In Cuba: Toilet seats? No. Medical insurance? Yes.

Every time I've been planning a trip beyond the bounds of Canada, to anywhere but the 'Untied States of Amerryca' that is, I've been asked if I'm going to get shots. I've always declined to do so. Now, in planning another trek to Marea del Portillo and Pilon, Cuba, I will still pass.

It's not that I'm vaccinophobic or that I like to live dangerously; I just don't feel it's necessary. Cuba has an outstanding record regarding medical care. In fact, one is more at risk from whatever nasty germs us foreigners bring in with us that what is locally grown. If I were going to a larger resort or a more transiently populated place, I might have myself inoculated against hepatitis and such things. However, where I like to go, to laid-back, low-key little Club Amigo Marea del Portillo in the relatively rural region of Granma, I'm not too likely to encounter health-related problems beyond a lack of toilet seats.

[ASIDE: After puzzling about the conspicuous absence of comfortable seating in many a loo, I finally asked a Cuban friend, as politely as I could, "So, what's the deal with toilet seats? Are they too expensive to replace or just hard to get?" He explained that it was both - they are a pricey luxury and, because some of the porcelain fixtures are American classics and other are neo-Russian, the seat styles are not interchangeable and, therefore, it's not easy to find the right kind.]

Lest you think I'm some wild child, throwing caution to the wind when it comes to protecting myself in a foreign land, let me quote from the Havana Times website:

"There is no need to get vaccinations, such as hepatitis or tetanus, etc. when coming to Cuba. Not only are these and other vaccinations NOT recommended, but Cuba is one of the healthiest countries in the world!

"For instance, it is one of the few countries in this part of the hemisphere that has managed to control dengue – an acute infectious disease, occurring in tropical and sub-tropical areas, transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito and characterized by fever, headache, extreme pain in the joints and muscles, and skin rash – to such an extent that its anti-dengue program has been recognized by the United Nations as one of the most efficient in the world.

"If you require any kind of emergency medical care or hospitalization while in Cuba, rest assured that the quality and level of care will be on a par with what you can expect in most countries. Throughout the country, there is a network of hospitals staffed with highly qualified medical personnel and state-of-the-art equipment.

"And, if you are in a rural area when a health problem strikes, you will immediately receive professional attention from local health personnel, be they family doctors at local clinics, until more specialized assistance is available. In fact, many visitors to Cuba have glowing stories about the quality of health care they’ve received when a medical problem has occurred during their visit.

"If you take prescription drugs, bring the amount you’ll need for the time you plan to stay in Cuba. If you use tampons, bring what you’ll need; although they do exist here, they’re not always readily available."

Being shot, so to speak, is an option, but it is really a matter of personal preference, not a requirement. Beyond that, though, it is now vital that you have medical insurance when entering Cuba. As of May 2010, legislation was implemented stating that: "For entry into the country, all travelers, foreigners and Cuban overseas residents are required to possess a travel insurance policy, covering medical expenses, issued by an insurance entity recognized in Cuba."

However, in the government's typically inscrutable fashion, there has been no specification as to what qualifies as a recognizable "insurance entity," as far as I know. Some people have said that a provincial health card is sufficient...depending on where you enter Cuba, who is at the gate, how well trained or educated the person is on the issue, whether he or she is having a good day or not, which way the wind is blowing, etc., etc. In other words, it seems to be somewhat subjective, given that guidelines on the subject are about as scarce as toilet seats!

Unlike getting shots, I've decided to dodge a potential bullet by taking a printed copy of my health insurance - the part that pertains to foreign travel coverage. Most insurance companies should provide this, or be able to supply a letter of some sort, assuring that you're insured.

