Marta here: Most Cubans are familiar with Santayana Jewelers. They are a mainstay of the Cuban exile community in Miami. I’m delighted that Elena Santayana has graciously agreed to share her family’s stories. Her memories of growing up Santayana are both hilarious and poignant.
(Translations to her Cubanisms are marked with a red * and are at the bottom of the story.)
Also, don’t miss today’s amazing giveaway at the end of this post. Gracias, Elena. You humble me.
I was born en la saguesera. That’s the southwest area of Miami, on June 8, 1978. I have three sisters, Marisa, Miriam and Patty and a twin brother, Rudy. We grew up in a split plan home in the beautiful Westchester area of Miami, Florida.
Santayana loved taking totem-pole pictures.
Both of my parents came to this country alone. My dad, known as Santayana, was Peter Pan (pronounced with rolling r’s). I thought that meant he wore green tights and fought pirates. Later, I learned it meant he came to this country without his parents and stayed at a home for boys until a cousin or uncle picked him and his brother up. But I never really “got it” until quite recently. When I was 17 years old and in high school, I never took a moment to imagine, “What if right now, I was sent away to live in another country, indefinitely, with little money and alone?”
Mom arrived in the United States on the Freedom Flights. In 1961, the day before Halloween, she was supposed to board a plane with her brother and sisters but there was a problem with her visa and she was made to stay an extra couple of days in Havana. She was 17 years old and didn’t speak much english. She lived in a house with 12 other people in the northwest area of Miami or, as she says, “la casa del nor’wes’ ”.
Elena’s mama. The original hipster.
My father, Santayana, was a hard working man. Every morning he would dress in a fine suit and take his maleta* of jewelry to visit clients at their homes. Before he opened the jewelry stores, my dad was known for his maleta. I still hear stories of people who remember my dad showing up at their house, opening his maleta and revealing tray after tray of sparkling jewelry.
In the 80’s my dad had three really cool things in his possession. Number one, Santayana owned a beeper. Not the beeping kind we know now, the kind doctors still use. Dad’s beeper was like the speaker at KMart. Here’s how it worked:
- Step 1: Call the beeper.
- Step 2: Wait for the tone.
- Step 3: Convey the message for all to hear over the speaker/beeper strapped to his belt. Twice.
The messages were to be coded at all times so that random strangers on the street wouldn’t suspect he was carrying a maleta of jewelry and give him the proverbial, “Palo por la cabeza.*”
An example of an acceptable message would be: “Santayana, llama la tienda. Santayana, llama la tienda.*”
However, if you said, “Santayana llama la joyeria.*” – that got you in big time trouble. Similarly, if you said, “Papi llama a mami,*” you would get banned from beeper detail. Singing Happy Birthday into the beeper was also not warmly received.
Second, Santayana had a car phone. His car phone was super cool, space-age stuff. Imagine a rotary phone bolted to the center consul of his wine colored Caprice Classic. The advanced car phone technology also required the Caprice to sport a subtle, 6 foot long antennae on its roof. Phone calls were ridiculously expensive but dad was a gadget man and had to have it. No one had a car phone.
Well, some people had carphones – drug dealers. In third grade some kid asked me, “Is your dad a drug dealer? Why does he have a car phone?” We’re talking about Miami in the 80’s, this kid was not asking an illogical question. So I told him, “Noooo, my dad is not a drug dealer, he’s a jeweler.”
The third, neato thing Santayana had in the 80’s was a beautiful, brand-new, wine-colored Caprice Classic. On the rare occasion that Santayana took me and Rudy to school, he would pretend that his car was an airplane; he was the captain and we were his crew. I was the flight attendant offering peanuts and Rudy was the mechanic. There was always something wrong with the plane and we would have to rush, rush, rush to fix the problem. This game probably explains my fear of flying.
Although it had been over 20 years since our parents’ flight from Cuba, growing up in the 80’s, we were raised to believe that our residence in Miami was temporary. Every Christmas Eve someone proclaimed, “El año que viene en Cuba!*” Then everyone would toast and cheer and give each other big hugs.
The Santayana Family. Circa 1980.
My uncle Marcelo, who exiled to the Canary Islands after serving 9 years in a Cuban prison, had a really short index finger. His index finger was literally shorter than his pinky. Don’t imagine that his finger didn’t have a nail. It totally did. The whole thing was intact, it was just short. Like a baby finger. As a kid, that finger was the freakiest thing I had ever seen.
