth. He told me he was also going fishing and showed me inside the large canvas bag he was carrying where he had a net. It was one of those nets used by fishermen for centuries where they throw it out so it lands in a big circle and sinks trapping the fish inside. It's then pulled in carefully and the fish, if any, removed from the net. Hard work, but often very effective.
"I catch you sardines, and you use" he said, demonstrating how I should put them on a hook. "Gracias, Gracias." I said, knowing I didn't have a suitable hook I could use for this. We said our goodbyes and I went for shower and he to earn a living.
This was another of the simple acts of generosity that seem to be commonplace in Cuba. Cubans love their country, are happy to share its bounty and love to talk. If I ever come again I will learn some Spanish as I think it would double the enjoyment.
But these are the things you begin to take as normal. We tourists absorb the friendly vibe and I find myself saying "ola" and "buenos dais" to everyone, even the obviously European tourists, because that is what many of the Cubans do. Its contagious.
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