If you have neglected to check on this or to get something in writing to prove you're covered - or if you like to live more dangerously than I do - there should be no real problem, nonetheless. You should be able to buy insurance upon arrival in Cuba, theoretically, at the airport. According to some of my reading on the subject, personal coverage will be available for as low as 2.5 CUC per day (1 CUC is currently less than $1 CAD). The rate goes up if you are planning on participating in "high risk" sports like "alpinism, diving, parachuting, etc." or if you are over 70 years of age, which also seems to be risky business.

So, if you've forgotten any papers proving appropriate coverage, flashing your health card may be enough...or not. If not, purchasing health insurance upon landing in Cuba won't likely be ridiculously expensive, just an inconvenient annoyance. I guess the bottom line is, don't sweat it - you'll be covered, one way or another. And, hopefully, you won't need to test drive the highly touted Cuban medical system anyway!

One final thought: as with toilet seats, the associated paper products are often inconveniently absent; I've learned to carry a clump of toilet paper with me almost anywhere I go...so to speak.

Want to help me help Cuban people in need?

I have just added a new element to my blog...over there on the right, nestled between "LINKS I LIKE" and "ARCHIVES," you will see a "DONATE" button. That's new, and requires explanation.

It is there because I am asking, humbly and hesitantly, for you to assist me with the various projects I have launched and will be launching to help the people of the community surrounding Marea del Portillo and Pilon. I realize it will be an act of trust for you to support my endeavors financially, since I am not set up as a registered charity, but I want to assure you that all donated funds will be used to directly benefit Cuban people in need.

Why should you trust me? If you've read my earlier posts, you will have a sense of who I am, and of how sincere I am about this "cause," if you want to name it as such. Why am I doing these things? To me, it's like some sort of humanitarian calling; it just feels right to be doing what I can to help the people of that region. And, if you want to help me help them, you will have my deep appreciation but no tax receipt.

I could give you references but I'm not sure that would really prove anything other than to demonstrate I have friends who will vouch for me. In my home community, I think it's safe to say, I have a solid reputation for honesty and integrity. I am involved with numerous not-for-profit groups and have been a volunteer with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity (I wish they were able to operate in Cuba!). I have my own small retail business and I work part-time at a shelter for abused women - the shelter's executive director has referred to me as "Jenny Pure-Heart," for what that's worth!

I'm not expecting money to miraculously multiply in my Cuba-project PayPal account but, if a few people choose to donate that way, it would be absolutely fabulous, wildly wonderful and incredibly awesome. One of the reasons I decided to add the "DONATE" button is because several people offered unsolicited funds to use for my modest endeavors. Some families in Cuba have already been helped but I want to do more.

For further information on the inception of the projects I am working on, please read an earlier posting: "Projects aplenty - past, present and pending." In brief, the main elements are the establishment of a micro-lending fund and some self-employment arts and crafts activities. In the Pilon area, getting supplies for almost anything - artwork, home renovation or whatever - is a special challenge because of the isolation of this impoverished rural region and, when necessary items are available, they are often financially inaccessible.

With the guidance of my friends there, I am trying to create new opportunities for people in Pilon, and to empower them to improve their lives. But, it requires seed money, and I can only supply a little at a time from my own resources. And, it's not something that will happen overnight; like the changes Pres. Raul Castro is currently making regarding employment (less government- and more self-employment), progress will take time.

Another long-term reason for adding that bodacious button is because of the themed group trip component of my multifaceted projects...I'll explain more about that in my next posting. Tune in again soon!

Fidel, Flipper & Jeffrey Goldberg

I sometimes wonder what I would say to Fidel Castro, if I ever, perchance, met him. I've thought about this in the general way that one does regarding any historic figure or world leader.

You can even make this into a parlor game: "If you were having coffee with __(fill in the blank)__,  what would you ask him/her?" For instance, if I were having coffee with Elvis, I might ask him, "Do you regret your jumpsuit phase?"

If I happened to run into Fidel - casually, let's say, in a parking lot - I would probably be completely tongue tied.  I would be afraid to open my mouth, lest I say something utterly ludicrous, classically ignorant or inadvertently insulting. I don't know much about politics; I'd be stepping in quicksand if I attempted even a general query. I have a very loose grasp of Cuban history; not enough to feel safe conversing with one of its biggest shapers about the subject.

