Retired female professor who also worked for the ministry of culture was our speaker today on "Relgion in Cuba". Even though the statistics say that 72% of Cubans are Catholic, she feels that is not really true. In Cuba, society is divided by color and class not by religious origin. Cubans are not programmed for rigid theological or political structures. They have a mixed and pragmatic approach to life, religion and politics.
There are 2 main STRUCTURED organizations in Cuba - communism and the Catholic Church - so if there is some sort of upheaval - those two are able to start back up quickly and get their foot in the door. But Cathaloism and Communism are too rigid for Cubans. Also history shows that the Catholic Church was usually on the wrong side of the Cubans. IE - the church blessed the Spanish soldiers and not the Cubans, they supported the government not the revolution (Fidel and Che) and many more similar examples. 55% of the Catholic clergy are foreigners.
Basically it reminds me of religion in China. In that the Chinese participated in religious activities when there was a festival, for good luck, to network to or for socialization. They identified themselves as Chinese first with little importance or energy given to one specific religion. The Cubans have that same nationalistic feel about them using different religious practices when it was convenient or favorable.
Next on our scholarly endeavors was a road trip to Hemingway's home. Hemingway's house was located 20 kilometers south of Havana. From the back of his home you could see the skyline of Havana. There were bookcases in every room (even the bathroom) totaling over 9000 books.
His walls contained many animal heads and bull fighting posters.
He wrote The Old Man and the Sea here. Fun fact: He liked to compose and type standing up and pacing so his typewriter was on the top of a shelf in his office/siesta room.
His fishing boat was also displayed on the property next to the empty pool and the graves of his four favorite dogs.
Lunch at Italian restaurant in the middle of a very unrestored neighborhood (slummy). Food was great!
We past by this beautifully restored Lincoln -- where is Mathew McConaughey when you need him.
Fort was our next adventure which included a cigar, coffee, and rum store as well as a book fair inside the fort.
