Fooled you! - No, I didn't win a full house but I bet you thought I did!
One of the most rewarding things I did last year was to volunteer to call out the Bingo at a local homeless shelter. It has been an eye-opening experience, and enormously satisfying. There are days when I feel tired, and don't feel up to it, but when I go down there, I'm always glad I did.
I was recently away for two weeks and when I returned last Thursday, I was taken aback by the warm reception I received. People hugged me and told me how much they missed me. I wasn't expecting that, but it sure meant a lot to me. These are people who have very little, but who have demonstrated what it means to be generous. Without wishing to be too mushy mushy, I have seen God in action at this shelter, and when I am driving home, I can feel the tears welling up in my eyes.
It was one lady's birthday and even though she did not win at bingo, people gave her their prizes because it was her birthday. I notice the way people look out for each other, in a way I have never seen anywhere else. Another lady had won twice, so she donated her prize to the fellow beside her because he had not won anything. There is a real and genuine sense of caring and sharing amongst my Bingo Buddies. At 'Our Place' people are referred to as family, and yes, it is like one big family.
When I put myself into the shoes of some of the people I meet, I cannot understand for the life of me how they can be so cheerful, happy, generous, and good humoured with so little! After the Bingo finishes up and everybody is delighted with their winnings of chocolate bars or bags of crisps, we part ways. My family, or 'Bingo Buddies' as I call them, will gather up their few belongings and head to a nearby gymnasium or shelter where they will sleep on a thin mattress on a floor. They will share a communal bathroom.
When I go home to my comfortable house, cosy bed, loving family...no wonder I am grateful.
All I can say over and over again is DEO GRATIAS and I love my Bingo Buddies!
Hugs and kisses,
Polly P xxx
Friday, February 27, 2015
SOMETHING ABOUT MARY
I have a good friend Mary. We have known each other for 30 years now and met when working at the Guinness Brewery, Dublin all those years ago. When I think of 'Virtues' as in yesterday's post, I think of Mary. She is one of the kindest people that I know. Mary brings chocolate hearts into her place of work on Valentine's Day, chocolate coins and green treats on St. Patrick's day, etc. She never forgets anybody's birthday, organizes all the 'gal pal' trips abroad, and records the events, and follows up with photos for all to enjoy and share. She is one of the most thoughtful people that I know and radiates love and warmth to everybody lucky enough to know her. She extends the same hospitality to strangers. People like Mary make the world smile.
Just recently, Mary had to go into hospital for 11 days and endure horrendous tests. She had to sleep (she didn't!) sitting upright and she could not eat for 10 days either, only the paltry liquid from a tube. Yet, despite all that, Mary found reason to be cheerful and kind to both nurses and fellow patients.
She still does not know what her ailment is, and will have to return for further tests in March, d.v. I know God has sent his Angels to watch and protect her, as people like her are needed in this world! Yes Sir, we could do with a few more Marys.
Just today as I was talking with Mary, she was making her lists of 'Thank yous' for all the kind nurses she encountered in hospital, and the gifts she wanted to give them - money, chocolates, etc. to show her appreciation for all their kindness and goodness. But what Mary said to me today really struck a chord. She said she wanted to show appreciation to encourage them to keep being as nice to other patients as they had been to her - so not alone was she thinking of the nurses and care staff, she was also thinking about fellow patients and future patients to the hospital - Wow!
But then, with a powerful name like Mary - could we expect anything but the best!
All my Polly Pals join me in wishing Mary a speedy recovery!!
Hugs and kisses,
Polly P xxx
Just recently, Mary had to go into hospital for 11 days and endure horrendous tests. She had to sleep (she didn't!) sitting upright and she could not eat for 10 days either, only the paltry liquid from a tube. Yet, despite all that, Mary found reason to be cheerful and kind to both nurses and fellow patients.
She still does not know what her ailment is, and will have to return for further tests in March, d.v. I know God has sent his Angels to watch and protect her, as people like her are needed in this world! Yes Sir, we could do with a few more Marys.
Just today as I was talking with Mary, she was making her lists of 'Thank yous' for all the kind nurses she encountered in hospital, and the gifts she wanted to give them - money, chocolates, etc. to show her appreciation for all their kindness and goodness. But what Mary said to me today really struck a chord. She said she wanted to show appreciation to encourage them to keep being as nice to other patients as they had been to her - so not alone was she thinking of the nurses and care staff, she was also thinking about fellow patients and future patients to the hospital - Wow!
But then, with a powerful name like Mary - could we expect anything but the best!
All my Polly Pals join me in wishing Mary a speedy recovery!!
Hugs and kisses,
Polly P xxx
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
BOOK OF VIRTUES
Today marks the completion of Week 1 of my Lenten journey. I am so happy that I have managed to keep on track with my goals - for once!! - but there are 3 longs weeks to go yet and the Devil is mighty busy this time of the year. The supermarket is a shrine of aromatic Easter eggs, but I'm like a horse and just keep looking straight ahead - away from the danger zone!
