The Time Capsule.....Part 1

It's taken me over a week to get all 664 pictures/videos uploaded from the trip to @uba. I got this new, very cool camera right before the trip and I'm still going through trying to Photoshop a few of them in my attempt for creative, artistic photography. And, I still haven't quite figured out how to organize my thoughts and comments into the blog. Every time I've started talking to someone about the trip, I feel like I can go on and on with the details, observations and commentary. However, I will do my absolute best to keep it to the necessary details and as condensed as possible. I have a hard enough time with that on a normal basis. But, to experience something like this.....well, let's just say it will be a challenge.

I will upload a few pictures here and then send out a link for the photo album at some point. I also decided that this will be a multi-part blog. Too much to tell at one time. So, stay tuned. I will try to get it all finished this week.....we are off to Disneyworld with Olivia next weekend. Meeting my sister and her kids. Cannot wait. I showed Olivia a video tonight of 'The Magic Kingdom' and the smile, alone, on her face was priceless!!!

So, where to begin. We left on a Sunday morning and came back Thursday night. Fairly long trip. But, flights are hard to come by, as are the visa's required to get there. So, we had to make sure we allowed enough time to do what we needed to do as far as business was concerned. I'll leave that part out, but I can say it was a success. We made MSNBC and CNN on top of it.

Our flight was at 10:45am and we had to be there at 8am. I never get to the airport that early. Don't necessarily cut it close, but that seemed a bit excessive. I was about to learn why. One guy in our group put it perfectly...'When one Latin American comes to get on a plane, 20 family members come to send them off.' Enough said. As I mentioned before...in addition to the 20+ extra people per person on the plane, they had a ton of baggage/stuff to check in. I wish I would've taken a picture at the airport. It was truly unbelievable! After seeing everything they were putting on the plane, I just wanted to land on the ground. Really. That was all I was concerned about. If the plane banked to the left, I leaned to the right. Just in the small hopes that it mattered!

Needless to say, we made it. It was a really strange feeling touching down in @uba. You felt like you suddenly left civilization. Even though it didn't necessarily appear that way, it felt like it. We were only 90 miles from Key West, but it felt like we'd been on the plane for 4 hours. The
entire plane erupted into applause. Apparently that is a 'Latin' thing too....(this coming from the people in my group). My hear started beating again. The refrigerators, TV's, bikes, computers, and yes, humans too, had all made it safely. Whew!

From there, I thought it would be easy. Nope. It took over 2 1/2 hours for us to get our checked baggage!!! Apparently, no one works quickly over there. Although there was a disproportionate amount of luggage on the plane, this does not seem humanly possible. Then, we had about an hour or more of customs and screening. We were there forever!! Then, we stepped outside for the first time.

Let me back up for a minute. There were 10 of us in this group. 5 more that later met us at the hotel from different areas, outside the US. I was the only female and one of two 'Americans' without an direct foreign heritage. 10 of the 15 were @uban-American's. Two were @uban born and left in 1960. One gentleman was 7 at the time, and the other was 13 yrs old. This was their first time back. One man wept as we touched the land. It is very difficult for me to understand having to leave your country, living a very short distance away, and not being allowed, under any circumstances, to ever go back. But, I was honored to be there and to be witnessing this journey with them.

The last part I will write about tonight is when we walked out of the terminal. At first, it didn't seem that different than the airport in the Dominican Republic. Spanish-speaking, dusty, a bit poverty-stricken. But, then again, I didn't have any idea where I was going and was just trying to keep an eye out for our group. As the case with everything that week, we still had to wait awhile. It was at that point, I saw and heard the yelling, screaming and crying. Not in a scary manner. But in a joyous manner. You see, people were getting off our plane and coming into @uba for the first time, much like the gentleman in our group. Only, these people still had family in @uba and were being reuinted with them. In who-knows-how-long.

This will not be a political platform in any way. But, there are important details regarding political figures. Under our previous regime, it was almost impossible for family members to visit @uba. Americans were also restricted to sending $300/quarter in remittance back to @uba. Under the current command, the remittance limit has been removed and people can get there with a visa application to see family. I think they are still limited to once a year, but they can get there. (It may be more, I can't remember).

So, if there are 20 people in the US to send off one person they probably live with or see on a regular basis, imagine how many people are there to see someone they haven't seen in many, many years. It was amazing. I tried to get some of it on video, but couldn't quite capture one of the good reunions. I was mesmorized. I wish I could've been a reporter and interviewed some of the people. I'm sure it would've been good.

