HAVANA'S FORT

      A Tradition Continues

Castillo de San Carlos de la Cabana

In Havana, Cuba there is a nightly cannon ceremony at the old fort known as Castillo de San Carlos de la Cabana. Many years ago the cannon designated the nightly closing of the city’s gates at 9:00 PM. If one was not inside the walls by then he stayed outside until morning when the gates opened again.

The massive fortress, built 1764-1774, occupies 10 hectares on a hill at the north side of the Havana's harbor. It is a huge complex. It was dark when we arrived and walking was a bit hazardous. After we found our way to a good viewing area I mentioned to our guide, “Next time you might mention to your people to bring a flashlight so they can more easily see where they are walking. Some of that ground is pretty uneven and there is very little light.”

She thanked me for the suggestion. Dah! This was a pro who led such excursions frequently!

The castle was always heavily armed and by the mid 19^th century one could count 120 bronze cannons and mortars and a compliment of 1300 men. However, the garrison was designed to hold 6000 men if needed. Perhaps its sheer size was a deterrent, as the fortress never had to defend itself.

Today one passes by 18th century clad sentries guarding the moat bridge. Ten minutes before the hour there is a cry announcing the procession of costumed military men as they march across the plaza carrying muskets and flaming torches. They march to the cannon where they load and ram rod it ready for firing at exactly 9 PM.

The flash was quick and the noise loud when the cannon went off. It is a popular ceremony with hundreds attending nightly. We carefully walked down the ladder/stairs to the plaza below and after a short walk stopped to listen to musicians playing in front of the barracks.

It was a fun evening and at an interesting age-old evening event. 

ODDS AND ENDS KNOWN AS TRIVIA

Unimportant but Fun Tidbits

            In Texas, towns are spotted from a distance by their water towers. In much of Europe towns and villages are spotted by the church tower. The church is usually built on a hill and the tower generally is built on the west side of the church.

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When biking in Germany and Austria I was standing outside a coffee shop in the village of Aschach.  I had finished my lunch shopping and was admiring the houses that were painted in pastel colors in this little village. A little old man approached me, “Are you American?” he asked.

“Yes, I am.”

“I was in America once,” he said. “During World War II, I was a prisoner of war at Fort Smith, Arkansas. I’m sorry my English is not so good.”

How I wish I had had more conversation with this gentleman. I was just so shocked to learn that we had POW camps on American soil. He did tell me he was treated well.

It’s a small world!

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As we approached Land’s End we lost the trees and the landscape became quite barren. Land’s End is the most westerly point in England. The area has been turned into sort of an amusement area, but it’s one of those places that if you’re near you should at least take a look-see.

A friend and I walked down to the first and last point gift shop where I bought a couple of post cards.  There’s not a whole lot to see other than shops and some amusements for kids.

One of England’s rescue lifeboats was on display near the parking area. All men who operate the rescue boats are volunteers, and they are kept pretty busy at times.

It was very windy and I suspect it most always is. The coast is very rugged. Nasty waves were splashing over the rocks where the lighthouse stood as a steady warning to all who sailed those choppy seas along the  rocky coastline.

FOOD ALL DAY

Why Aren't the Dutch Heavy?

The Dutch are known to have ‘breakfast all day’. Their eating habits are quite traditional. At breakfast it is common to put hagelslag, chocolate sprinkles, on buttered toast. At 10:30 in the morning  coffee time  is observed everywhere. The strong coffee is  served in small cups. The time allotted to coffee is that given to a meal. The first coffee house  opened in the Hague and coffee was commercially introduced on a large scale in 1711 by the Netherlands East India Company.

At lunchtime one may have erwtensoep, pea soup, or bread with cheese or meat topped with a fried egg. At 4:00 PM  it’s time for afternoon tea which is served with gebak (pastry). Or small pancakes with butter and sugar, known as poffertjes, may also be served. Patat is a cone of french fries smothered in mayonnaise or a sauce.

At 5:00PM it is time for borrel. That’s a drink accompanied by nuts or cheese and crackers. Bitterballen are fried meatballs eaten with a pick after being dipped in mustard.