Today I will share some beautiful words with you from the Book of Virtues which resonate with me... Hope you enjoy as much as I do!
There are some who drift out in the deserts of doubt
And some who in brutishness wallow;
There are others, I know, who in piety go
Because of a Heaven to follow.
But to labour with zest, and to give of your best,
For the sweetness and joy of the giving
To help folks along, with a hand and a song
Why, there's the real sunshine of living.
Carry on! Carry on!
Fight the good fight and true
Believe in your mission,
Greet life with a smile
There's big work to be done
and that is why you are here, so
Carry on! Carry on!
Let the world be the better for you
And at last when you die, let this be your cry
Carry on my soul! Carry on!
Love it!
Hugs and kisses,
Polly P xxx
Today I will share some beautiful words with you from the Book of Virtues which resonate with me... Hope you enjoy as much as I do!
There are some who drift out in the deserts of doubt
And some who in brutishness wallow;
There are others, I know, who in piety go
Because of a Heaven to follow.
But to labour with zest, and to give of your best,
For the sweetness and joy of the giving
To help folks along, with a hand and a song
Why, there's the real sunshine of living.
Carry on! Carry on!
Fight the good fight and true
Believe in your mission,
Greet life with a smile
There's big work to be done
and that is why you are here, so
Carry on! Carry on!
Let the world be the better for you
And at last when you die, let this be your cry
Carry on my soul! Carry on!
Love it!
Hugs and kisses,
Polly P xxx
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
FAITH IS FORGIVENESS
Fr. David delivered the homily at mass today. He is young, enthusiastic and everybody loves him. Prior to joining the priesthood, he worked in the hospitality industry, and also studied Philosophy, so he has a lot to say about the world we live in today. I consider him the Dr. Phil of the church - he would laugh if he heard me say that!
Today's topic was about forgiveness, and the importance of doing things for God which were beyond our comfort zone. Before we even tackle the big task of forgiveness, we must busy ourselves with lots of good deeds - even if we don't feel appreciated or acknowledged for our efforts - Do it anyway, because that is what God wants us to do.
Forgiveness, he acknowledged is not easy, especially when the person who hurt you made you feel so insignificant, and hurt you deeply. We must do it nonetheless. In doing so, we find grace and will have a sense of peace in our hearts, which is what God wants for all of us - Peace.
So, in the spirit of Peace and Reconciliation, I would like to share a little prayer about Healing and Forgiveness. I have given it to people and they have found it very helpful. May it bring comfort and peace to you.
HEALING PRAYER AT BEDTIME
Jesus, through the power of the Holy Spirit go back into my memory as I sleep.
Every hurt that has ever been done to me...heal that hurt.
Every hurt that I have ever caused to another person...heal that hurt.
All the relationships that have been damaged in my whole life that I am aware of
...heal those relationships.
But Lord, if I need to go to a person because he is still suffering from my hand,
bring to my awareness that person.
I choose to forgive, and I ask to be forgiven.
Remove whatever bitterness may be in my heart, Lord,
and fill the empty spaces with your love.
AMEN
Keep the above prayer by your bedside, it will help you have a peaceful night's sleep!
Hugs,
Polly P xxx
Today's topic was about forgiveness, and the importance of doing things for God which were beyond our comfort zone. Before we even tackle the big task of forgiveness, we must busy ourselves with lots of good deeds - even if we don't feel appreciated or acknowledged for our efforts - Do it anyway, because that is what God wants us to do.
Forgiveness, he acknowledged is not easy, especially when the person who hurt you made you feel so insignificant, and hurt you deeply. We must do it nonetheless. In doing so, we find grace and will have a sense of peace in our hearts, which is what God wants for all of us - Peace.
So, in the spirit of Peace and Reconciliation, I would like to share a little prayer about Healing and Forgiveness. I have given it to people and they have found it very helpful. May it bring comfort and peace to you.
HEALING PRAYER AT BEDTIME
Jesus, through the power of the Holy Spirit go back into my memory as I sleep.
Every hurt that has ever been done to me...heal that hurt.
Every hurt that I have ever caused to another person...heal that hurt.
All the relationships that have been damaged in my whole life that I am aware of
...heal those relationships.
But Lord, if I need to go to a person because he is still suffering from my hand,
bring to my awareness that person.
I choose to forgive, and I ask to be forgiven.
Remove whatever bitterness may be in my heart, Lord,
and fill the empty spaces with your love.
AMEN
Keep the above prayer by your bedside, it will help you have a peaceful night's sleep!