He waved that finger around like there was nothing wrong with it. I once asked him about it, he loudly proclaimed, “Porque este año, este año cae Fidel!*” while slamming the tip of his freakishly short index finger on the table. I totally believed him. I mean, it made sense to me that slamming that finger down every day for the past 20 years would make it a whole phalanx shorter.
Every year was the year Fidel was going down. Every Christmas we were spending the next one in Camaguey. I worried about what I should pack in my luggage. Should I take a bathing suit, a sweater, boots? Should I start packing today? Was there going to be horseback riding? Whose house would we be staying at? How would Santa know where to leave the presents? It was all very confusing.
Elena’s Mom (far left) with 8 of her 11 siblings. Tio Marcelo (not pictured) died this year, 2012, on her dad’s birthday.
In 2007, my father was diagnosed with a horrible form of cancer. One night, as I was sitting with him at the hospital, it came over the TV that maybe Fidel Castro was dead. I wondered to myself, “Do I wish death on Castro now?” I wasn’t sure if I wanted Castro to be dead just then because my father was, at the time, on his own death bed. On this night, facing the uncertainty of my father’s life, I wasn’t sure I could wish death upon anyone. Not even on the person who had caused so much misery to thousands of people.
I also did not want my dad to live in a world where Castro was finally dead. The one reason he had not visited his childhood country after all these many years was the fact that Fidel Castro was alive, and finally, right when it was too late, the son-of-a-bitch up and dies? I didn’t know what to do. So I did the first thing that came to mind, I went to La Carreta.
I have celebrated many major life changing events at La Carreta. I sounded the horn of mom’s minivan from our house all the way to La Carreta both times the Florida Marlins won the World Series. I made sure to find parking far and early both times the Heat won the Playoffs because getting there late meant being stuck in traffic. Once, the day after Halloween, my friends and I dressed up in costumes and strutted our stuff carrying a boom box from the entrance, all the way to the back, then right out the front door. But this night, the night we thought Castro was dead was different. The energy in the air was celebratory, but nostalgic. It was both happy and sad. And I watched, completely covered in goosebumps, as a group of 20 or so teary individuals sang and danced in unison to Willy Chirino’s “Ya Viene Llegando” (video below) until the police came and broke up the entire party.
I don’t have to tell you, but I will anyway, Fidel Castro was not dead that night. Nor has he been dead any night since. My dad wasn’t happy I danced in the streets. He didn’t want me to go La Carreta to celebrate that man’s death. He didn’t want to be duped by the Castro regime. But I wanted to pass the joy in my heart to my dad. The joy I felt from being his daughter and the immense sense of pride I feel of being Cuban.
A few days or maybe weeks later my father passed away. He died in a world where Fidel Castro lived, his beloved Cuba, still existing under the foot of a tyrant. But, in the end, the only thing that ever truly mattered to him was his family. When my dad died I understood, for the first time ever, what Cuban nostalgia was really all about.
* Translation of terms used in Elena’s story:
- Maleta – suitcase.
- Palo por la cabeza. – Blow to the head with a large blunt object.
- Santayana, llama la tienda. – Santayana, call the store.
- Santayana llama la joyeria. Santayana, call the jewelry store
- Papi llama a mami. – Dad, call mom.
- El año que viene en Cuba! – Next year in Cuba!
- Porque este año, este año caie Fidel! – Because this year, Fidel will fall!
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These stories always make me laugh and cry all in the span of a page. It brings back such great memories of our rich traditions that survived growing up within the Americanos in LA…lol I now try to savor and stand by some of these to make sure my granddaughter doesn’t lose the connection to our culture and heritage. By the way I LOVEEEEE the Santayana bracelet and charms. they are adorable.
Elena, thank you for your story. I remember your family well as I took ballet with your sisters for years. You need a pastelito charm to round out the collection! My best to you and your family.
I purchased a silver locket with the Cuban escudo in gold. I placed some of my dad’s restos in it and had the locket permanently closed. I have my dad with me all of the time and a part of him encased in Cuba. This symbolism attests to who he was… Father and Cuban… Forever!