I guess I would have to go with dolphins as a topic of conversation. When I was growing up, I was a big fan of the TV show "Flipper." (Whenever I think of him, I can still hear his fishy chortle!) Who doesn't like dolphins?!

In all honesty, I don't know much more about dolphins than I do about politics or history but I'd love to learn. They're almost as mysterious and intriguing to me as Fidel himself, although I don't have as many conflicted feelings about Flipper.

For more on Fidel and dolphins, please read this article by Jeffrey Goldberg:
Fidel: 'Cuban Model Doesn't Even Work For Us Anymore'

I found the link while cruising the always-interesting Havana Times site. And, when in Havana, be sure to put the aquarium on your must-see list. I have!

Projects aplenty - past, present and pending

In an earlier post, entitled "I chose to walk through an opened door," I alluded to projects I've launched with the help of friends in Pilon, a larger town next to Marea del Portillo. I want to explain more about these activities but they are evolving so quickly it's rather like trying to count tree leaves on a windy day.

At first, I thought it would be a breeze to set up a micro-lending endeavor, offering small sums,  free of charge, to people who wanted to improve their lives and make things better for their families - fixing up their homes, for instance. This was my original thought, in part, because I realized it's very hard for people to save up enough money to buy all the necessary supplies at once. An interest-free loan would allow families to repair their homes more quickly, I thought, and they could live more comfortably while they gradually paid it off.

That initial plan for extending micro-credit had to be revised. The local fund managers were very careful in their screening process, before approving loans. Money was only to be given to people who could pay it back. In discussing a loan, it was always made clear to the applicants that, if they did not repay the money, it would be impossible to help others.

Unfortunately, too many people honestly had to admit that paying the loan back would be next to impossible; they could not promise to do so. The recent employment restructuring by the Cuban government has made finances even more difficult for many people, particularly those who were struggling already. Micro-lending helped a few families but the inaugural version of the venture needed revamping; that process is still underway.

In the future, I think loan repayment will most likely be done with a blend of cash and sweat. Those familiar with Habitat for Humanity will understand the concept behind the term "sweat equity." That's an idea I want to steal and rejig for my own use in Cuba. Instead of putting in a requisite number of volunteer hours to assist with home building, though, I think it will work to ask loan recipients to help with a variety of activities that will benefit the community.

The people I want to assist and empower have more time, energy and skills than income. Therefore, to me, it makes sense to figure out ways they can work off some of the debt, rather than letting people struggle to make cash payments, no matter how incremental the amount may seem to North Americans. Keep in mind that the local currency is worth pennies, literally; one Cuban peso equals four Canadian cents. (For more on Cuban currency, you may want to read this post: "Money, money, money....")

It will be more challenging to set up a "sweat" system or, in effect, a way of bartering with one's ability to work, but I'm sure it can be done. This and related endeavors are still in the early development stages, so I'm reticent to even try to go into detail at this time. However, I will say that two projects involve art and craft production and one, which is now being tested, appears to be quite viable. Supplies for the pending project will cost more.

So far, any supplies we've needed have been minimal; some materials have been donated and, for purchases, I've been able to provide money myself or through unsolicited contributions from friends. But, I do have a few ideas for funding! When I return from my forthcoming trip to Cuba, at the end of October, I should be able to offer a more clearly developed picture of what's happening and a preview of what's being proposed.

Please check the blog every now and again for updates.

Reincarnation, spousal abuse & problem-free Cuba

All we know is now. This life is it. We don't know, really and truly, what came before or what will come next. Nobody does. Despite how vociferously some people may claim to know, it is actually only a guess, a belief or, perhaps, a hope.