Hugs,
Polly P xxx
Saturday, February 21, 2015
DAY 5 - GRADUAL GROWTH
I am dipping into the wisdom of that feisty woman of faith - Joyce Meyer. You should google her, and listen to her speak. I think you will enjoy her as much as I do.
I reached for Joyce's book today - Power Thoughts - Daily inspirations, as I felt I could do with some inspiration for winning the battle of the mind, as she so amusingly puts it! Life is a daily struggle requiring immense discipline to stay on track with all our demands - housework and home maintenance, car maintenance, bills, accounting, cooking, diet and exercise, animals, garden, groceries, career, family - the list is endless. There are so many demands and not enough time.
Prayer, sadly gets dropped to the end of the list because God does not make any demands, yet the day I start with a prayer, is frequently the best day, and I sleep a lot better when I end the day on a prayer. But I don't always do this. I should know better, so hopefully this Lenten journey will put some sense into me!
I feel guilty that I am not doing enough good in the world; that I should be doing more charity work, but Joyce Meyer re-assures me that God operates on the principle of "gradual growth" - things changing little by little. Rather than focusing on how far you will have to go, recognize instead how far you have come. Staying positive will help you in all areas of life.
Power Thought: It is God's will for me to have peace and not confusion.
Hugs,
Polly P xxx
I reached for Joyce's book today - Power Thoughts - Daily inspirations, as I felt I could do with some inspiration for winning the battle of the mind, as she so amusingly puts it! Life is a daily struggle requiring immense discipline to stay on track with all our demands - housework and home maintenance, car maintenance, bills, accounting, cooking, diet and exercise, animals, garden, groceries, career, family - the list is endless. There are so many demands and not enough time.
Prayer, sadly gets dropped to the end of the list because God does not make any demands, yet the day I start with a prayer, is frequently the best day, and I sleep a lot better when I end the day on a prayer. But I don't always do this. I should know better, so hopefully this Lenten journey will put some sense into me!
I feel guilty that I am not doing enough good in the world; that I should be doing more charity work, but Joyce Meyer re-assures me that God operates on the principle of "gradual growth" - things changing little by little. Rather than focusing on how far you will have to go, recognize instead how far you have come. Staying positive will help you in all areas of life.
Power Thought: It is God's will for me to have peace and not confusion.
Hugs,
Polly P xxx
DAY 4 - BEDSIDE READING
Day 4 of Lent is upon us, and so far so fabulous! Going off sweets has been a breeze because they poisoned me with sugar over in Cuba, and it will take me weeks to get it all out of my system - just as well!!
Anyway, back to the holy part. I'm really getting into the Lenten groove this time (sure, I know I have the zeal of a convert!). I'm going to daily mass, saying a daily rosary, and the spiritual momentum is joyfully building up. I scoured all the nooks and crannies in the house where I put books I intend reading one day. I found some great soul searching gems, including:
Care of the Soul and Meditations by Thomas Moore
Power Thoughts - 365 Daily Inspirations for Winning the Battle of the Mind by Joyce Meyer
100 Days of Grace for Women - author unknown
Anam Cara by John O'Donohue and Benedictus, also by John O'Donohue
Everyday Grace and A Course in Miracles - both by Marianne Williamson
A Year of Spirituality by Ingrid Collins
The Power of the Heart by Baptist De Pape
Living in Gratitude by Angeles Arrien
The Rosary - The Prayer That Saved My Life by Immaculee Ilibagiza
Living in Gratitude by Angeles Arrien
The Rosary - The Prayer That Saved My Life by Immaculee Ilibagiza
The above books I bought gradually over the past few years, and some were given to me as gifts. I really enjoy them because you can dip in and out of them with relative ease, and get great bang for your spiritual buck! I love the work of John O'Donohue and Marianne Williamson. These are books you can read over and over again, or simply waltz into as the spirit moves you. Just having these powerful books around me in my 'Sanctuary' helps me focus.
So that's about the size of it for today! If you're joining me on this journey, let me know how you're doing!
Hugs,
Polly P xxx
Friday, February 20, 2015
GO INTO ALL FOUR ROOMS
I am currently reading 100 Ways to Keep Your Soul Alive by Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat. It is a short little book, and ever so sweet. It's a perfect reading companion for the Lenten journey. I found it in a charity shop in Ireland. There are 100 suggestions in the book, and over the next 37 days or so, I will share some of my favourite with you.
One that got my attention was 'Go into all four rooms'.
There is an Indian proverb or axiom that says that everyone is a house with four rooms, a physical, a mental, an emotional, and a spiritual. Most of us tend to live in one room most of the time but, unless we go into every room every day, even if only to keep it aired, we are not a complete person.
I think the four rooms could apply to the four elements in astrology.
Physical - Earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) connecting with body.
Mental - Air signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) connecting with mind.
Emotional - Water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces) connecting with emotions.
Spiritual - Fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) connecting with spirit.