What an amazing collection of beads! Love how you can show a little personality and history at the same time! Love the cafeteria and the Caridad ! Beautiful stuff at Santayana… It’s been a staple here forever!! I also LOVE their Cuban coin collection…. Remember looking for one like crazy when my mom said she wanted one and finding it there … The Santayana collection can do la tazita de cafe (either the fine china or the colada one!…Thanks Marta for your incredible posts… A
Love those beads—my favorite is “La cafetera” of course :)Great story–nice to hear the background to the famous jewelry store !
I love the way all of our stories our similar and the love we have for our country is shared with our children. The Santayana collection of charms are amazing and a wonderful addition for anyone to proudly wear. My favorite is still the Cuban Escudo, there is a bit of nostagia for me with that one, (I still have my dads lapel pin). A charm with a Royal Palm would also be nice to see int he collection. Thanks for a great Post and story
Loved the story! It made me cry and laugh.My favorite charm is “Corazon de Melon”. I’m always saying that phrase. My other favorite one is the Tinajon. I think that’s how you say it. It reminds me of my mom. She used to visit the Dupont Mansion in Cuba and take pictures on the Tinajon. 🙂 One Good idea would be a palm tree. No, I just recently won the t-shirt, so I’m hoping, actually praying, I win the bracelet too. If not, I have to make a trip to visit Santayana and get me the Tinaja and the Corazon de Melon. 🙂
As always, these stories make me laugh and cry all in the span of a page. I love the Santayana bracelet and charms. My favorite is “te amo” because it’s one of the first things I taught my sweet Alabama husband to say. 14 years later, and he’s still saying it everyday 🙂
Me encanta the cafetera charm! As the only Cuban in my group of friends, everyone comes to me begging for un cafecito and swear that Starbucks has nothing on my little stovetop cafetera! I’d love to see a charm that says “mami” – everyone has “mom” but to my 5 year old, I’m not “mom” or “mommy”… I’m MAMI, and I’m sure many Cuban mothers out there feel the same way. 🙂 Would also love to see a “dios me bendiga” azabache charm, much like the pins I put on my son as a baby. Or una ficha de domino!!
What a beautiful story. I am 23, the same age my mother was when she came to the US from Cuba. I hear her stories of how difficult it was to assimilate to this culture. That’s why she never really has, and I feel it is my responsibility to also share that nostalgia with her.Thanks for sharing this story with us Marta! I absolutely love the Habana collection. My favorite charm in the collection is the “Azucar” I love it… very telling of Cuba’s culture and cuisine. I would also love to see a “Flan” charm that would be great!
Loved the story. Being born in the states, I get it! I have had similar feelings and thoughts all my life too.Having lived all my life in the northeast, I can’t say I have heard of Santayana, but would be proud to own a bracelet knowing that it comes straight from the heart.
Cuban Americans – children of immigrants/political refugees. We all have our own stories of exile. We are all connected and have this in common our story of “hechar pa’lante”. I enjoyed reading the Story of Santayana Jeweler. This bracelet is adorable-I love the ñ- it’s us!! Los Cubanos expression for something AMAZING!!!
I’m so happy to have found you. It bring back wonderful memories of my childhood. My beautiful Cuban mother has been gone for a some years now, reading your blog makes me feel I still hear her voice. I love having this connection to my roots through your site. It’s like hearing from family. I hope one day to you and wonderful family for some flan and caffe cubano.
What a beautiful story! I love to read your blog and so enjoy the “Cuando Sali de Cuba” stories. I am familiar with Santayana Jewelers only by their ads. I lived in Union City, (Little Havana North) from the age of 11 after emigrating from Marianao. I still try to visit Miami once a year to recharge my Cuban batteries.My favorite charm is the “Catedral” because I remember going there with my mom when I was little. I have a huge photo of it in my room and I wake to it every morning. I would love to see a charm of the Giraldilla, so much a symbol of Habana.
I am a college professor now and would love to use the charm bracelet to share a little bit of Cuba with my students.
I absolutely LOVE their jewelry; and it is all your fault mi amiga. My fave charms from their collection are the cafetera and the little tacita de cafe; they are sooo cute! … and no, no personal memories from Santayana here … havent owned any of their jewelry yet.
