Teisha hard at work!
As program materials note: “Cuba is home to one of the world’s largest examples of organic agriculture; when the Soviet Union collapsed, Cuba was forced to become agriculturally self-sufficient, transitioning abruptly from a largely imported food supply to one characterized by urban organic farming. Today, what can Cuba teach the world about agricultural self-reliance and sustainability?”
Here, she offers some reflection on her experiences…
Q: What drew you to this study abroad program?
A: I’ve always wanted to go to Cuba, since childhood. Probably it was the fascination with going someplace you are not necessarily allowed to go! Also, more recently, in the past 10 years, I’ve read a lot about the organic agriculture in Cuba and have been seriously researching going there, so when this came up it was perfect.
Q: What was the food like? Did anything about it stand out to you?
A: In general, if the food is fresh, it’s organic. The best food on the planet was the food we had for lunch at the organoponico (the urban organic gardens found throughout Havana) we visited; it was entirely grown and cooked on the farm so it was fresh and delicious. Also, they do not eat fancy food — all the food is simple and good, they can’t afford to waste it experimenting on new or otherwise risky types of cooking styles.
Q: What was your home stay like? Who did you stay with?
A: They have these things, Casa Particulars (“private homes”), which is one type of entrepreneurial activity that the government allows. They range in scope from rustic to very nice urban apartments in the heart of Havana. We stayed at a nice place: it was a condo, top floor, owned by a women, Aurora, and her son. She offers a few rooms, and he offers a taxi service. They were wonderful people, very easy to talk with (if you know a little Spanglish) and helpful about the community and where to find certain things or places! I loved staying with them.
Q: What was the most surprising thing you saw, felt, or experienced on the trip?
A: Cubans are very proud. Everyone we came across — farmers, artists, shop-workers, bartenders — was so passionate and outspoken. They don’t feel as they are missing out on anything — they are proud to be Cubans and they work together, they have a sense of working together rather than “every man for themselves”.
Q: Were there things about Cuba’s sustainable/eco/agri-tourism sector that could be applicable here in NC?
A: Absolutely! Cuba is a world model for organic production and integrated pest management. They are leaders in research in these areas not out of want, but out of need, and that is apparent in how they conserve and protect what they have. They are masters of making it work! The Cuban agricultural experience is amazing, and certainly the concepts are applicable, although what goes along with that is the necessity to make it work!
From the September 2013 E-Newsletter