This is my golden ticket.
In 1961, it cost $21.60 for the 1/2 fare for children to fly the 90 miles from Havana to Miami.
It’s not lost on me that I can easily spend more than that to feed my family at McDonald’s.
And that the distance is about roughly from here to San Diego.
I don’t know if it is because we spent the first few years in exile talking about when we would return to our home in Cuba. I don’t know if it is that we left home and family and beloved places without much warning or planning.
But not a day goes by that I’m not aware of a longing for the land of my birth. I fill it with the music and the food, and of course, I scrapbook, and I write. I am happy to be connected to an amazing Cuban community online here, here, and here.
Before anything else that I am, I am first and foremost Cuban. And I celebrate that every day.
The back of the ticket shows the foreign destinations where Cubana de Aviacion flew. As I look at the map, I realize it is almost prophetic in showing all the distant places in the world where Cubans have ended up – 90 miles away and further.
When we encounter other Cubans wherever we are, there’s always a sweet recognition. Then comes the interview: "Where are you from? How long have you been here? Do you still have family there?"
"Havana. 46 years. Yes."
Amy did the video. The music is by Celia Cruz. (it’s almost like a Cuban version of leaving your heart in San Francisco) It is my family. Before the revolution. That is how time is measured by Cubans. The beach is Varadero. I am the little one with the big red bow. Enjoy.
"Cuando sali de Cuba, deje enterrado mi corazon."
Totally dig this! Was that Papi waving, coming down the stairs toward the end of the video? And you were adorable, pal – very stylish too, I mean who wears a bow at the beach?!? Now for a clarification: when you say “Before anything else that I am, I am first and foremost Cuban” I assume you mean Cuban is yr primary adjective, but yr NOUN is Christian…? :>
Keb -Absolutely. “Cuban” is my primary adjective.
Cuban Christian.
Cuban Mother.
Cuban Wife.
Cuban Friend.
I’ll bet you have often referred to me as “my Cuban friend.” =D
Fantastic video! Loved watching you get dragged into the water….! Reminded me of my own childhood–the clothes, the unbelievably curly hair, the beach (only the one we went to was on the chilly waters of the North Shore of Long Island, NY!)…..
Coffee. Laptop. Tears. That’s the scene from here. Love the video. (Amy, you need to take business cards and brochures to Miami in May!)
Absolutely beautiful.Amy, te la comiste’!
Hay, que lindo. Good job, Amy. You know, my family hardly has any images from Cuba, much less the “movie” kind. Thanks for sharing.
Just wonderful honey. I love that video. You are still cute after all these years.- Me
I heard that song when I was a teenager. It was sung by Leonard Nemoy! (Spock!). It was partly in English and partly in Spanish. I was looking for the lyrics and to see if I could get the cd and I happened on your site. We have many old 8mm reels that were put on vhs tape, of our times when we were little, including parts in Cuba. I love your site and your video. We are now in Miami after living in Omaha, Nebraska for many years.Thanks for the memories!
Marisol (that is what my mom and the rest of the family always called me.
Un trabajo excelente.