On this, day 3 of our Lenten journey, assess the condition of your four rooms. Which one looks like you visit it regularly? Which needs airing out? Which one needs a little TLC?
Something to ponder...
Hugs,
Polly P xxx
One that got my attention was 'Go into all four rooms'.
There is an Indian proverb or axiom that says that everyone is a house with four rooms, a physical, a mental, an emotional, and a spiritual. Most of us tend to live in one room most of the time but, unless we go into every room every day, even if only to keep it aired, we are not a complete person.
I think the four rooms could apply to the four elements in astrology.
Physical - Earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) connecting with body.
Mental - Air signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) connecting with mind.
Emotional - Water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces) connecting with emotions.
Spiritual - Fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) connecting with spirit.
On this, day 3 of our Lenten journey, assess the condition of your four rooms. Which one looks like you visit it regularly? Which needs airing out? Which one needs a little TLC?
Something to ponder...
Hugs,
Polly P xxx
Thursday, February 19, 2015
DAY 2...WORRIES...LET GO LET GOD.
"Do not be anxious about your life, what you shall eat, nor about your body, what you shall put on."
Luke 12:22
Our mantra for today is 'LET GO LET GOD'
In his book The Power of Now, Eckhart Tolle advises us to simply focus on the NOW: "As soon as you honour the present moment, all unhappiness and struggle dissolve, and life begins to flow with joy and ease." It is when you are in the state of 'nowness' as I like to call it, that you can properly connect with the Divine. The Divine needs a quiet mind for a proper connection.
On this the second day of your spiritual journey, spend a few moments observing the way your thoughts can meander in a menacing way. It could be that phone call you just received, or some bad news about a relative, or frustration with the collapse of your New Year's resolutions -- whatever! Thoughts are like fleas, there to bug you! Write down your 3 biggest concerns. Could the burden be a little lighter if you asked the Lord to help you carry it? Take a deep breath when you find the wiggly worries worming their way into your private territory without your permission! Just like friends, try and be a little bit more selective about the thoughts you invite into your private space.
You may wish to write in a journal during this time, and document how that tiny mustard seed of faith is beginning to grow...and grow...and grow. It takes time, and effort. But it's very much worth the effort.
Prayer has the power to move mountains, and many a mountain of worry it has moved! Faith has caused miracles to happen. The deeper you put yourself into the prayer moment, the greater your spiritual high will be. These 40 days will surprise you. Pray for inspiration, and help to develop your faith. As I say over and over and over again, "God is Good."
Prayer for Day 2:
'Lord I repent of all my worrying and fretting! I know that it blocks your Power.
Please help me to place all my trust in you. I leave these worries....(mention them here) in your care. I know you will do what is right. There is nothing that you nor I cannot handle together. Thank you for helping me place all my trust and cares in you'.
'LET GO LET GOD'
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
ASH WEDNESDAY...JOIN ME ON A SPIRITUAL JOURNEY...40 DAYS AND 40 NIGHTS
So yes, today is a very special day. It is the beginning of Lent. The Sun just moved into Pisces, and we have a new moon -- it's a great time to start a spiritual journey. Pisces, with its symbol of the fish, is regarded as the spiritual guru of the zodiac. I do know that I have never met a Pisces who did not believe in a greater power. For the most part, Piscean people are spiritually inclined, compassionate, and believe in the good of humanity.
So let's make today SPECIAL! Let's do something different. I really want to have a great Lent this year d.v. and I am inviting you to join me on the journey of 40 days and 40 nights. I am forever grateful for the year I gave up sugar in my tea -- that one stuck! But there are even greater treasures to be unearthed during our time in the "desert." Alone time to connect with our maker...
Day 1 TODAY:
Find the sunniest, happiest, most peaceful place in your home or garden.
Surround yourself with images that transport you: deceased loved ones, God, Our Lady, Angels -- anything that connects you to the Divine.
Light a candle and focus on the flame.
Close your eyes, and do some relaxation and breathing exercises.
Have some nice soft, angelic music playing in the background, or birds singing in the trees.
NOW...
BE SILENT
BE STILL
ALONE, EMPTY
BEFORE YOUR GOD
SAY NOTHING
BE SILENT
BE STILL
LET YOUR GOD LOOK UPON YOU
THAT IS ALL
HE KNOWS
HE UNDERSTANDS
HE LOVES YOU WITH AN ENORMOUS LOVE
HE ONLY WANTS TO LOOK UPON YOU WITH HIS LOVE
Q U I E T...
BE STILL
LET YOUR GOD LOVE YOU...
After quiet contemplation and prayer. make a list of some ways you can show your gratitude to God during Lent. Try to practise a random act of kindness each day -- give alms to the poor, visit a shelter, etc. Maybe go off coffee or sweets, and the money spared could go to your charity of choice.
EnJOY Day 1 of the journey...
