Hola!

If you are experiencing cold weather, we advise you NOT to read this blog because...

March 10, began with a difficult decision to make (choir tours are full of these): when to wake up - we could go for the "early" morning wake up swim in the ocean at 8:30, followed by a light breakfast at the buffet or some cool drinks and food from the snack bar or we could go for the slow wake up - it could be 1:29 that our alarms would go off as long as we can dash out of our rooms and grab some food in one minute; because at 1:30 we all gathered onto our two buses with our wonderful tour guides.

We drove to Havana to a museum on fine art. There was a variety of art there, from colonial art of ladies and gentlemen in fancy clothes to modern abstract art with bright colours and funky shapes. One piece of artwork was really interesting as it was a huge sculpture of a boat which were faces, music lines, plants and other images that depicted the culture and history of Cuba. Also, this sculpture had been done as a gift for Castro on his Eightieth birthday. As usual, the choir found a place to shop...event at an art gallery. So a few purchases were made there of small sounvenirs, etc.

Than, after a short bus ride we were heading off for some real, intense shopping time! An hour and a half at a market and many, many paintings, Cuban music CD's, dolls, food and hats bought...or in Mikey's case - bartered, we headed back to the hotel.

Did you know it it possible to trade your hat for a painting when you're all out of money? Well, Mikey found out today that that was very possible. Also, as this time we were able to give away some more donations to those at the market. They were really excited and grateful to receieve them.

At the hotel we had another buffet supper and then we had a choir practice, since afterall wsinging is th reason we are in Cuba. We finished our rehearsal by surrcoudning and singing Esto les Digo to our choir moms and dads and some other hotel guests. All that is left is anotehr night of relaxing and sleep.

Lots of love to all at home! (especially you Emilie!)

Lucia and Claire