winifredcreamer

Religious at heart

For all we hear about the decline of Catholicism around the world, a version of it is alive and well in Barranca. I am not sure how many people I know go to Mass every Sunday, but almost everyone participates in one of the many festivals in honor of the Virgin Mary or other saintsContinue reading “Religious at heart”

A Memo to the Democratic Party: Defend Congress

Originally posted on Perspectives on economics and civilization:
We know that other countries have sometimes elected presidents who then manipulated the great powers of their office to nullify constitutional constraints and establish a permanent grip on political power. But from George Washington’s first election until now, Americans always selected presidents who, in prior public service,…

New Artwork on the Wall

We wanted to make another guest room more attractive because we are having both daughters visit over Christmas. If Amanda and Jimmy take the suite, Lyra would be left with an unimproved space. The ceilings are so high that it is difficult to get artwork big enough to fill the wall. I designed a patchworkContinue reading “New Artwork on the Wall”

Life on the Beach 2016

Trying to look at a familiar place with fresh eyes is a difficult proposition. I’ve been here in Barranca many times. One of the good things about a beach community is that it doesn’t change. The same fishermen haul out their beach seine every afternoon even though I have yet to see more than aContinue reading “Life on the Beach 2016”

After Election Day 2016

The last time I spoke to someone who was openly for Trump was a taxi driver in Edinburgh back in July. This shows you that I was completely out of touch with what most Americans think, or at least half of the US citizens who voted. During the eight months that were were on theContinue reading “After Election Day 2016”

Back in Peru, Nov. 2016

It is strange to be back in Peru after eight months. A little has changed and a lot hasn’t. Our flight was smooth and we arrived on time after leaving Miami a few minutes late. We landed at 10:30 pm and were probably at the Hotel Senorial by 12:30 am, which isn’t bad considering thatContinue reading “Back in Peru, Nov. 2016”

Good to know about Cuba

Internet There is no internet in Cuba. If you believe those who say there is limited access depending on where you are, you will waste a lot of time trying to connect to systems that have the broadband width of a human hair. Turn your devices off, bring a book to read and try notContinue reading “Good to know about Cuba”

Architecture in Cuba

I’d like to begin by discussing the really ancient architecture of Cuba, but we didn’t get to any archaeological sites apart from the footings of a few colonial-era walls that have been cleared in Old Havana. Archaeological work in Havana is directed by the city Historian, who seems to be in charge of a lotContinue reading “Architecture in Cuba”

Vintage Cars in Cuba

Not knowing much about vintage cars, I figured out that the models you see in Cuba range from about 1947-1961. Some are beautifully restored, others less so. It is fun to look at them, like being on a movie set. Here is a slideshow of the ones I managed to photograph. I was unable toContinue reading “Vintage Cars in Cuba”

Cuba!

Actually getting to Cuba is the first part of the tour’s adventure, as it turns out. We met our group the night before departure and they proved to be a congenial bunch. We had to be at the airport three hours ahead of time (boring), but we saw the array of goods that people takeContinue reading “Cuba!”