Malik Watkins's Bloglines

One of those mornings reflective of how you went to bed – grateful!  With full realization of the where I am, the context, the history, all with the cultural exploration….

This isn’t just breakfast…it isn’t even just a feeling…it’s that place…that existential place that is part of your purpose….and it brings peace 🙂

Today….heading west of Havana….out to an area that is called the Province of Pinar del Rio.  It will take several hours, but it is an excellent opportunity to see the country side.  And, several places that will leave quite an impression….Today, we head to Vinales.

The time it takes to get out to Vinales provides a lot of cerebral time.  Time to reflect…time to consider…what are we really doing.  It is easy to think of Cuba in terms of dance, the castros, the conflict with the US, cigars, the old cars…the food….but, as we head down this highway…I see this man….

I wonder…what is his life like.  With all of our easiness in the U.S….our conveniences and expectations…our cars….I see this man on his horse…traveling the same road as the cars…and it makes me wonder how much do we really consider, empathize, or take the time to feel…the life of another….

Is it just about us…ourselves….our own pedestrian understandings….all of that immediate gratification….and  lack of patience….how much of what we comprehend about others is comprised of the projection of our own sense of self versus actually taking the time to explore the nature of what we seek to know….if all we are doing is building a shrine for ourselves and for others to admire then it doesn’t really matter.

However, if what we seek is to really know….then….we may want to learn how to listen.  I know many of us think we listen…I know….but, the condition of the world…and the condition of our relationships…provides evidence that begs to differ….

Well, this are is called Valle de Vinales and Sierra de Vinales…basically, the valley and the mountains of Vinales.  Pulling in the area, you will see…

This is Western Cuba….and as often with sites such as this….the question is….can you actually get outside of yourself….and feel it….or are you just seeing it….

Although it is warm, there is a nice breeze coming by….carrying with it….so much history….and so much potential for the future….

I imagine it would be quite the time to stay here for a few evenings and sit with your soul….or as Maya Angelou says about the soul…to sit with your ‘longings’….it makes me ponder to myself…with these travels…with these experiences….as I look into the distance…. of my own longings….