In university, I recall some friends shaking their heads and stating, "You can't know everything." I think this was in regards to the outcome of a test that didn't go so well, but there's still a lot of truth in that simple statement. This is one of those things you can't know.

Is there an afterlife? Many people I know believe that there is, with all their hearts. Others simply hope there is. Some think there is another life to come, as there was before this one. Who can say for sure? We just have to decide what we prefer to believe.

More and more, I would have to say, I am leaning towards reincarnation. ("Before the Stars" is a poem I posted previously that's partly about this topic.) To me, reincarnation is the ultimate form of recycling. Mother Nature, Father Time and the whole holy posse seem to work quite well together to recycle almost everything else; why not souls?

I've often joked that I was something-or-other in another life. For instance, I've sometimes said I must have been a Boy Scout, since I'm almost always "prepared" for anything. I'm the one with the toilet paper and Swiss Army knife in my backpack and a mini Leatherman tool in my purse. I can't tell you how many men I've surprised when they've moaned, "If only I had a screwdriver!"

Lately, in trying to figure out why I have such an affinity for Cuba, I've found myself saying, "I must have been Cuban in another life." Perhaps I was just oppressed. Or,  maybe the connection and empathy I feel for the Cuban people is due to my involvement with women who have been abused.

For nearly two decades, I've worked at shelters for abused women and their children; that's the social work reference in my profile. Spousal abuse could be considered "domestic oppression." Living under any form of regime, if you will, that causes you to think twice before you speak or act takes its toll and makes its mark on your psyche.

People, however, are remarkably resilient and able to adjust to almost anything - now I'm thinking more about a society that has been under a powerful thumb for generations, rather than an individual who must walk on eggshells alone, in her own home. When all your friends and neighbors look over their shoulders before saying things that could be considered controversial or disrespectful to the powers that be, or they stroke their chins rather than mention a certain name, it becomes normalized. That's just the way it is. Oppression becomes a fact of life, as much a part of one's everyday purview as the sun coming up.

One sunny day on my most recent visit to Cuba, I met another guest at the resort who was having a disagreement with the management about some aspect of his bill. He kept talking about this problem that needed to be rectified and was frustrated that nothing seemed to be happening. He was met with shrugs and vague apologies when he tried to demand action.

I eventually came to the conclusion that this is a fundamental difference between the North American and Cuban societies. This Canadian man felt he had identified a problem and he wanted it have it fixed. That's what we do in North America. We protest. We lobby. We boycott. We use the media and draw on any other means at our disposal to fix an identified problem.

In Cuba, the problem is, there is no problem. That's just the way life is. If nothing can be done, why waste energy trying? If you risk being identified as a trouble-maker, why speak out? The ramifications for you and your family could be quite serious. That's not a problem, that's life.

Am I sounding cynical? I'm not usually a cynical person! Most people, in fact, would be more likely to label me as an infernal optimist or an eternal dreamer of good schemes with positive outcomes. I prefer to think of myself as an optimistic realist, but that may be me, looking at my bright side.

When I think about the Cuban people I've come to know, I have to smile. They are not down-trodden depressed. They are hard-working and happy, as a general rule. They are giving and forgiving, warm and welcoming.  They are survivors. That's what I love about Cuba - the spirit of the people. They have heart. Maybe that's why I feel such a profound, irrefutable connection. I've been through some difficult times, too, but I'm still willing to smile, and to work quietly for change.

For a poetic exploration of this topic, please read one of my earlier posts:
Worth a War

What are you doing on October 17?

The United Nations has declared Oct. 17 as the "International Day for the Eradication of Poverty." For the politically correct, October could be a very busy month, especially if you're Canadian!

Here in Canada, about 19 different organizations have laid claim to October for furthering their diverse and commendable causes, nationally and internationally. As well, each and every week of the month has numerous names attached, and close to a dozen individual days are internationally noteworthy. According to the list of "Special Awareness Months/Weeks" I found on the CharityVillage.com website, May is the only month that has more going on in this regard.