Love and Hugs,
Polly P xxx
So let's make today SPECIAL! Let's do something different. I really want to have a great Lent this year d.v. and I am inviting you to join me on the journey of 40 days and 40 nights. I am forever grateful for the year I gave up sugar in my tea -- that one stuck! But there are even greater treasures to be unearthed during our time in the "desert." Alone time to connect with our maker...
Day 1 TODAY:
Find the sunniest, happiest, most peaceful place in your home or garden.
Surround yourself with images that transport you: deceased loved ones, God, Our Lady, Angels -- anything that connects you to the Divine.
Light a candle and focus on the flame.
Close your eyes, and do some relaxation and breathing exercises.
Have some nice soft, angelic music playing in the background, or birds singing in the trees.
NOW...
BE SILENT
BE STILL
ALONE, EMPTY
BEFORE YOUR GOD
SAY NOTHING
BE SILENT
BE STILL
LET YOUR GOD LOOK UPON YOU
THAT IS ALL
HE KNOWS
HE UNDERSTANDS
HE LOVES YOU WITH AN ENORMOUS LOVE
HE ONLY WANTS TO LOOK UPON YOU WITH HIS LOVE
Q U I E T...
BE STILL
LET YOUR GOD LOVE YOU...
After quiet contemplation and prayer. make a list of some ways you can show your gratitude to God during Lent. Try to practise a random act of kindness each day -- give alms to the poor, visit a shelter, etc. Maybe go off coffee or sweets, and the money spared could go to your charity of choice.
EnJOY Day 1 of the journey...
Love and Hugs,
Polly P xxx
Monday, February 16, 2015
CUBA - THE GOOD THE BAD AND THE BARBARIC!
It was my first time going to a Communist Caribbean country with no edible chocolate - no edible anything - so compromise was the order of the week. I'll admit, I'm a pampered princess, so the lack of 'modern conveniences' in Cuba, such as toilet paper, Starbucks, and easy access to the Internet, I found a tad tiresome.
On the plane going over, Claudia tried to prepare me. She told me they charged you per sheet for the toilet paper in public washrooms. She was right! Three sheets per person - 4 if they like you. A lady sits on a chair and doles out the coveted paper. You duly drop some coins on a plate, and she smiles. At the airport, one lady was using an empty Pringles tin, filling it with water, and pouring it into the toilets after you left. We got in at the deep end, if you'll pardon the pun! That was the barbaric part.
On the positive side, it was a fabulous rest for all of us - no computer, no proper junk food. Don't get me wrong, there was junk food... it just wasn't fun to eat! The meat was decidedly suspect, which is why I decided to become a vegetarian again - safer by far!! It was my first time going to an all-inclusive resort and I realize now I'm not a good candidate. I'm a hippy at heart. I felt like a caged animal. Life centred around eating - eat, rest by the beach or pool. Eat again, play, eat, rest, eat...eat again, play, eat...you get the drift... It was competitive too. You have to plonk your towels on a bed by the beach or pool by 7 a.m. at the latest! Everything gets snapped up early.
Our resort, Sol Palmeras in Varadero, boasts 4 stars and incredible service. Waiters were always on hand offering free drinks, food - anything - even a neck massage if you asked nicely...and popped a peso in their palm! It was clean, efficient, and delivered everything they promised - sea, sand, sunshine, music, and lots of happy smiles. Hanging out there reminded me of my time on a Kibbutz in Israel many years ago. Staff are busy about their work, tending the gardens, singing, laughing, cooking in the kitchen, the sound of cutlery clattering as you swing lazily on your hammock beneath the majestic palm trees. My abiding memory of Cuba will be those tall, incredibly beautiful palm trees, and that turquoise blue sky. I couldn't get enough swinging time. I would while away hours on the hammock, feeling like Robinson Crusoe, listening to the gentle rhythmic roar of the tide. Magic!
The whole Cuba experience was very much a journey back in time. Time has stood still there. The clock stopped when they fell out with America, and decided to go it alone. As I write, a truce is in the making. It's anybody's guess as to how this is going to affect Cuba, both socially, and economically. Approx. 65% of its 11 million inhabitants are Spanish, 20% African, and the rest a mix of Chinese and others. There was no distinct 'Cuban' citizen. I found the black Cubans by far the happiest, and the most friendly. They were brought in from Africa centuries ago as slaves, and endured horrendous cruelty. So the current Communist way of life where everyone is equal works especially well for them.
Nobody can buy a house, they have to swap homes if they want to move. Realtors are illegal. $250,000 can buy you the biggest, most luxurious home in Cuba, with 6 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. Professionals earn only $2,000 a month, while regular folk half of that amount. They rely a lot on tourism, the sugar cane industry, and the '3 Musketeers', as they affectionately call them - namely, Tobacco, Coffee, and Rum. Some people travel to Cuba simply for the cigars - seriously. I met a man on the Havana tour who was cigar crazy. Cigars were on his mind when he booked the trip. His favourite smoke which costs him $30 in Canada is only $6 in Cuba, so he was there to stock up. There is a limit of 50 cigars per person.
