I think I forgot to write on Friday. Oops! Consider this a filler post to retain my streak
Category: Travel
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Day 798
It is going to rain soon so I am sitting comfortably in the upstairs lounge of Johnny’s bistro. In a little while I’ll head out to go replenish my cigar stock, and then will go hunting vittels for lunch. I have a phone call to make around 2:15 so I will make my way to my friend Gloria’s hotel (even though she is not working until later) because it is traditionally the place with the most reliable Internet.
I was disappointed to realize that I did not bring a charging cable for my fitness watch, which means that either today or possibly tomorrow will be my last day tracking steps until I am back home. Oh well… I will still do a lot of walking!
I slept slightly more last night than the previous two… but not by much. I find that I can go longer here than I usually do in Canada… despite the walking. That might have something to do with how much coffee I drink here!
Johnny and I will have lunch and then another friend and I are hopefully going to have dinner this evening. We have missed each other twice, and if it does not work out then it will just not happen this trip because of work schedules. What can you do?
I am feeling good about my food intake and choices this week, and hope that when I finally step onto the bathroom scale next Wednesday I should be pleased with the number.
Have a great day folks!
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Day 797
What a shock… the Internet is not working today. Why not? Cuba. I am only very slight pit off by the inconvenience, and will not lose one minute’s enjoyment for that. I will have e to try to tether at some point to speak to someone, but other than that I have no real need to be connected while I’m here.
Yesterday was a typical day for me insofar as a lot of things did not happen as planned, and I had a lovely day nonetheless. The only issue that I had was the disrespect shown to me by two groups of people… sometimes it happens from Cubans, but tourists seem to take the concept of Cuban Standard Time a little too quickly. A couple that I met on the airplane were supposed to meet me in the morning but they did not show up. I was not bothered one bit by that because the plans were very fluid… I knew when we discussed it that either we would connect or we would not. They reached me by phone at 2:30pm and asked to meet for lunch – they would meet me in 30 minutes. They showed up 75 minutes later, which only slightly irked me in that I was not hungry, but I did not want to eat lunch at 4:30pm knowing that I had dinner plans (which fell through because of someone else disrespecting my time).
I want to be clear that the couple did not intentionally disrespect me. They were in Cuba for their first visit, and thinking that their credit cards would work, they brought almost no cash. This was a huge and disastrous mistake for an American tourist to make when coming to Cuba. Fortunately I was able to bail them out before they went hungry – they transferred money to my US account and I got Cuban cash here. Again, I am only happy to help. What inconvenienced me was that they told me we were probably going to have dinner (my other plans fell through). At 9:15 they promised they would confirm or cancel within 15 minutes. They decided to eat in their hotel which was not a problem for me; the problem was that they did not call to tell me, so I waited over an hour before cutting bait and going to eat. I do not ever like to eat at 11:00pm.
With the exception of the times I ate reasonably yesterday. I hate that I ate late at night, but other than that I did fine. I also walked a lot – I believe I did over 15,000 steps before midnight, and I know I walked 5,000 steps before calling it a night. I am not worried about my weight but I know I am not gaining this week (so far).
I could write more but I’m just trying to enjoy my day. It is sunny and hot and I am loving it.
Have a great day!
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Day 795
I don’t really have time to write today, but it’s been a good day so far. Yesterday was not a good eating day, but travel days seldom are. I got 14,000 steps in, and am already near that today. I’ll try to write tomorrow or Wednesday.
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Day 794
I did not weigh myself this morning before heading to the airport. That is because I did not sleep one minute last night. I hope I will be able to sleep on the plane. Our story:
At 10:15pm I was in bed and ready to sleep four hours. That would not be much, but I would be able to get by on that if I had to… as long as I do not try to do it too often. At 11:10 my phone binged with a travel alert. I looked and it told me that my 6:00am flight was delayed until 10:15am. At first glance, that was not a bad thing… I would be able to get four more hours of sleep! I then did a little math in my head, and I realized I had better check with the airline. It’s a good thing I did… I was going to miss my connecting flight, and they were only able to rebook me for Wednesday! That would not do…
I spent half an hour trying to communicate with someone at American Airlines… to no avail. I was on hold on the phone (approximate wait time: eight hours), and I was in a queue with their website chat agents (approximate wait time: two hours). I was not a happy camper! Of course, they were giving me the option to cancel my flight… they were not going to refund it, but they would give me a flight credit. How generous of them… not.