Our crew.....and @uba from 10k feet

This is the outside of the airport. There is actually a bigger terminal that looks more modernized. However, this is where the American's come in. We don't get the normal process. As you can see, time stopped here in 1960. I had heard that from many people prior to leaving. However, it's startling to see that it really is true. Much more on that in future posts. I am not good at history, never had been. But, I made it a point to read up before and during the trip. It's amazing to see that what is written is very much what you will see in person. More to come....

Reaching back to Modern Society....

Buenos dias amigos!!! I have finally been able to get a good enough connection on my laptop to get on and 'blog'. I just hope it stays long enough for me to hit 'publish'.

I am at Day 3 of 'The Trip'. This has been an amazing trip so far and I have a feeling that when I have the time to write more about it, words will be difficult to describe everything. I've been keeping notes of my thoughts and things I've seen, along with the 300+ pictures/video's I've logged at this point. It will take me awhile to get everything uploaded once I get back, but I'm anxious to compile everything.

The trip really began the minute Kyle, Olivia and I went to meet everyone at 'Terminal F' in MIA. I had never been to that terminal before. It was an experience in itself. First, it was PACKED with people. As one guy on our team said, Latin Americans take 20 people to the airport just to say good-bye. So, for every person on our plane (and it was a 727), there were dozens there with them. You couldn't even move. And, even worse, for every person on the plane, they had bags and bags and bags of things they were taking back. It wasn't actually just bags......along with the bags (that were wrapped 4 inches thick in plastic wrap), there were tires, bikes, a refrigerator, TV's, laptops, you name it. Whatever they can bring in, they will take.

So, more on that later, but it got me to thinking about what I could possibly find once here. Nothing can prepare you. The people here are incredible. Some of the kindest people I've ever had the privelege of meeting. By far, the most repressed place I've ever been to. No question. Which is probably obvious. You hear that this place is stuck back in time. Nothing can describe it more. It is 1960 here. Nothing has been touched since then. Almost nothing. And, some things have even gone back since then. Horse & buggies are a fairly common mode of transportation.

One of the most amazing experiences of being here is that I'm with two people that left to the states back in 1960. One was 7yrs old and the other was a 'baby' inside his mother's stomach. Seeing it through their eyes, their heritage, the emotion, the passion and the admiration for the people here has been like nothing else I can relate to. We've seen the houses they or their families grew up in. And the 96yr old lady still living in one of them that remembers 'the Dr that married the French woman'. (the guy's grandfather and grandmother). We had a tour guide the first afternoon that makes $6 a month. And, taxes taken out of that. But, still the kindest person ever. Genuinely happy to give us the history lesson. There is no violence here. There is no chaos. Well, there is chaos, but it's different. People don't honk their horns. They don't drive crazy. They aren't in a hurry for anything. They bike 40 miles each way just to get where they are going. It is very peaceful. In a weird way that has been difficult to describe.

I have completely rambled, but like I said, I'm having a difficult time putting my thoughts together. This trip has been wonderful and a 'life experience'. I am so fortunate to be here. And, I can't wait to get my pictures together to share.

-Kristin

From the Archives.....

I could actually be getting caught up. Finally. Here are some pics of when Kenneth and Lili came to town. They came over Labor Day weekend. Yes, two months ago. But, we did have a major and long overdue move somewhere since then, so hopefully, that gets me a little break. Not to mention I lost the USB plug in the move and it took me awhile to locate it among the 30k lbs of 'stuff'.

I also have a few pics from when Sara (Baba) to town, along with Gogi (Kyle's mom). But, my camera is in the shop getting fixed. Olivia was completely surprised when Sara came out from the terminal. The two had the best time (as did Kyle and I hanging out with Sara). Of course, Olivia wanted to sleep with Sara each night. My favorite part of the whole weekend was walking by their room in the morning and hearing the sound of two 'giggle's coming from behind the door. So cute!

We went to this great, famous hotel down the street from the condo called The Fountainbleu! (Valet cost $20!!! We had NO idea...). Olivia got to hang out in this swanky bar with us. Great parents, huh. She had a GREAT time and even took this cute picture of the four of us. She loved her Shirley Temple and looking at the fancy floor that changed colors. Us adults on the other hand....enjoyed a great martini and the view.

The next day we went down to Ft Lauderdale and ate down by the beach. Here's also a cute pic of Lili and Olivia as we all head down to the beach from our condo. It was quite overcast that day (really)...but the saying is true as evidence from the picture below of me and Olivia....the sun really does come through those darn clouds. ouch!