Plaza America, with its telling title, was the most happening place on our resort. A cute little blue Disney-like choo choo train transferred tourists down each day, past the bungalows for rent and glorious, lush tropical foliage that reminded me of the Kibbutz. At the Plaza you could buy fab Russianized fashion, designed to please the boys - shiny, short, and sleazy in the extreme, plus tacky souvenirs and t-shirts that you would see in the dollar store at home - except a lot more expensive. Cuban women look at you wistfully, because they never have enough money to buy bling, or travel, or do fun things. Everything there is so expensive, sort of what I think East Berlin was like, before they took the wall down.
It is very common to see tons of hitchhikers on the road as few people own cars. It is illegal to pass a hitchhiker on the road. Fellows wearing yellow trousers are there on duty to ensure that hikers get a ride. If you pass a hitcher, your driving license is taken from you, and you have to pay a hefty penalty. Cuba for the most part has very little crime, though watch your bag and bling in Havana!!
Some reviewers compared our resort in Varadero to a Butlin's holiday camp. I found that amusing, and true at times, especially when the family games came out! Bubbles by the pool, sweet innocent games of shooting the ball into a hole in a box, getting the ring around the rim of a drunken rum bottle, or dancing with a group of awkward tourists around the pool. Mind you I liked the beach aerobics and tried that one day, and loved the Tai Chi another day. All novel experiences. So yes, it was a mix between life on a Kibbutz and Butlin's, all rolled into one jolly holly holiday camp. Add in sunshine, ocean swimming, and there you have the makings of a heavenly hiatus.
Tourists comprised mainly Germans, English, Russian and Canadians, so the air was one of friendly reserve. The Buffet experience was a battle every day. The Germans always managed to be first at everything. I was in awe. It was like a game of musical chairs, with pile ups for food, and people scuttering to find an empty table. I guess when you have several hundred hungry, sun drenched tourists hitting the dining room at the same time, and wanting to be fed, things get mighty competitive!
Desserts were all sickly sweet...I like sugar but hey! not as much as they delivered. Fish tasted and looked like rubber, (they have no fishing industry because Fidel removed the boats in case they tried to escape to Miami!), eggs were not eggs - don't mind what they say! meat was doggone suspect, and the only vegetables that tasted like their authentic self were the french fries and good old frozen peas! Coffee was as thick as stew, served lukewarm with half milk, and a cannon ball kick - an acquired taste if ever. Everything was laced with sugar, sugar, and more sugar! The sugar cane is a huge industry in Cuba so they can afford to be generous.
The highlight of our holiday was our trip to Havana. Getting away from the resort, which really could be anywhere, and seeing 'the real Cuba' is something I would highly recommend to anybody considering going there. Havana is a richly rewarding tourist experience. The majestic buildings, Governor's home which is now a museum, St Francis of Assisi Square with its spectacular buddy bears exhibit, comprising a hand painted bear for every country in the world. Worth seeing and truly magnificent. Revolution Square, where giant images of Cuban heroes, Che Guevara and Fidel Castro are proudly displayed. Che Guevara's image is plastered on everything from t-shirts to bags - it's even tattooed on men's body parts! Havana was everything I had hoped for and more - minus the shops. Nobody has anything, it's a poor place. So not a shopping destination.
The Irish connection was a sweet surprise. There is a street in Havana named O'Reilly street, and a plaque beneath it dedicated to the Irish/Cuban connection which reads 'Cuba and Ireland: Two island peoples in the same seas of struggle and Hope'. My home town in Ireland has pictures of Che Guevara everywhere. We even have a festival dedicated to him every summer. Che Guevara's maternal grandmother apparently was Irish. I also noticed a love for the colours green, white and gold in the sumptuous costumes at the Tropicana club. By the way, the Tropicana show is a must-see when you go to Havana. The dancing, music, and costumes will take your breath away.
You go to Cuba for the cultural experience, the 3 Musketeers, the happy people, incredible music, vibrant dancing, driving around in colourful old 50's cars, sipping sweet cappuccinos in dusty old cafes in Havana, with the aroma of cigars, high ceilings, and piano music, memories of Ernest Hemingway, and a glamorous bygone era... Now the rich Cubans are all living the dream in Miami - the promised land for every Cuban - only 90 tantalizing miles across the ocean... Singers Gloria Estefan and Pitbull are proud Cuban ex-pats, now living that dream in Miami.
Some day soon it will all change. Cuba is a huge wannabe Miami. And it's going to happen... The beautiful old American Embassy will be resurrected...Who knows what will happen then?