You know what? I will be flying again shortly, whether back to Cuba or elsewhere, so I decided to bite the bullet and see if I could find a comparably priced ticket for today. Sure enough, United Airlines was able to accommodate me. It was somewhat more expensive, but I did not really have a lot of choice… I have paid for the apartment in Havana, and I have arranged several meetings with friends and others that I did not want to have to scramble to change.
I had some issues paying for the ticket… one of my cards was recently lost, one is close to its limit, and one (which is nowhere near its limit) just didn’t work. While the fourth card did have issues (or rather, their website had issues with it) I was finally able to get it through.
By the time i was able to fix my Cuba travel documents the clock read 12:30am, and I was still wired from the scramble to fix everything. I knew that it would take me a while to calm down, at which point if I did fall asleep, I would never have been able to wake up. I ordered my Uber, then I got dressed and schlepped my luggage downstairs.
I should mention that I have never arrived at the airport before the check-in counters were open; once I was checked in, through security, and cleared by US CBP, it was a little after 3:30am… and the restaurants do not open until 4:30am. I was glad I thought to grab a protein bar as I walked out.
So here I sit, fed, and waiting patiently for my flight with a cup of coffee. As I do, I guess this entry is supposed to be about how I did yesterday. I had breakfast with Lyle and Dorothy… corn meal waffles with maple syrup. Yum! I then drove to Cambridge to enjoy a cigar with Ryan et al. I was planning to leave there by 3:00pm, and I was close… I was in my car by 3:20. I got home hungry so I prepared my dinner, then started packing. With all of the gear I brought for charity and for friends I cannot think of too many times I have packed that much without actually moving. I checked two large suitcases (weighing 25kg each), and I have two sizeable carry-on bags (which I have not weighed, but they are significant as well). On my return flight I expect I will have an entirely empty large suitcase, and my larger carry-on bag will be packed inside it. The other bags will still be half the weight and not nearly bursting the seams. I am just glad that I was able to give the airline the two larger bags when I checked in.
What else is going on… let me think: my return flight is going to require me to spend the night in Houston on my way home. Drat… but there is a possibility that I might be able to make lemonade with that lemon! We’ll see. I was able to let Johnny know that I would more than likely be late for our 4:00 meeting. I still have to let Sue know what happened and that I will need her to take care of Her Royal Floofness for one more night. I have sent a few other texts to people who might be affected by the changes, but do not expect answers until a reasonable hour.
I am surprised that my step count is only just over 2200… although that is 2150 steps higher than it would normally be at 5:10am were I not traveling. By the time the day is over I am sure that will be up to 18,000 steps… but if it is not I will still not fret. I had a bit of a cheat breakfast today, but my usual routine in Havana should have me expending a lot more energy than I eat. Assuming my weight this morning would have been what it was yesterday, I would love to be 5-6 lbs. down the morning after I get back to Canada. How do I do that? A lot of walking, mindful eating, and only moderate drinking.
Have a great day folks… and I will see you in Havana!
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Day 793
It was a relief to see the numbers on the bathroom scale drop significantly from yesterday morning, taking me mercifully below the dreaded 280 lbs. mark. Hopefully I will be able to drop another few pounds on vacation, which is not something I would normally say… except I know that I do not overeat in Cuba, and that I do a lot of walking.
Yesterday was a good day. I finished my class exactly as expected, and then ran to the bank to exchange money. I then came home and made dinner, after which I lit the candles and said my prayers. I selected a magnificent cigar to enjoy on the balcony, which I paired with a lovely rum. I overpoured the rum, but rather than overindulging, I threw the last bit out. I was having such a lovely time that I decided to enjoy another cigar.
My sleep score was high, and while I had some trouble falling asleep, I mercifully did not have an alarm set, so I was able to sleep until I woke up at 8:30am.
I tried to check in for my flight, but I forgot that when flying to Cuba through the United States, you need to check in at the airport. Drat. Her Floofless has been walked, and I now have a few things to do, which will start with joining my friends Lyle and Dorothy for breakfast.
