Kayla Warner
!Hola! Cuba has been wonderful, and our trip is off to a great start. Today we had time in the classroom with Economist and Professor Betsy Anaya. We learned about Cuba's economy and discussed Cuba's social expenses. I was shocked to learn 19% of Cuba's population (total population of 11 million) are 65 years of age and older. During the lecture, we reviewed how Cuba/United States history, trade, and tourism have impacted the Cuban economy.
After the lecture, we headed for a group lunch to Casalona de 17 which was the first site opened in 2014 by the Ministry of Tourism. I enjoyed a wonderful lunch of shrimp, potatoes, salad, and national soft drink (comparable to Sprite). We enjoyed live music as well as dancing before a dessert of ice cream and coffee.
The afternoon brought us back to the classroom for a lecture on Cuba and US Past and Future Relationship led by Hassan Perez Casabona. He started lecture dating 200 years ago when the conflict between US and Cuba stemmed. The majority of the lecture reviewed Cuban and American history as it relates to today. It was interesting to learn more about President Obama's leadership style from the Cuban perspective as we are learning about the Cultural Context of Leadership. Our class was able to connect many of the different leadership styles of both Cuban and American leaders and approaches given what was happening in the world and the lasting implications that resulted. After an action-packed day, we closed with discussion and dinner on our own for an opportunity to explore Cuban nightlife!
We are having a great time adapting to our stay here in Cuba and continuing to learn more about and experience Cuban culture!