In the meantime, the rhythm is definitely going to getcha!!
Love and hugs,
Polly P xxx
On the plane going over, Claudia tried to prepare me. She told me they charged you per sheet for the toilet paper in public washrooms. She was right! Three sheets per person - 4 if they like you. A lady sits on a chair and doles out the coveted paper. You duly drop some coins on a plate, and she smiles. At the airport, one lady was using an empty Pringles tin, filling it with water, and pouring it into the toilets after you left. We got in at the deep end, if you'll pardon the pun! That was the barbaric part.
On the positive side, it was a fabulous rest for all of us - no computer, no proper junk food. Don't get me wrong, there was junk food... it just wasn't fun to eat! The meat was decidedly suspect, which is why I decided to become a vegetarian again - safer by far!! It was my first time going to an all-inclusive resort and I realize now I'm not a good candidate. I'm a hippy at heart. I felt like a caged animal. Life centred around eating - eat, rest by the beach or pool. Eat again, play, eat, rest, eat...eat again, play, eat...you get the drift... It was competitive too. You have to plonk your towels on a bed by the beach or pool by 7 a.m. at the latest! Everything gets snapped up early.
Our resort, Sol Palmeras in Varadero, boasts 4 stars and incredible service. Waiters were always on hand offering free drinks, food - anything - even a neck massage if you asked nicely...and popped a peso in their palm! It was clean, efficient, and delivered everything they promised - sea, sand, sunshine, music, and lots of happy smiles. Hanging out there reminded me of my time on a Kibbutz in Israel many years ago. Staff are busy about their work, tending the gardens, singing, laughing, cooking in the kitchen, the sound of cutlery clattering as you swing lazily on your hammock beneath the majestic palm trees. My abiding memory of Cuba will be those tall, incredibly beautiful palm trees, and that turquoise blue sky. I couldn't get enough swinging time. I would while away hours on the hammock, feeling like Robinson Crusoe, listening to the gentle rhythmic roar of the tide. Magic!
The whole Cuba experience was very much a journey back in time. Time has stood still there. The clock stopped when they fell out with America, and decided to go it alone. As I write, a truce is in the making. It's anybody's guess as to how this is going to affect Cuba, both socially, and economically. Approx. 65% of its 11 million inhabitants are Spanish, 20% African, and the rest a mix of Chinese and others. There was no distinct 'Cuban' citizen. I found the black Cubans by far the happiest, and the most friendly. They were brought in from Africa centuries ago as slaves, and endured horrendous cruelty. So the current Communist way of life where everyone is equal works especially well for them.
Nobody can buy a house, they have to swap homes if they want to move. Realtors are illegal. $250,000 can buy you the biggest, most luxurious home in Cuba, with 6 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. Professionals earn only $2,000 a month, while regular folk half of that amount. They rely a lot on tourism, the sugar cane industry, and the '3 Musketeers', as they affectionately call them - namely, Tobacco, Coffee, and Rum. Some people travel to Cuba simply for the cigars - seriously. I met a man on the Havana tour who was cigar crazy. Cigars were on his mind when he booked the trip. His favourite smoke which costs him $30 in Canada is only $6 in Cuba, so he was there to stock up. There is a limit of 50 cigars per person.
Plaza America, with its telling title, was the most happening place on our resort. A cute little blue Disney-like choo choo train transferred tourists down each day, past the bungalows for rent and glorious, lush tropical foliage that reminded me of the Kibbutz. At the Plaza you could buy fab Russianized fashion, designed to please the boys - shiny, short, and sleazy in the extreme, plus tacky souvenirs and t-shirts that you would see in the dollar store at home - except a lot more expensive. Cuban women look at you wistfully, because they never have enough money to buy bling, or travel, or do fun things. Everything there is so expensive, sort of what I think East Berlin was like, before they took the wall down.
It is very common to see tons of hitchhikers on the road as few people own cars. It is illegal to pass a hitchhiker on the road. Fellows wearing yellow trousers are there on duty to ensure that hikers get a ride. If you pass a hitcher, your driving license is taken from you, and you have to pay a hefty penalty. Cuba for the most part has very little crime, though watch your bag and bling in Havana!!
Some reviewers compared our resort in Varadero to a Butlin's holiday camp. I found that amusing, and true at times, especially when the family games came out! Bubbles by the pool, sweet innocent games of shooting the ball into a hole in a box, getting the ring around the rim of a drunken rum bottle, or dancing with a group of awkward tourists around the pool. Mind you I liked the beach aerobics and tried that one day, and loved the Tai Chi another day. All novel experiences. So yes, it was a mix between life on a Kibbutz and Butlin's, all rolled into one jolly holly holiday camp. Add in sunshine, ocean swimming, and there you have the makings of a heavenly hiatus.
