Sailing 2002:  Marina Hemingway

This Saturday, the last day of November, is the warmest day since I arrived here.  Maybe, at last, the weather is turning.  In fact, it appears as if I have a 4 – 5 day weather window and will be departing here tomorrow at daybreak, or as soon thereafter as the officials will clear me to leave.

There are several, albeit subtle, changes here in Marian Hemingway.  Most of the officials now have electric golf carts to use.  There are a few long bodied golf carts for transporting the tourists around the Marina.  And the number of open-air, three-wheeled taxis has substantially increased.  At the Marina itself, why it is virtual Disney Land East.  They have bumper cars, bumper boats, trains, play-areas for children, covered areas for events, snack bars and beer gardens, in addition to the existing swimming pools and tennis courts.  Even during this cold spell, these symbols of opulent capitalism seem to get adequate usage, from the tourists in the many nearby hotels and many Cubans.  I sense some resentment on the part of the Cubanos pobre (poor) toward those who seem to have the dollars for this leisure activity.  I gather this from some of my social contacts.

My best guess is that the Marina is only about 10% full.  Almost all of the boaters I’ve talked to are here now because of a Cuban wife or girl friend whose needs they are now attending.  Of course this often includes a family.  I’m not sure if the vacancy rate is a reflection of the world economy or the high costs of staying in Cuba.

Back to 2002: Cuba and the Grand Caymans by Steven Jones.
Copyright © 2003 Steven Jones. All Rights Reserved.
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