Elena’s story brought me back home, to my Miami, where my children grew up and my most fond memories reside. The story of her family strengthens my belief that the heart of our people resides in their innate ability to truly love and cherish one another. Thank you for making me laugh today; I really needed it! Although I do not yet own a Santayana (emphasis on not yet – I had planned on asking my husband for a couple of charms as my Christmas present this year), one of my favorite ones is the Caja China. What can be more unique and truly representative of Cuban traditions? My suggestion for a new Cuban charm: that’s easy. La Virgencita de la Caridad, Heavenly Mother of all Cubanos. Thank you Martha, for your delightful blog.
I like the ñ. It is our generations identification!
Just love the stories. Make me feel so Cuban. I was born here but my family came from Cuba. Love when you say the sayings and I they are all familiar. Thanks for the chance at the beads. Saw the Cafetera and definitely my favorite as I learned to drink Cuban coffee as a very special treat (only on Sundays). It has very special family memories. Now my kids love Cuban coffee as well.
Elena- you made me cry!!! Thank God my father is still alive but he’s still close to the saguecera… and I am now in North Broward. It’s 45 minutes to his door, but sometimes I feel it may as well be 45 hours. Thank you for writing this endearing story, which I want to share with my language arts class today. Thanks to Marta for posting.And Elena, we all are sooo appreciative of keeping your father’s legacy alive with Santayana’s. All I can say is perlitas! i now have 3 little girls of my own, and none pass their first birthdays without little pearl earrings and that bracelet! God bless you & your family. Thank you for the memories.
And as far as my favorite charm- it has to be the cafetera… how many conversations did I have with my Abuela Aida while magic steam shot out of her cafetera sitting on her stove…. the sugar, the strong aroma of cafecito keeping me at her kitchen counter listening to her. She now has Alzheimer’s, but I’ll always have her stories by the cafetera.
Love the Cafetra. It’s the heart of every Cuban household.
Elena, love your story. As Marta said, it’s hilarious and poignant.I love the entire bracelet, can’t pick a favorite.
I have a pretty recent personal memory of Santayana…meeting Elena at Cuba Nostalgia last May and chatting with her like we were old friends! I can only imagine the kind of man her father was.
Thanks, Elena, for sharing! Thanks Marti, for posting. Happy 6th blogiversary!
Elena, thank you for sharing your story. It made me smile as my eyes welled up with tears.I love love love the “corazon de melon” charm. My mother used to call me that all the time when I was growing up. Now, that’s what I call my son.
My favorite charm is the cafetera! Soo cute! (:
What a touching story!!!! How can you pick a favorite?! Each one is so meaningful! I have to say I do love el corazon de meon and la cafetera! Reminds me of my grandmother she used to call us her corazones de melon! This charm would be perfect for my Mom!!!!
All the stories are touching, but this one especially, because I am also US born (1966), and kept hearing about “when we go back” for the 1st 10 years of my life. It was scary, because I also heard about what horrible things happened to people in Cuba if they didn’t agree with the government. My dad also is gone now, he died in 1995. I remember he asked me once, m’ija, how old are you now, like 26? And I said no papi, I’m 28, to which he replied, cono, que vieja tu estas. He sat there look wistful and teared up, and I asked him, Papi, que te pasa? His answer was that he had just realized that he had now lived in this country for more years than he had lived in his own, and that he would have never thought it possible. This was 18 years ago, and I still can’t think about that moment without crying.
I love the cafetera! My family and I are stationed overseas and I have my own cuban cafetera over here to remind me of the smell of my mom’s house growing up. Cafe is always made there at least 3 times a day or more! If there is one smell that always reminds me of my beautiful family and home in Miami, its the smell of un cafesito cubano brewing. Even though I’m thousands of miles away that smell always takes me back home.
My favorite charm is the cafetera. It is the epitomy of being Cuban. This is a must have in any Cuban household. My uncle and aunt who are in a motorcycle club and travel the US, MUST have their cafetera and cafecito time. My other uncle and aunt who are always camping, also have their trusty cafetera.Plus, it’s is a rite of passage to learn how to make “cafe con espumita”. I remember making cuban coffee for my dad’s employees and customers as a kid. People would come by his store just because they knew it was “cafecito time”.
I think a cool charm would be un azabache. I mean, what kid does not get one pinned to his onesie as soon as he’s home from the hospital?
