One of the things that I really enjoy here in Cuba is having a Spanish name. Officials at bus stations, some museums, and for all kinds of reservations ask for a name to put down in their lists. I tried only once to give them my last name - the lady had me spell it, but gave up after the third character... Since then, I've been using my Spanish first name. Everybody seems to be happy and relieved that they know how to pronounce and spell the name (correctly, by the way, which is more than most Germans have been able to do). They also remember it very well which is great because otherwise they address female tourists as "lady" - which I can't stand because it's what all the hustlers use ;-)
After I arrived in Habana, I called Copa airlines to change my flight to Buenos Aires to November 17th - the last date I can leave without having to extend my visa. With this change, I also canceled my participation in the Habana marathon. This was a really tough decision, I would have loved to compete! But Habana does have a problem with air pollution - I'll just mention the black clouds emitted by many cars and all trucks - and I think it's not the most healthy thing to run in this environment. In addition, I haven't been able to train adequately. I've done a bit of serious training, and lots of walking - I'd guess around 10 to 15 km per day. The problem with all the walking is that it is tiring and therefore prevents real training, but in itself it doesn't really contribute to the level of fitness needed for a marathon. I guess I could have tried to run it anyway, maybe even finished, but I do want competitions to be pleasurable experiences, and for that I need a proper preparation. So unfortunately my marathon debut will have to wait for a while.
In the afternoon, I went to visit the Cuban art exhibitions in the Museo de Bellas Artes. What I liked most were those pieces of modern art that use different techniques and materials and protrude from the 2D canvas in some way. There were even some pieces that - at least in my eyes - managed to subtly question the socialist revolution, such as one that simply spelled the word Revolución using everyday worn and faded materials.
After I arrived in Habana, I called Copa airlines to change my flight to Buenos Aires to November 17th - the last date I can leave without having to extend my visa. With this change, I also canceled my participation in the Habana marathon. This was a really tough decision, I would have loved to compete! But Habana does have a problem with air pollution - I'll just mention the black clouds emitted by many cars and all trucks - and I think it's not the most healthy thing to run in this environment. In addition, I haven't been able to train adequately. I've done a bit of serious training, and lots of walking - I'd guess around 10 to 15 km per day. The problem with all the walking is that it is tiring and therefore prevents real training, but in itself it doesn't really contribute to the level of fitness needed for a marathon. I guess I could have tried to run it anyway, maybe even finished, but I do want competitions to be pleasurable experiences, and for that I need a proper preparation. So unfortunately my marathon debut will have to wait for a while.
In the afternoon, I went to visit the Cuban art exhibitions in the Museo de Bellas Artes. What I liked most were those pieces of modern art that use different techniques and materials and protrude from the 2D canvas in some way. There were even some pieces that - at least in my eyes - managed to subtly question the socialist revolution, such as one that simply spelled the word Revolución using everyday worn and faded materials.