Canadians can spend the month of October becoming more aware of everything from autism and brain tumors to workplace health and women's history - with breast cancer, child abuse, lupus and SIDS thrown in for good measure. There's a LOT to be aware of! And, we have a multitude of special weeks to highlight and notable days to mark on our collective calendars.

The national special-week list I found starts with "Be Kind to Animals Week" and concludes with "Waste Reduction Week." Shouldn't we be kind to animals every week? Aren't we supposed to work on reducing waste all the time? Perhaps we just need to be officially reminded now and then. Awareness is a tricky thing; sometimes it's more peripheral than it should be.

I've been aware of poverty most of my life, sometimes peripherally and, at other times, profoundly. At some points, I would have been classified as living in poverty, due to my income - or, more precisely, lack thereof. I've stretched my budget by gathering worm-ridden windfall apples from rural ditches to make applesauce and apple butter; the latter became Christmas presents that year...I cut out the wormy parts! I've collected returnable cans and beer bottles in order to buy milk and bread. I've bartered (I still do, actually). But, at present, I'm doing okay and, because of that, I'm thinking about how I can help people who aren't.

I'm already thinking about poverty eradication. I'm glad the UN is too. I hope greater global awareness of this issue will help to make a difference in our international community.

On Oct. 17, I will be in Cuba with over 40 amigas (female friends). We'll be taking clothing, toiletries and other gifts, as many other Canadians routinely do. We plan to do our best to get these items into the hands of the people who need such things the most. A friend of mine in Pilon (a larger town next to the modest resort where we'll be staying), has agreed to help connect us with the most impoverished people of that community.

I'm not sure what day we'll be able to take our gifts to these people but I hope it will be Sunday, Oct. 17. That would be most fitting. By doing whatever we can, whenever we can, wherever we can - even if it seems like dropping a penny on a beach - we are working towards eradicating poverty.

Some day, I hope poverty will no longer be an issue in Cuba, or in Canada, or anywhere else. Perhaps one day, we won't need a special day.

Re: gifting...even small things matter!

In my reading about Cuba and life therein, I recall a noteworthy comment about the importance of personal cleanliness. I can't credit the source or quote it directly, unfortunately, but a paraphrase of the remark goes something like this: The Cuban people will tolerate many things but, unless you want a revolution on your hands, don't take away their soap!

That, I'm sure, is not intended to imply that they are docile, well-groomed sheep. Hardly! I would say that Cubans, in general, take a great amount of pride in their personal appearance, from hygiene to accoutrement. Some of my friends there are certainly more fashion conscious than I am!

Hygiene requires attention in any climate. However, it can be a particular challenge in the hot ones. Sweat happens. People perspire. According to my dear, departed mother-in-law, women "glow."

Imagine living in a hot, humid place where fresh water for cooking and bathing is sometimes in short supply. With me so far? Next, add a shortage of deodorant, soap, shampoo, etc. How are you feeling now? Getting ready to revolt? Maybe that would be going too far but I think you can grasp how this might affect one's outlook when facing daily temperatures hovering around 34 degrees Celsius (like this week in Granma). That's not factoring in the humidity, of course, or the lack of air conditioning in most homes.

Yesterday, I checked in with a friend in Pilon and asked him about shortages. He explained that one of the country's main suppliers of deodorant, soap and related toiletry products had closed down, making the situation quite dire. It had been hard to get deodorant when I was there in May; now, it must be next to impossible. I'd be feeling a bit desperate.

If you're planning a trip to Cuba, I'd encourage you to hit the dollar store and pack your suitcase with whatever soap, deodorant and other toiletries you can carry. And, if you tend to travel to places where they routinely stock the bathrooms with those cute little soaps and tiny bottles of shampoo, stash 'em and take 'em along to Cuba.

Even small things can make a difference in someone's life...but, if you have room for big bottles of shampoo and such stuff, go for it!