The traditional Dutch evening meal consists of vegetables, meat, chicken or fish and salad. This is followed with a milk dessert. Then coffee with pie or cake follows, and finally a drink of wine, beer, or liqueur.

After learning about Dutch food habits I thought most of the day was spent eating!

Whenever I have been in Holland I have eaten pretty much at normal times for me and enjoyed the cuisine. 

REYKJVIK RESPITE

        REYKJAVIK BOTANICAL GARDENS

            After exciting busy days on our last afternoon in Reykjavik the gal I was traveling with wanted to go shopping. I’m not a shopper, but never the less after three weeks I was shopped out.

            Our hotel room faced a park and taxis were easy to come by. I had observed what looked like people paying for a cab with a credit card. I left the hotel and approached one of the taxis. Sure enough he’d take a credit card---my first experience with this spreading phonon.

            I had a general idea where the botanical gardens were but thought it might be a trial to find them on foot. As my cab drove along, I paid close attention to the route, following it on my map, so I could find my way back to the hotel. I was glad the cab accepted credit cards as it was an astronomical sum for the two mile ride. When the cabbie realized I was going to walk back he pointed out a short cut on the map for me.

The Botanical Gardens were founded in 1961. It was a gorgeous day and many families were out enjoying the sun and warm weather. The gardens were lovely with several bridges over ponds, tree line lawns and paths, numerous flower gardens, large herb gardens and a gazebo café in the middle of it all. Many park benches were available for people to sit and enjoy.

I thought about stopping at the gazebo for a cup of tea, but it was crowded and being a single I didn’t want to tie up a table that could be utilized by four people. So I opted for a park bench to people-watch and enjoy the day and surroundings. It sure beat shopping!

            When  ready I started to walk back to the city. I was smart to take a cab to the gardens because of its location and my unfamiliarity I would never have been able to find the gardens myself. But it was a pretty easy to walk back. The cabbie told me which street to take as he had taken the harbor/water route where there were no sidewalks. It took me about 55 minutes to walk the estimated couple of miles. The street changed names  three times, so I was cautious following the map.

            As I approached the church I heard the organ play Here comes the Bride. On the patio of the church sat a ‘52 Hudson to carry the new couple away. I sat on a bench, but after awhile when the bride did not appear, I left and walked back to the hotel.   

            It had been a delightful afternoon. 

BROTHEL AND SUCH

My Stay in a  Brothel

When I went to Churchill, Manitoba I chose a particular trip because it included a couple of days at the White Whale Lodge, where mothers and cubs are most often seen.

A helicopter transported us, a few at a time, across the Churchill River to the lodge, built in the early 1900s. The rustic bunkhouse contained a large main room, several small rooms, each with two bunk beds (slept 4), a dining room, and a kitchen. At the time the lodge was built, Churchill was on the east side of the river. The town moved across the river  in the early 1930s after the completion of the grain facility.

            Although the bears are wonderful and beautiful animals, everyone is very conscious that they are wild animals. Flares moved the bears away from the immediate helicopter landing area. To be on the safe side, a fellow stood by with a loaded rifle. Transfers from the helicopter to the lodge were quick. When all were inside, the barred gate was replaced. In 1960 Hollywood filmed Savage Image with Anthony Quinn and (I think) Peter O’Toole at the lodge.

            When my daughter picked me up at the airport on my return she said, “You look like you had a good trip, Mom.”

             “I did! You know I slept in a brothel two nights.”

Her eyes got big and she abruptly stopped walking saying, “You did WHAT?”     

Then, of course, I had to explain that during the time 3000 men were building the grain facility, the lodge was used as a brothel. Most everything at the lodge was run on butane. A generator was turned on, for a few hours in the evening, so we could watch slides and videos about the bears.  Hudson Bay and the Churchill River, surround the cabin on three sides. A rocky cliff, borders the north side. One reaches the area by small boat or helicopter.  Looking out the window at the bay, with its rough water and white caps, one could be anywhere.

            It seemed a bit strange to have the humans behind bars and the animals loose. All the windows and the two small porches were covered with bear proof steel bars.

