The Cuban Way

I’ve always wanted to go to Cuba. For the music and food of course. As an American I know it’s not so easy to get there…but…I have a new friend who just happens to hail from Havana and he has some insider tips for me.

My boss (Juan) is from Cuba. I love the stories he tells us about growing up Cuban. He shows us how to create something from nothing. Like how to repair things with pieces of paper. That’s the “Cuban Way” he tells us.

Juan is the general manager of 9 stores in our airport terminal. There is only one bookstore and although he’s responsible for the well being of ALL the stores, he really prefers hanging out in our little bookshop. Sometimes he can’t tear himself away. As all good bookstore junkies, he’s quite literary. A well read book snob. Just like all of us (except me of course). He and my friend Cathy are all about the covers, which as you know I am totally against. You really CANNOT judge a book by its cover. We argue this point daily. Sometimes more than daily. I like reading the first chapter. If it catches me, great. They look at the cover and think…cool, I’m so reading this. Don’t get me wrong…a good looking book cover is a great marketing strategy. As is a good title. There’s a book I really want to read but the title completely grosses me out so I probably won’t read the book, even though I know I would enjoy it (we book junkies are so weird).

Juan has introduced me to authors I’ve heard of but never read. We in turn have introduced him to authors he’s never heard of. It’s a great learning experience. Our “to read” lists are growing longer by the minute. Sometimes I don’t even have a choice of what to read. Juan says to read a certain book because he liked it so much that I just have to read it. Now. This minute. I’m waiting for the day when he asks me to write an essay on it (Juan…ignore that last sentence).

Juan has some ideas of how to get me into Cuba. Music related of course. I love, love, love Cuban jazz. And Cuban salsa. For me, singing American jazz is classic. It feels good. Listening to Cuban jazz and salsa is electric, erotic and exciting. I can feel it from the inside out. It’s hot. I’ve never tried singing it, but there’s always a first time I suppose.

Someday I’ll get there. Sooner than later I hope. For now, I’ll remember to do things the Cuban way. No hammer? No problem. Just don’t use a heavy book.

Books are sacred!