santiago de cuba Archives - J'aime la photographie

Kubaneando was held at the Spanish Centre on the 27th of September 2014.

All the greats were present for the Kubaneando fiesta- Dj Kubanito, Eric Turro, El Moro, Chukale, Romina Anaquin and yours truly “Mr Mojito” with his timbiriche. This one was a night to be remembered. I am almost certain that even those souped up on Mojitos would remember the spectacular dancing of El Moro and Romina Anaquin (see photos below), the soulstifying grooves of Chukale, and the ever so gargantuan presence of Dj Cubanito.

A cake in the shape of a domino with the Cuban flag decorated over it was up for grabs in the raffle. The theme was obviously Cuba – and even though there was a poor turnout for the Cuban Domino tournament, the Cuban Rum flowed in quantities, Cuban salsa was on the dance menu, Cuban Arroz Congri and bistek Cubano.

I had brought large quantities of organic mint and fresh limes from the garden, and the newly built timbiriche (beach kiosk/bungalow) was a great success!

Some of the guests came in a mini-bus from Northern New South Whales – they were here for the salsa workshop and also for my Mojitos!

The Kubaneando party was a great night. I had a blast, I am sure that next year will be even bigger!

Please note - you may not use or reproduce these photographs without my written permission.

Mr Mojito’s timbiriche – the beach kiosk.

Stefania Serna

Stefania Serna owning it – Chukale spectacular

Danny Guerrero and Amigo on vocals

Gus Cereijo – Chukale

Steele Chabau in the background on Electric Bass

Bongo with Soul – Bongo con alma

Foosball at the Spanish Centre

The field where great things happen.

El Moro with Romina Anaquin

El Moro con Romina Anaquin

El Moro and Romina Anaquin – Casino dancing

Romina Anaquin and her dance partner El Moro.

Domino Cake – Decorated with edible Cuban flag.

Dj Cubanito – friendly giant.

Eric Turro – MC on the night of Kubaneando

… We played musical broom and when we finished dancing, the house was spotless and clean! …

Postcard from Cuba – You guys should all try it! I dont think I’ve ever had so much fun in my life. During the course of 6 weeks, my Swiss friends and I probably drank as much rum as drunken scoundrel pirates would’ve back in the day, or if we didn’t then we definitely gave it a good shot – drinking at least one bottle a day. Havana Club, Ron Mulata, Pati Cruzado, Guayabita del Pilar, Ron Negrita, homemade Ron, Chispa (makes you go blind!) – you name it, we drank it. I know we had gone way over the limit because when I flew back to Mexico city, not even Tequila affected me. My sweat pores had a fragrant odour of fermented sugarcane and I was pennyless. That’s right, pennyless – but extremely happy. Happy to have learnt what it feels like to be alive and to live.

You see, living in a developed country, we take many things for granted, like electricity, shelter, and food. Don’t get me started on telecommunications. One vivid recollection I have is the constant electricity blackouts (due to coal rations at the electrical powerplant). We would be partying with friends and family, dancing salsa (in Cuba they call it casino), eating pork crackling, drinking rum, smoking excellent homemade cigars. When the power went out, the Cubans didn’t cry or whinge about it, instead they took out instruments and started to play music. We played musical broom and when we finished dancing, the house was spotless and clean! There was little concern for the food in the fridge as there wasn’t much anyway, and what was left would’ve been eaten during the party!

I’ve been meaning to put words to this blog post for quite some time, but haven’t had the courage to muster the right words. I’m afraid that anything I write in this blog about my experiences in this magnificent country will not do it justice. You must try it for yourself. I don’t think one fully understands the meaning of generosity until he sees poor people giving. In my eyes, that is the true meaning of wealth – its not about the car you drive, or how much money you make – it is about your values as a person, that is true wealth. And from my experiences in Cuba, there is plenty of wealth to go around.