Have a great day folks! I will try to write from the airport tomorrow… and if not, then Havana!
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Day 764
I am still sick today, and I am going to take it easy. Princess Sophie and I stayed in bed until after 9:15am (which for me is nearly unheard of), and then after my morning ritual, we went for our walk.
I have been asked to define what I mean by ‘sick.’ I have a head cold and have been sneezing and my nose has been running unabated since Wednesday. Owing to that, my nostrils are chapped and a bit painful, but I bought a ChapStick (not the brand, but similar) to ease that. I have also had… soft stool (a very polite way to say it) these last couple of days. For me to sit down in the airplane washroom on a three-hour flight is unheard of unless I am having issues. I do not think that these issues are related to anything that I ate or drank (although I suppose that is possible) but because of a bug of some sort. I will live. As I said, I will take it easy today and tomorrow, and I’ll be fine for my class next week.
I was on the fence a couple of times during the trip, especially when I was eating a lot of pasta and on the days when I was drinking somewhat heavily (there were two such days). I also know that my 36-hour travel ordeal was not going to help. With that said, I was quite pleased to discover this morning that I weigh five pounds less today than I did the morning I flew out. I guess all of that walking really paid off!
I ate a very late breakfast today, so I do not intend to eat my next meal until 3:00pm or so, as such, I likely will not be having dinner, although I might pick up challah rolls to ring in the Sabbath. We’ll see.
You may have noticed these last few days that I am back to signing off with ‘Have a great day!’ which I had dropped since the problems began in early November. I am not going to discuss them in any detail, but one of the reasons for my trip to Cuba was to reset. I think I did that successfully and even though I wish things had gone differently, sometimes there is nothing one can do to fix someone else’s problems. I wish her health and happiness but am getting ready to move on with my life. For everyone who has told me that there are plenty of fish in the sea… I am not ready for anything real and will start with catch-and-release for the foreseeable future. With that said, at least I have come back from Cuba with a slightly clearer head than I had two weeks ago. (Not to mention five pounds lighter!)
Have a great day folks!
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Day 763
The plane from Miami to Toronto was delayed several times until finally it was delayed overnight. I waited in line for nearly three hours to get a hotel room from American Airlines, and once I had it I took a cab to the hotel. I showered and went to sleep, anticipating three hours rest before I had to get up and head back to the airport. Needless to say I did not. Eat well yesterday or today. I also have a cold which means I have been blowing my nose constantly since yesterday morning.
I got a good nap this afternoon and have to go out this evening because of an obligation that I made before the head cold and the sleepless night. Sigh.
More tomorrow.
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Day 762
My bags are mostly packed and I went out for breakfast. I was supposed to meet a friend but he was a no-show… very irregular for him, and I am a little worried. With that said, I know he had a meeting last night where he had to make a speech, and he might have been out very late. I know I will hear from him when he wakes up and he will be extremely sorry. In any event, I had my last breakfast, and have one more meeting with another friend from 11-1, at which point I will grab a taxi to the airport. As much as I hate leaving Havana, I am looking forward to being home for a little while.
I missed my steps goal yesterday by 500 steps, but only because I ended up walking home after midnight. I was at about 2000 steps by the time I went to bed, so I still hit it. I also had way too much to drink (thanks to my buddy the restaurateur who kept pouring, and then the person who wanted to meet with me to learn about cigars who kept ordering) so I was not really concerned by the steps by 11pm. If I have not lost weight this trip it is because of those two days of alcohol, the pasta I’ve been eating (most meals here involve pork or seafood, and my religious beliefs supersede my weight loss), and the little chocolates that most cafes serve with a cup of coffee. Having said that, I am not worried. If I need to redouble my efforts when I get home then I will.
Have a great day folks… I’ll see you tomorrow in Canada!
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Day 761
After missing the mark (only by one measure) the previous day, I shot through my fitness watch’s steps goal yesterday, surpassing 20,000 steps for the second time in a week, and for the third time since I got to Cuba. With that said, the soles of my feet are feeling it a bit today. It is nothing like it was a week ago, but I am still going to take care to not overdo it too badly today. The goal on the watch is 17,420; I will not force myself, but expect if I do not surpass that, I will still come close.