Story was amazing! Coming from a Mexican family helps me appreciate it. I like the gallo.
What an awesome story. There are so many similarities in how we all grew up and how our parents instilled in us our Cuban roots. I love the entire bead collection, but my favorite is la cafetera. I have a couple of bead ideas and one is Jacks, I am willing to bet that many Cuban kids played it when they were kids.The other would be a Piruli(sp?) I remember having these at Varadero beach with Mamonsillo,they are very colorful and the sweet taste mixed in with the salt water was heaven. I don’t remember ever going to Santayana’s but I remember a man coming to my house with a suitcase full of jewelry.
What a touching story. My favourite charm is the cafetera – its a staple with my Cuban family and always makes me feel so much at ‘home’ with them. I actually made reference to these charms in my comments from yesterday 🙂 Thanks so much!
I loved all the charms! My favorite would probably be the caja china!
What a great story! I really love the cafetera charm!It’s so hard to pick just one.
Loved the story and the pictures! And the bracelet is just a work of art! My favorite charm is the cafetera. My suggestion for a future charm design would be the malecon with the Cuban flag painted on it, or the famous Claria fish or vintage blue-green 1950s car or the shape of Cuba on the map with an engraving that says Cuba.
It’s amazing how all of us have a poignant story, always ending with the pride we feel. I, too, am proud of my heritage, my birthplace-as it once was, but also proud of the place that has become my new home-for the last 50 years. That scared little girl is still inside me, but our journey brought me courage and empathy. Cheers and blessings to all of us, and hope that one day Castro will really be gone, that chapter ended and Cuba free again.
Mother and Father traveled from Cuba on an extended business trip to New York before Castro. The revolution started, afterwards, while they were still in NYC. I was born during this time. Mother and Father were a blessing in helping relatives flee from Cuba throughout the 1960’s. It was always thrilling to meet my relatives and help them learn about America and their new found freedom! I really enjoy your blog. Thank you for providing this venue where Cuban-Americans can learn and share about their culture and past experiences. I hope that one day I can visit the beloved – Cuba.
Pick me! Pick me! I’m in love with the Azucar charm as well as la tasita! Would be perfect for my Mami’s upcoming birthday.My suggestion, you ask? I see an Abuelita charm, but where’s the love for my Abuelita???
Also, I see palmitas, pero no hay nada que dice “playa”. As we all know, Cuba has the most beautiful waters in all el Caribe!<3
I agree!!! I can’t pick!
So funny you said that. When I went away to college, it was the first thing my grandmother gave me. How would I live at school without my Cafe Cubano? 😉
Mercy:I share in that sadness. I came to life with the revolution. My Mom and Dad who were close to her family was never able to live again in Cuba. We were a close knit Cuban family growing up hearing about Cuba in New York and sharing among the small enclave of Cubans who have mostly died now. As I think about how they died never able to go back, I feel like crying, too, I hope our generation can visit the beautiful land that only now with years of wisdom can I appreciate to the extent that my parents dedicated their lives in teaching me. They loved Cuba so much, and were never able to return.
Beautiful story — thanks for sharing. I love the bracelet , and especially the ~n –reminds me of the many classes I’ve taken to learn the language and understand the culture. Thanks for offering a chance to win the beautiful bracelet.
My favorite is corazon de melon…I have wonderful memories of my Tia saying always saying that to me. She has been gone since 1996, but that saying has such sweet memories. I love the beads! I like to see a Cafe Cubano bead & a Tia bead :). I am new to this collection, however I am a fan! It’s great!Love the stories…
Love reading these stories, thanks to everyone for taking the time to write them – always reminds me of growing up in Hialeah.My favorite charm is the cafetera of course, my suggestion would be for one that says Hialeah!
Ohhhhh please pick ME! That story was so amazing and shared by so many. I am a very proud Cuban American. My favorite charm is el corazon de melon. That reminds me so much of my mom and dad. My father was also a jeweler. However, his life was taken because his kind heart opened his doors to everyone in little Havana. I wish I was as creative as my dad was so that I may share a cool design/idea but the only thing I proudly wear now is my San Lazaro. I do not have any personal memories of Santayana but after reading this story I’m glad we both shared in the pride of living to make our parents proud of who we are. Thank you for sharing this story, it truly made so many great memories come back to my mom and I.
