MORE STORIES..FOR THOSE WHO STILL READ.. EXPLORING CUBAN CRAFT MARKET: A Journey of Culture and Generosity

 

Lois Grant

In the heart of Cuba, amidst lively streets and bustling squares, lies its vibrant craft market. Here, we embarked on a shopping adventure that went far beyond acquiring souvenirs..

As we wandered through the market stalls, our attention was not only captured by the exquisite crafts but also by the welcoming individuals who managed these stalls. These sellers were the storytellers of Cuban craftsmanship. Each item they offered for sale was a testament to the rich cultural history of Cuba.

Bob, our insightful guide, played a crucial role in enhancing our market experience. He also opened our eyes to the strict rules that operate. He and his taxi driver could not be seen on the hotel's property as the police were there.   Bob introduced us to the sellers, translating their stories and weaving them into the narrative of our journey. The stories of Fidel, Che, Jose Marti and others, are captured and engraved on the souvenirs for sale. This ensured our purchases to take home a little history of Cuba for family, friends and associates. 

Among these sellers, Maria and Kevin stood out as gracious and enthusiastic sellers. Maria’s warm smile and genuine pride in showcasing the works of local artisans made our interactions with her unforgettable. Maria's narratives transformed each piece into a living part of Cuba's history and culture.

The currency exchange in the market accommodated both US dollars and pesos. Sellers made sure to provide change in the currency of our choice, a thoughtful gesture that underscored the Cuban people's commitment to making visitors feel not just welcome but valued.

Amidst our shopping escapades, a persistent woman took on the role of our unofficial guide and protector. She would not allow us to walk alone. Her gracious way of ensuring several tips of course.

Our journey through the craft market of Cuba was a vivid expression of culture, guided by Bob's expertise and other sellers like our coconut man. Added to that experience were our stops on the second day of shopping at the Cuban chocolate, coffee, pigeon feeding, street food tasting, picture posing stops and the awesome architecture of Old Havana. The willingness of the people to allow us to photograph their humble places of abode and to join in their dance and music inside their cafes added to the day’s delightful mix with the people from the streets.

All of this experience served as a reminder that travel is not just about acquiring souvenirs but also about connecting with the people who breathe life into every activity.

As we continued our exploration of Cuba, more adventures await, each one promising to deepen our connection with this captivating island nation.

Editor:

The contributor, Lois Grant has dedicated her entire career to the field of communication. She began at Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation as a news editor and later co-founded Innercity Promotions. In 1990, she launched her own production and communication company, Corporate Image Productions. Her notable achievement includes spearheading the Caribbean's acclaimed Tastee Talent contest. Grant's role as Director of Communications in the Office of the Prime Minister further solidified her impact. as a communicator. Her commitment to education is evident through scholarships initiated under Corporate Image, benefiting Jamaica's top performing artists,, media professionals, educators, and esteemed individuals across various fields. She is the production representative for the prominent US network, NBC Sports. 

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