Play Ball!

The morning had been frustrating, so it was a pleasure to have a good afternoon. We had wanted to go for internet time this morning, only to find that the place was closed for inventory. And I had wanted to go back to the Cubanacan lady to complain, but her office was closed wothout explanation. We ended up spending a pleasant time sitting on a park bench, trying to avoid being approached too often by jinateros. But the game was goign to be a relief.

Fabio has asked us if we would be interested in going to a ball game with him. We of course said yes. He has a friend who used to play with the Cienfuegos team, but now is working, and that friend had hoped to go as well. Unfortunately, he had to work, so it was just the three of us.

And we had to take a taxi, because of me. My arthritis was acting up, and I could barely walk, even with the ibuprofen that our hosts had very nicely provided me with. Fabio had a friend who had a taxi. It is a 1960's-era Lada, missing a lot of the interior (including seat belts), and smelling of gas. But it works, and the distance is not great, and the cost was fine (2 CUC's). The game started at 1:00, with everybody standing for the national anthem. Of course, as in Canada, people talked and looked around during it, but they stood, and applauded when it was done. The excitement was palpable, and so different from what I have (distantly) experienced in Canada. People yelling at each other, lots of social interaction. And the stands were almost full—for a daytime game in mid-week.

Richard tells me it was a good game, and I certainly enjoyed it. Perhaps I will become a fan in my old age. The atmosphere of this game, in this stadium, makes me think I must have time-travelled somehow back to the 1940's: no crowds of reporters and no TV cameras. Nothing was done by machine: even the time clock which was mechanised had many of its little lights burned out. It seemed more than quaint. We snacked on peanuts and empañada, and it was just fine.

Another taxi home, in a similar car. Some time with Fabiagles getting a Spanish lesson while she flirted. Then a shower and supper (again here, and again very good).


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Location:Cienfuegos