I would love to have this bracelet! My favorite is the cafetera charm 🙂
Wow! Amazing story 🙂 laughter & tears all at the same time.The bracelet is beautiful! Can’t really pick a favorite charm since they all
resonate with me. (Though I have a weak spot for “corazón de melón.”
Favorite Santayana moment: I always remember my grandmother qualifying
a beautiful or well made piece of jewelry by saying it was from Santayana.
(i.e, “Rosa, que lindo esta ese pulso. ¿Es de Santayana?” 🙂
Would proudly wear this awesome charm bracelet! It would be very cool to see
a charm of a bust of Martí or the shields of Cuban schools (Baldor, LaSalle, La Inmaculada, Sagrado Corazón, Belen etc..)
I have never really explored through a blog, so this is my first. I have been following Santayana for a while on FB and I love their cuban heritage collection. My dearest favorite is the “cafetera cubana”! So cuban and something that we always share at my grandmother’s home to this day!! I would wear it with such PRIDE!! I can really relate to your family “memories” so similar to mine. Sadly most of my family is gone, my dad, my paternal grandparents, my maternal grandfather (with whom I share the GREATEST, FONDEST memories!) Its just now my mom, sister, our kids, and scores of cousins spread about.I think the “chancleta” would be about the coolest think for this bracelet if you don’t have it yet. It is soooo cuban, I have so many memories of mom’s “famous chancletas”…LOL!!!
What a great article and how nice to read about and even see the Santayana family. My in laws were also jewelers and knew Rudy Sr since Cuba. Love the blog and of course…LOVE the Santayana charms :o)
QUIERO GANAR TODO LO Q SEA Q VER CON MI CUBA!MIS FAVORITOS Y MIS RECUERDOS:
SANTA MARIA DEL MAR, LA MAS BELLA PLAYA DEL MUNDO!
EL PRADO
EL MALECON
COPELIA
LA CARRETA
VARADERO
LA BODEGUITA DE LA ESQUINA
EL ENCANTO
EL SAGRADO CORAZON
I love the cafetera. I went to school with and was a majorette with Miriam Santayana and I loved reading this story. They were and are a wonderful Cuban family!
Ahora si que lo pusistes duro. Estoy entre la cafetera, la tasa de cafe y la ñ- sera como Sophie’s Choice to make me pick.Another wonderful story- enjoying the collection.
BB2U
What a beautiful story. Mi favorite beads are the ‘dale’ one (hilarious) and the tacita de café.
What a great story! Santayana is the Cuban Tiffany’s.The jewerly is recognizable a mile away, after you spot a piece….you have to try to classify it by collection.
I saw a woman in Target this weekend that had what I determined to be a custom made chain that was definitely Santayana!
My fav charm is the polymita, can’t get more Cuban that that!
I came in 1961 with my father, mother and brother. I was 8 years old. We were only going to be here 6 months…forward to 2012 and we are still here and very Cuban. My boys say they are Cuban even if they were born in Miami. I loved the story and the pictures which look very much like ours. I lost my parents 10 months apart with Papi joining Mami September 17, 2012. My favorites are the “escudo” and the “cafetera”. My boys make the best cafecito with espumita just like I was taught. Thank you Elena for sharing your story.
The first time I saw his jewelry…I was on the Board of the Angels of Mercy and there was an event in the Gables lobby of an Edgewater condo. I walked past the Santayana booth and was captivated by the gentleman who stood there smiling and looking down as he polished a piece from his latest collection. It was as if the piece was his newborn child, which he held and coddled softly as he touched and rubbed its skin. His eyes were gleaming and a little twinkle sparkled against the glass top when he noticed me thru “reojo” standing there in awe. He simply said “would you like to see?” My 7 month pregnant shape waddled over and took a peak at what would become a newborn fascination of all things hand designed. No one believed that I didn’t buy a piece that day because he was sewn into the fabric of our diaspora but I did later start a relationship with his jewelry. I hope to wear the latest bracelet created as a memory to our homeland to fill the spaces that were created when we left what had been our country.
