Dennis

Just in case any of you were worried about our well-being out here, I can assure you that Anna and I survived the recent hurricane just fine. We had spaguetti, beer, cake, and tea on our front porch as rain, coconuts, and roofing material flew by. The center came pretty close to where we were, but it wasn't that dangerous. Some people died in the center of the country, but I think it had slowed down by the time it got to us.

Anyway, we're in Santiago de Cuba, after spending a week or so in and around La Habana. Cuba is certainly another world. There's all the apparent stuff, crumbling architecture in La Habana and classic cars, but I'm trying to get some idea of the politics: what people think of Castro and of the States, what everyday life is like, how people get by. "No es fácil" is the standard refrain.

Well, we just got off a 16-hour bus, so I think we're off to take it easy for a bit. I should check in once or twice more before we take off.