We then went down to 'Little Havana'. It was H-O-T!!! But, it was fun to see the sights and shop for cigars. We came across this park known as 'Domino Park'. There were about 100 old men sitting at these concrete tables playing hard-core dominoes. It was a lot of fun to watch. They seem to eat up visitors too, and were both eager for us to take their picture and them take ours. We finally tuckered O out! She has NEVER fallen asleep in her stroller. Ever!

Then we went down to Lincoln Road in South Beach. Great people watching with tons of outdoor cafes. We got down there in late afternoon and stayed later than we normally do with Olivia. She loved it! So did the adults, once again. There's a picture below where I was trying to take a picture of Kenneth and Lili. Every time I brought my camera up, Olivia would jump in front of the camera. Funny girl. We went to this sushi restaurant for dinner and learned that Wilmer Valderama (That 70's Show) was sitting next to us. I thought he was a bit 'washed up' in acting credentials....however, I just learned that he is the voice of Handy Manny. Guess he's not out of work after all. :)

The picture to the left of Kenneth and Olivia is one of my new favorites. They were really cute to watch together that weekend. The last day, we took them to Scottie's. Our new favorite hang out in Coconut Grove. Outdoors, right on the marina and a very laid back, Jimmy Buffet vibe.

Great, great weekend. We can't wait to have them back! (Hint, hint......)!! Almost forgot once picture from when Gogi was in town. We went to this place on the water one night called The Red Fish grill. Apparently a lot of movies, most notably 'Something About Mary', have shot scenes at this place. We got eaten alive by mesquitos and had to move inside, but the food was good and we are looking forward to going back once it cools down.

Visitors and Get-a-ways.....

The grandparents are here. Mimi and Papi. 'Fall' has come to Miami, or at least their version. We woke up this morning to 70f weather! It's beautiful. The Longhorns won yesterday in a very ugly match at the Red River Shootout. But, thankfully, a win is a win! And, Kyle and I are getting ready to head out for a quick 3-day anniversary vacation. Naples, here we come!! Golf today, spa tomorrow and a lot of R&R in between! Should be a great trip. The Gulf side of the coast here is supposed to be much prettier than the Atlantic. And, hopefully, we'll beat the Snowbirds out there, so we might not be the youngest people at the resort.

Olivia' birthday is this week too. Her preschool makes each student the 'Star Student' for the week of their birthday. With this award, comes the ability to do something special with the child each day. Fortunately for us, Monday is a school holiday, so we only have to come up with 4 things. Here's what Olivia picked on her own - Tues - bring her American dolls to school; Wed - bring Sam to school (this should be interesting); Thur - bring Shamu (my parents got him for her and he's HUGE); and Friday - the best - make your own sundaes! Yum! Should be a good week for the little one! And, Saturday, the party at our house......still haven't gotten the RSVP one way or the other from Keiffer. For her sake, I hope he makes it! Plus, my parents have to meet this character.

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Since I'm so late anyways and I have so many to post, here are a few pics from when Kenneth and Lili were in town.

Anyone Out There??

I officially think I'm writing to myself....and let me tell you....it is a very strange feeling!! One, that I do not like. On one hand, this is good documentation for later in life and I'm getting to document many of Olivia's gerat moments. But, on the other hand, I'm starting to feel a bit like a crazy-person who constantly talks to herself. Maybe people have truly forgotten about us now that we've been offically gone a few months. Hmmm??? If you're out there, let me know! :) I'd love to 'chat'. I was never a big 'diary' person. I'm not that interesting on my own. But, I do love a good conversation. So. Write. I want to hear how you're doing!!

On a different note and once again, back to talking to myself, I can't wait for tomorrow morning to come. Olivia and I are heading to San Antonio for a few days. We get to see family and friends. I get to experience cool weather! The kind that's below 90f in the middle of October. The kind that makes you feel like you've actually changed seasons and really should put away your white pants for more than just the fact that Labor Day has come and gone! The weather that makes it impossible to wear open-toed shoes or flip flops every day because your toes might get a little cold. The kind that allows you to open the windows and the doors and not freak out that 'you're letting all the cold air out!' Do you think I'm homesick yet?? In addition to the family/friend sight-seeing and the ability to wear long sleeves and jeans, I'm also quite excited that my sister and I get to go out and have a margarita and some Mexican food (AND watch some UT football in the same state with other Longhorns!). Our friend's, the Dyer's, moved to Baltimore and I have always laughed at Katie's excitement over going back to Austin and getting queso and some good Tex-Mex. Now, I totally get it!!! It doesn't exist here. And, if you even live close to the giant state of Tx, you quickly realize it's a staple. It IS the 'American' food of Tx. Latin food and Mexican food are not even in the same ball park. And, here, it's Latin food. Even Olivia's been missing a little El Gabaucho's lately!

