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Nobuko in Cuba: Getting to know the Cubans
With each day, our relationships with the Cubans grew. It was easy. There is a natural warmth and sweetness of the people. One opening came the first day, when Smiley, one of our group, became sick with an intense headache and nausea. A young Cuban doctor, Hugo, came forward and gave her shiatsu (finger acupuncture), graciously refusing to take monetary compensation after she was miraculously restored. He was one of the many doctors and healers that were present. Later, a lot of us not only visited their respective clinics, but were treated…free!…as all Cubans are. Cuba utilizes many of the ancient healing techniques, such as acupuncture, chiropractic, Auroveda and even aromatherapy – stuff we like! Hugo lives with his wife in his sister’s house, rides a bicycle to work and makes about $30 a month. He is passionate about his healing work. He does it for reasons of the heart, not money. This is common in Cuba.
School children in Cuba The yoga-filled days went quickly, yet it felt longer, because of the deepness of the experiences and relationships. We were stumbling with our Spanish and they with their English, but communication is deep when you breathe, stretch, eat, sing and dance together. Most Americans, tore themselves away, feeling it was too soon to go home. Some of us stayed a week or so longer, living in apartments in Habana, taking in the music of everyday life, with its struggles and challenges. It’s easy to feel at home there. A couple of Americans, are determined to go back to live. |
