Day 5 - Matanzas and Varadero
Day 5
After breakfast we gathered in the lobby at 9AM. Sarah brought her Cross of Nails fastened from 3 nails tacked together
symbolizing the nails that fell from the roof of the cathedral in Coventry after the Nazi bombing in WWII. We loaded the bus and
headed East out of Havana towards Matanzas. The road followed the coast so the view was very beautiful. We crossed small
bridges, climbed a hill to cross the deepest gorge in Cuba, passed small beach villages and open land. Then the scene changed
and we came upon oil wells. There is an oil field along the coast about 1 hour outside of Havana. They pump the oil from the
group using typical oil rigs you see in Texas or California. The air was laden with sulfur from the smell of refining the oil into
diesel fuel. We passed a refinery with a very tall smoke stack billowing sulfur into the air. As we left that sad scene behind the
beaches reappeared as we neared Matanzas. We turned inland and drove up into the center of the small city of Matanzas. We
arrived at the First Baptist Church where we would later work on the water system and have a dedication ceremony. We made
introductions, took a look around and inspected one of the most complete water filter system we have seen in Cuba. We had a few hours to explore so we
boarded the bus and headed to Varadero. We had 2 hours to grab lunch and make a quick visit to the beach.
Varadero is a small beach community resembling Ft Myers Beach, FL. There were small cafes, hotels and beautiful beaches.
Our group split up heading to the stores, for lunch and to the water. Jim wasn't feeling well so we arranged for a taxi to take him
to a comfortable cafe with a view, and a clean bathroom so he would be comfortable. Rick and Gary went out onto the beach.
Rick flew his kite, went for a swim and tossed a golfball into the ocean in memory of his son Eric who going to be a PGA
professional golfer, but was killed in a car accident in 2015. Then Gary and Rick walked along the beachfront road looking for a
cafe to grab a bite to eat. They came upon a funky cafe, went inside and discoved about half the group already seated and
eating lunch. Rick noticed the shirts being worn by the staff so he asked where he could get one, ordered lunch and then took a
taxi down the street to a market and returned before his food arrived at the table. A band was playing, the food was delicious
and everyone enjoyed relaxing a bit. As 4:40PM drew near the group headed for the rendevous spot. Everyone boarded the
bus, Jim was feeling better and no one got sunburn.
After having lunch we headed back to Matanzas where we cleaned up and entered the church for the dedication ceremony. Sarah presented a cross of nails
from Coventry England. We had a prayer of reconciliation and music provided by an ensemble of flute, guitars, stand-up-base, keyboard and vocals. We
were embraced by the congregation and the community. The church prepared a meal of sandwiches, juice and cake.
Water Filter Maintenance After the service Rick joined the man who maintains the water filter system for the church. They escaped to a quiet room
where then man presented Rick with all his water data. The church keeps meticulous records. The water system has a water meter. They dispense on
average between 2,000 to 3,200 gallons per month free of charge to the community. The water filter system is tested monthly to ensure purity. The system
has a two stage filter, chlorinator, and ozone generator. The system was installed by Clear Lake Presbyterian Church in Houston, Texas. Rick tested the water
and the results confirmed the water is clean. He also tested the raw city water and it tested similar to the other sites, slight presence of bacteria, low
minerals, low level of lead. Rick took a drink from the system which tasted better than the bottled water they had been drinking.
After sharing a long conversation on water and system maintenance the group was calling out for Rick to get on the bus as it was time to go. Carlos played
Cuban music on the radio while we rested during the two hour drive back to Havana. Back at the hotel most of the group retired to their rooms to freshen
up.
Carlos waited for us while some from our group changed and came back down to the lobby to go out to a Cuban jazz club. Down the street from the
hotel on the waterfront, El Malecone, there was a small jazz club several people recommended we try. seen of us went to the club for about 2 hours to enjoy
a unique experience. We had a fun time, a few mojitos, and then took a taxi or walked back to the hotel. Tomorrow was another full day and we knew we
needed some rest. Back at the hotel, Rick met Raul at the front-desk. Raul asked about what our group was doing in Cuba and was interested in the water
projects. Rick and Raul talked until almost 2AM sharing details of life in Florida and life in Cuba.
DAY 5 PHOTOS