Havana
The Prada is alive with people tonight. It is a ten-block long, polished stone, pedestrian walkway that runs through the center of Havana, lined with marble benches and shady trees. There are children roller skating on it, artists showing their work, music playing, people dancing, vendors selling yucca fritters, home made donuts and corn, teenagers rapping and men and women strutting around like fanciful roosters. Lights on the ornate balconies of the colonial buildings on either side come on adding sparkle to the party. Each building lining the walkway is a work of art, each one decorated with carefully painted, carved facades, stately columns and 15 foot tall shuttered windows. Tonight they are flung open to the warm evening air and we can catch glimpses of families and friends relaxing in their homes.
As the night continues to darken, the smell of Cuban food and the tinkling of glasses and plates emanates from everywhere. This is how Havana was meant to be. It feels safe, lively and creative. Full of promise and possibility.
We finished our biking adventure tonight and strolled slowly through the crowds, stopping to eat fettuccine Alfredo (because we were ravenous) and drink a mojito. We felt like guests in a party that we were very lucky to be invited to.