The first time I saw his jewelry…I was on the Board of the Angels of Mercy and there was an event in the Gables lobby of an Edgewater condo. I walked past the Santayana booth and was captivated by the gentleman who stood there smiling and looking down as he polished a piece from his latest collection. It was as if the piece was his newborn child, which he held and coddled softly as he touched and rubbed its skin. His eyes were gleaming and a little twinkle sparkled against the glass top when he noticed me thru “reojo” standing there in awe. He simply said “would you like to see?” My 7 month pregnant shape waddled over and took a peak at what would become a newborn fascination of all things hand designed. No one believed that I didn’t buy a piece that day because he was sewn into the fabric of our diaspora but I did later start a relationship with his jewelry. I hope to wear the latest bracelet created as a memory to our homeland to fill the spaces that were created when we left what had been our country.Maria Mas Blet
I enjoy all your Havana Collection charms, my favorite one is “Corazon de Melon” here are a couple of suggestions for future charms such as:”Que Vuelta”, “Postalita” “Chancleta”
Would love to enter the Havana Collection Bead Charm Bracelet.
My favorite charm is the cafetera charm. Loved the post as always! I’m not Cuban but reading your blog has helped me understand the heart of the Cuban people! Thank you everyone for the wonderful stories!
Your story showed me why your store feels like home. When I see you, your sister, and your Mami I see a family like mine. Our parents left everything behind, and then gave everything to their children in an new country.My favorite is La Caridad. It’s a modern twist to such a traditional image, and it makes me feel close to my grandmother every time I see it. “Mi Abuela era tan devota a la virgen” She will always be the mot amazing woman I have ever met.
You said the the most important thing to your father was family. That is true for many of our parents and that is what they want for their children… y sus nietos.
That is why my suggestion for future charms is MAMI, PAPI, ABUELA, ABUELO. When I see jewelry or greeting cards with Mom, DAD, Mother or Father, I always think that is not us. Even if we are speaking English, it’s Mami, Abuela, Abuelo, and through his legacy, in your hearts and your beautiful designs, your Papi will live forever!
I’m a Cuban woman who has lived in the US since 1962. We arrived in Miami when I was 6 and within 10 months moved to Kansas City, Missouri, where we’ve lived ever since and have worked VERY hard to hang on to our Cuban heritage. I have a room in my house called the “Cuba Room” where the entire room is covered in Cuban nostalgia. Last year during a visit to Miami, I noticed my cousin was wearing an amazing bracelet, and then she told me all about the Cuban charms and Santayana. Needless to say, we visited the store almost immediately and I bought some charms and a bracelet, then my sisters (who also live in Kansas City) called the store and bought me more charms for my birthday and Christmas. Last month I was in Miami again, and this time I bought more charms AND a beautiful Caridad del Cobre pendant and leather necklace. My favorite charm is a tie between the cafetera and the “enye.” I love having to explain it to people when I wear it! I hope you pick me, but I am just happy that I found Santayana and that I can buy on-line and that my relatives know where to go whenever they need to buy me a gift! I would love to see a San Lazaro charm (since my birthday is Dec. 17)and maybe something representing El Vedado.
I love the “ñ” and the cafetera.
My favorite charm is the cafetera so original, my second favorite is corazon de melon cos it reminds me of a song my mom sang when i was little, I don’t know if they have one yet, but my idea for a charm would be a cuban sandwich to go with the cafetera, and i wanna start my personal story with Santayana when i win this lol
Let me tell you that we are related, Rodolfo Santayana,I believed was your grandfather,was my grandmother’s cousin,he was always visited our home in Camaguey with his “maletin” full of jewels.My mother and grandma bought his “prendas” over and over…So the “maletin” cpmes from the past in Cuba.De tu tio Marcelo, era Marcelo Luaces? yo lo conoci, bellisimo, una noche luego de dejar la prision para una fiesta de Fin de Anho mi mama lo invito a que la pasara conmigo (yo tenia novio)…asi que el pobre Marcelo se quedo “colgando” pero creo que al fin se divirtio con los del grupo…
Many memories came to me reading your story, thanks!
Maria Antonieta Castello-Proffer
Hi Maira, this is Elena Santayana. Thank you for sharing your connection with my family. Yes, Marcelo Luaces is my uncle that I refered to in my story. He was a very colorful figure! I’m going to share this post with my mom and get back to you on what she remembers. Should be fun!!Warm Hug,
Elena
I sent you my family’s story a long time ago, did you get it?