This afforded us a good and safe viewing area to watch and photograph the bears. A mother and her two cubs kept us entertained, off and on, for two solid days. We were in and out of warm jackets and gear several times a day, and it was always so nice to return to the warm interior of the cabin.

The cubs teethed on the bars, and stuck their paws through the spaces. They played like playful kittens. It was great fun to watch them spar, and to stand on their hind legs and box with each other. They are very curious animals and easily entertain themselves.

            The food at the lodge was outstanding. The chef out did himself with delicious hot meals, no simple sandwiches here! The chef’s regular job was cooking for inmates at a jail. He has taken his vacation at this time for several years to spend at the lodge cooking for inmates of a different kind. He loves being with the bears and meeting visitors to Churchill.

            The lodge is open only four weeks a year, and is available only to small groups. It was a wonderful experience that has given me some fun stories! It has been amusing to watch people’s reaction to the tales of my stay in a brothel.

HELSINKI, FINLAND HIKE

Lost, not Really

The gal I went to Scandinavia with was a novice traveler, but she knew it all. We were delayed a couple hours getting out of JFK airport so arrived in Helsinki mid-morning.

After freshening up, our guide took us on the local tram which stopped right in front of our hotel, down town for a bit of orientation. I paid close attention to the route and turns the tram made as we planned to walk back to the hotel later in the day.

We had lunch and did some sightseeing before we decided to head back to the hotel in mid afternoon. The hotel wasn’t far, Helsinki is very easy to walk and it was a beautiful warm sunny day.

When we approached an intersection I knew we should take a right turn and follow the tram tracks. But there was no arguing with my companion---she knew we should go straight. To this day four years later I don’t know why I didn’t put my foot down and insist.

We walked on through a lovely neighborhood, and we walked and walked.  It was approaching the end of a long day after an all night flight as we trudged on and on. I kept saying, “We should have turned back at that intersection. None of this looks familiar. ”

            My sense of direction is not the best, and I can get turned around pretty easily unless I pay very close attention, so she was the designated map reader.

“No, no we’re going right.” She had the map and could prove it.

            We saw no cabs, tram, bus or pedestrians to ask directions, so we just continued to put one foot in front of the other.

            Eventually we hit the coastline. We hung a right as I knew the hotel faced the harbor.  We made it back in time for dinner, but walked over three miles over a couple of leisurely hours.

            The next day we walked to town in 15 minutes---easy when you go more or less in a straight line. My companion spent the rest of the trip proving she could be a better map reader, but I always double checked her and we did not get lost again.

A FABULOUS CASTLE

WARWICK CASTLE 

Warwick Castle, dominates the city of Warwick, England giving one a unique window into the past. It is generally believed to be the finest medieval castle in England. Built on a cliff, its 60 acres of meticulously manicured grounds contain several lovely gardens.

            Built in the 12^th century by William the Conqueror, this castle has two uneven towers. The Caesar Tower, built in 1356, is 147-feet tall, while Guy’s tower, 1380, is only 128-feet tall. The intentional irregular design allowed defenders numerous points of defense. There are 537 steps to the top of the Caesar Tower, and once you start up there is no turning back.

     Proud, colorful peacocks are permanent residents on the grounds. Huge various colored rhododendrons were in full bloom forming a lovely backdrop to the gray stone of the castle. The roses in the rose garden were covered with buds about ready to burst open.

In the great hall of the castle is a fine collection of medieval armor and weaponry. Historic furniture and old master paintings are housed throughout. The living quarters were occupied as late as the 1970s. A few years ago Madam Tussuad purchased the castle. Her magnificent life-size wax figures in twelve of the rooms in the living quarters are exquisite, and add personality to the rooms and a great deal of reality to the exhibit. My favorite was the maid in the bathroom drawing water for her lady. She was bending over the tub of running water, so life-like that nearly everyone did a double take, even though we knew the figures were not real.

Many of the woodcarvings left me gasping at the fine workmanship and intricacy. There were many medieval demonstrations taking place on the grounds.

Children delighted in the ghost tower where the queues (lines) were long.