I have not been eating entirely smart, but I still expect that I will not have gained weight during this trip. I know the pair of shorts that I am wearing today felt much tighter last Sunday when I first put them on, but that could be all in my mind. In 48-hours I will know for sure when I step onto the scale Thursday morning.
As I had planned, I did my cigar shopping yesterday. While the selection is abysmal, I still found a couple of very good boxes of cigars to take home with me. I am not disappointed! What did disappoint me was that the Partagas store (behind the Capitolo) was closed. I am told that it is going to be reopened and that they are simply rebuilding it. The store certainly did look like a construction site when I walked by, so that is certainly plausible. In the meantime, for my second trip in a row I ended up at the La Casa del Habanos in Plaza De Armas. L found two boxes with a lot of age on them which is rare and difficult. A good cigar gets better with age which is why I have a few boxes in my humidor at home that have been there for a couple of years. The two boxes that I am bringing back are from 2017 and 2018 respectively, meaning they are absolutely ready to smoke right now. I am excited to crack them open, although I will not be doing that to smoke them in the winter… they will either wait until spring, or else for a day when I am invited to a friend’s indoor lounge.
What else did I do yesterday? I took my laundry in to be washed, lest I find myself out of socks and underwear. I took them in early in the day hoping they would be ready in the afternoon, but because of a misunderstanding (on my part) they needed to dry overnight. I am never inflexible in Cuba, but I did need to take one pair of socks which I took home straight away and hung from my fan so that I could wear them today. Owing to the damage I did to my feet on my first day, this is my first Cuba trip ever that I have run out of socks. My sandals have stayed in the room the entire time! In a bizarre twist, it is also my first Cuba trip that when I packed my suitcase, I only packed the socks that I thought I would need for working out, hence the need to do laundry. It is not the worst thing – I will have much fewer clothes to wash when I get back to Canada. I spent some time talking with the tourist friends I met who were going home yesterday, exchanging contact information so we can stay in touch. I had dinner with a friend who reminded me of the truth of what I call Cuban Standard Time, which is to say that she was ninety minutes late. No matter, that gave me ninety minutes to people-watch in Parque Central.
We had old clothes for dinner! Okay, that needs some clarification: One of the most popular Cuban meals is called ropa viella, which is really shredded beef. It was delicious! We ate at a restaurant a minute or two from the Capitolo called Paladar Kilometro Zero – all of Cuba is measured in distance from the capital, and that is where it starts. The food was amazing and the musicians were fabulous, playing instrumental Cubanized versions of many American and European standards. I always appreciate a good saxophone, and this guy could play!
After I dropped her off, I met a couple in the bar across the street from her who were speaking English. They are a married couple, he from New York and she is local. She is a tour guide, and we had a great conversation. As has happened several times this trip, I offered them a cigar and they insisted on buying me a drink. I eventually walked back to my buddy’s cafe and ended the evening there.
My plans for today are very simple and uncluttered. I have two oligations: I have to collect my laundry, and I am having lunch with Johnny. After that…? I dunno. Until then? I dunno. I am going to walk back to my apartment to drop my computer off, and then I will likely walk around the old city for a few hours. Oh, and I am sure that throughout the day I will drop in on a couple of friends where they work to say hello.
I am both pleased and shocked by how advanced my Spanish has been. Five years ago (or even two!) I was breaking my teeth to understand and to be understood… and I would avoid being alone for any length of time with people who did not understand English. This past week I have spent many hours with several individuals and groups who did not speak any English, or if they did, I did not trouble them with it. Yes, functioning entirely in Spanish is a bit tiring for me, but I did not realize until the past couple of days how it (my Spanish) has advanced. I am really happy about that, and will continue to work on it.
As for food… I will continue to be mostly good, without restricting myself. I will continue to eat and drink moderately, and I will get a lot of steps in (without overdoing it). If my weight on Thursday is exactly what it was the morning I left Canada then I will be extremely happy, but I am prepared to be as much as 3-4 pounds heavier without getting too down about it. Whether or not that happens, I will be back on the treadmill by the weekend.
Have a great day folks!