IF you are reading this and you live in Dallas.....Olivia and I also have almost a 2 hour layover in DFW tomorrow. We'd love to say 'hi' if anyone's in the area!

St Thomas and the Seaplane

I had a trip not too long ago to St Thomas. It was my 2nd time going since coming here. Overall, it's a lovely island. But, I think that's biased on my part, only by the fact that I get to drive on the left hand side there and it's a lot of fun!! And, very mountainous, which makes the left-hand driving even that much more thrilling. Beyond that, haven't quite figured out what you would do there much past a day, but it's nice to look at. It's a BIG port for cruise ships and shopping. I've never understood that piece of 'cruising'. You're American, you get on a very big and very expensive ship, they sail you very far away only to shop at American stores found at your local mall for the same price, or more. Hmmmm??

I digress. Back to the subject. This trip caused us to not only meet with people in St Thomas, but to also meet with people in St Croix. I don't even know how far away it is, but you have to get there via sea plane or ferry. We chose the plane. Initially, I was not a big fan. I don't like small planes and although I'm fine traveling and flying (a lot!), I like to know it's big and safe.

Here's what it looked like. An 8-seater. Choppy waters, they ask you your weight when you check-in, in order to properly 'balance' the plane. They weighed my barely-a-purse, purse that came in at a whopping 3lbs! If they have to weigh even that, how fine of a line is this balancing act??

This was our lovely pilot, Paul. He was from Russia or maybe Germany. I can't remember any more, as I'm so current in my blogging! Ha! But, he had an accent, I know that. Australian, I think now. :)

There were only 3 of us on this particular flight, so he let me get up front and pretend to fly the plane. Doesn't happen in commercial any more, does it? Nice guy. Guess he didn't suspect I was dangerous! Funny story for all you Dallas friend's reading.....the only other person on the plane....was an attorney from University Park who was about my age and now lived and practiced in St Thomas/St Croix! How strange is that? I didn't learn it until the very end, but of course, started the 'name game' at that time. No luck.

Here's how empty the plane was. We look like tourists, don't we?

Fuzzy picture, but this was a teeny-tiny island right off St Croix that had a resort on it. Looked very relaxing. Again, the pilot was very kind to us and took liberties not allowed on commercial. Knowing it was my first time, he did a fly by of the island to show me the sights. He kept pointing back and telling me to switch side to see certain things and to take pictures.

Here is Paul in action. Shorts, tennis shoes and a baseball cap. Nice uniform for sea flying. Wouldn't anything else seem inappropriate??

Best part.....the take off and the landing. It was a lot of fun and not scary at all!! Much to my surprise! Dad - if there were a sea close to San Antonio, I could really see you doing this in your post-retirement life!

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'Happiness should not be pursued - create it!'......we went to PF Changs's last night for dinner. This was the fortune in Olivia's cookie. Kyle laughed as for some odd reason, this brought tears to my eyes. It was perfect for Olivia. I kept it to put it in her baby book as I truly believe this is my daughter's mantra. She lives by it. So much to learn from this little one. I'm quite lucky.

Surprises for Olivia.....

I'm so excited!! Sara, lovingly named 'Baba' from Olivia, is on her way to visit!!! And, the best part is, we've somehow managed to keep it a surprise from Olivia. She knows that someone is coming to visit, just not sure who. Last night Kyle and I were talking to her about it. And, when asked who she'd like to see, Sara's name (actually Baba) was her response. (No offense for grandparents/aunts/cousins as the countdown to see you all is already in full swing!)

Sara was originally getting in at 845pm, but just texted me that she got off early and is on her way to the airport to try and make an earlier flight. Woo hoo!

And, OU (Sara's team) plays U of Miami tomorrow night at 8pm in Miami, so we'll get to watch it with her and cheer on the 'Canes!! (Sorry Sara!) Sorry Bradford.

Lili - i finally unpacked my USB cord, so pictures are on their way to being posted soon, I promise. And, in the mail so you can have a CD of them. Got a bunch and they all turned out really good.

Have a great weekend!