Flight delayed for 24 hours.... rotten luck.... stuck in the Marriott New Jersey.... thank goodness for broadband...... all this shuttling back and forth from the hotel is maddenning!..... new ETA 1st June.... cant wait to get home....

Hopeful.....

Like the symmetry of this photo. Everything seems to be emerging from one point. Housing in Havana, Cuba.

The Spanish constructed buildings close enough so that there would be shade along the sidewalks at most times of the day. Europeans aren't used to the weather.

Its a simple kind of life in this part of the world. Havana, Cuba.

Oil Paintings by the sidewalks of Havana, Cuba. Would have got one if I had the luggage space!

Just back from one week in Cuba. Stayed at the Iberostar Varadero resort. Simply superb. The trip to Havana was a surreal experience. Citizens of democratic nations in a working, breathing communist state. So many things are alien to us. Healthcare is free. Schooling and university is free. Houses may not be sold. Foreign imports like Colgate and Lux are beyond the reach of ordinary Cubans.

Yet, amidst all these, a capitalist tourist sector is readily building steam. Tip Cubans with commodities like socks, toothpaste, hygiene products etc and you will be richly rewarded. Havana Club rum is ridiculously cheap and well deserving of its reputation are one of the best. More to follow.....