     There was the most magnificent bald eagle I’ve ever seen just inside the grounds. I just stood and watched  him a long time. He was gorgeous!

            Of all the castles I’ve visited Warwick is one of my top three. It is superb!

UNWANTED STUFF

Plants and Trash

In the early 1900s when the cable was being laid workmen and their families made Midway Island home by planting familiar plants and some even brought parakeet pets with them.

Eventually as people moved the parakeets were let loose and now there is quite a population of wild song birds on the island. A sun-flower type plant called verbacina was also planted and like many invasive plants had taken over the island making it almost impossible for native plants to flourish. The native vegetation is best for nesting birds. Small Spit Island had been cleared of invasives and the planted natives were doing well. At the time of my visit to the Island they were trying to rid Sand Island of all invasive plants, especially the verbacina.

During parts of the seal research program when we situated ourselves in inconspicuous areas to watch the seals sleep on the beach I easily got bored. Every day after awhile I’d leave Kelly to watch the seals while I went down a small hill to pull verbacina. It came out of the sandy soil easily and I created mounds and mounds of the small yellow sunflower stalks and roots.

On Eastern Island we saw several dead birds, many with insides exposed. Sea birds have learned that anything floating on the water is edible and until a few years ago it always was sea life.

 Now people carelessly throw junk in the water. Plastic is light and floats and comes in all kinds of pretty colors. The birds eat it, then because they can’t digest it they feel full and after awhile don’t eat and die of starvation and dehydration. Cigarette lighters deliver a double whammy as they are not only plastic but also contain toxic fluid.

During my three week stay on Midway we cleaned the beaches each week. I was appalled at the tons of trash we collected and piled up. We found everything imaginable but one big hazard to birds are the often large fishing nets that break loose. None of the trash is from the island but from heavens know where from afar.  It floats on the currents and lands on the island beaches. It is an ongoing and time consuming problem to keep the beaches clean.It is also a good demonstration that everyone worldwide needs to be conscious of what and where they throw their trash.

KIEV,UKRAINE

An Old City Full of Gold Domes

The hotel, located in the heart of Kiev, was an excellent location, only a few steps away from the city’s famous Kreschatyk Street. The hotel had recently refurbished its 416 rooms. Our room was small, basic, but adequate. The centerpiece of the hotel was a gorgeous, gray granite, curving staircase topped with a shiny brass handrail from the second floor foyer to the lobby. It was fun to walk down it as it reminded us of the wonderful one we climbed in Wurzburg, Germany.

It was a short walk from the hotel to Independence Square where the infamous Orange Revolution took place.  It was a beautiful day. Young people were everywhere, many with a bottle of beer in hand. Food kiosks were being set up to accommodate the anticipated crowd later in the evening. The evenings were long with darkness not falling ‘til nearly midnight. We stopped in a large department store that was supposed to have a good souvenir section, but we found mostly junk.

At the square we descended into the underground mall where we found expensive boutiques and upscale western shops. We couldn’t help but wonder who the clientele might be.

We chose the cafeteria that had been recommended for dinner the first day. Little English was spoken, but we could see all the food and had no problem. The borscht that evening was wonderful and the best of any we had on the whole trip. I added a good cucumber salad and meat-stuffed roll, ending the meal with a cheese filled pastry. Not only was the food excellent but it was extremely reasonable, bordering on cheap. Unfortunately we did not have a chance to return.

Kiev is a city of young people.   Gold domes are everywhere you look.  The small big city is a nice blend of the old and the new. We saw no decaying old buildings. The city is generally very clean.  There is a resurgence of religion.  Girls are pretty, have model figures, no thighs and long skinny legs covered with tight jeans. Long pointed-toe shoes with 4” nail-thin spike heels were the fashion of the day.

Everything, the streets, landmarks, and maps have three spellings. I’m sure one is Ukrainian, one Russian and one a European spelling, but it does make it confusing and difficult for the visitor

We learned about salo—a pig fat product that is served many ways. White in color it reminded me of Crisco. Apparently it is popular in that part of the world although it did not appeal to any of us.

We had a delightful time in Kiev, saw a lot , and wished for a couple more days.