Tourists comprised mainly Germans, English, Russian and Canadians, so the air was one of friendly reserve. The Buffet experience was a battle every day. The Germans always managed to be first at everything. I was in awe. It was like a game of musical chairs, with pile ups for food, and people scuttering to find an empty table. I guess when you have several hundred hungry, sun drenched tourists hitting the dining room at the same time, and wanting to be fed, things get mighty competitive!
Desserts were all sickly sweet...I like sugar but hey! not as much as they delivered. Fish tasted and looked like rubber, (they have no fishing industry because Fidel removed the boats in case they tried to escape to Miami!), eggs were not eggs - don't mind what they say! meat was doggone suspect, and the only vegetables that tasted like their authentic self were the french fries and good old frozen peas! Coffee was as thick as stew, served lukewarm with half milk, and a cannon ball kick - an acquired taste if ever. Everything was laced with sugar, sugar, and more sugar! The sugar cane is a huge industry in Cuba so they can afford to be generous.
The highlight of our holiday was our trip to Havana. Getting away from the resort, which really could be anywhere, and seeing 'the real Cuba' is something I would highly recommend to anybody considering going there. Havana is a richly rewarding tourist experience. The majestic buildings, Governor's home which is now a museum, St Francis of Assisi Square with its spectacular buddy bears exhibit, comprising a hand painted bear for every country in the world. Worth seeing and truly magnificent. Revolution Square, where giant images of Cuban heroes, Che Guevara and Fidel Castro are proudly displayed. Che Guevara's image is plastered on everything from t-shirts to bags - it's even tattooed on men's body parts! Havana was everything I had hoped for and more - minus the shops. Nobody has anything, it's a poor place. So not a shopping destination.
The Irish connection was a sweet surprise. There is a street in Havana named O'Reilly street, and a plaque beneath it dedicated to the Irish/Cuban connection which reads 'Cuba and Ireland: Two island peoples in the same seas of struggle and Hope'. My home town in Ireland has pictures of Che Guevara everywhere. We even have a festival dedicated to him every summer. Che Guevara's maternal grandmother apparently was Irish. I also noticed a love for the colours green, white and gold in the sumptuous costumes at the Tropicana club. By the way, the Tropicana show is a must-see when you go to Havana. The dancing, music, and costumes will take your breath away.
You go to Cuba for the cultural experience, the 3 Musketeers, the happy people, incredible music, vibrant dancing, driving around in colourful old 50's cars, sipping sweet cappuccinos in dusty old cafes in Havana, with the aroma of cigars, high ceilings, and piano music, memories of Ernest Hemingway, and a glamorous bygone era... Now the rich Cubans are all living the dream in Miami - the promised land for every Cuban - only 90 tantalizing miles across the ocean... Singers Gloria Estefan and Pitbull are proud Cuban ex-pats, now living that dream in Miami.
Some day soon it will all change. Cuba is a huge wannabe Miami. And it's going to happen... The beautiful old American Embassy will be resurrected...Who knows what will happen then?
In the meantime, the rhythm is definitely going to getcha!!
Love and hugs,
Polly P xxx
Thursday, February 5, 2015
WHY CUBA?
That was my bank manager's reaction yesterday when I told him I was going. He seemed surprised, like as if Cuba was a country where they ate their young, and Che Guevara was still running around the streets with his machine gun. "At least it's good to get there before the Americans" he said, just like everybody else does when I tell them I'm going to Cuba. What's wrong with McDonald's and Starbucks? Some of my best holidays were 'McDonaldized' for want of a better word - New York, Miami, California, Orlando, Las Vegas, Hawaii - what fun!
Cuba will be different. It's a quirky place to visit, and they love to dance! Because they have not been 'Americanized', we can expect it to be a rich condensed culture, and maybe a little bit lacking in creature comforts. Certainly not a place for shopping. Cars are from the 50's, and they have absolutely no junk food! - or so I'm told. No chocolate? I'll tell you when I get there...All shall be revealed!
I told the fellow in the bank that when I watched Cuban rapper Pitbull gyrating his hips on stage in Miami New Year's Eve, the seed was sown. "Who's Pitbull?" he asked. What planet was this man living on I wondered to myself. Even my 74 year old friend Anita is in love with Pitbull. I dared him to ask one of the young female bank tellers. They would surely know! So over he boldly strides. "Do you like Pitbull?" he asked a sweet innocent teller. She told him that yes, she loved all dogs - even Pitbulls! The moment was lost.
As I pack my suitcase, cigar smoke and Cuban music are competing for air space. The cigars were a timely gift for Kevin from a patient, and he couldn't wait to try them out! He is wearing his straw hat to complete the picture, while devouring all the books on Cuba - now that's the spirit!
I'll keep you posted...!!
Hugs and Kisses,
Polly P xxx
Cuba will be different. It's a quirky place to visit, and they love to dance! Because they have not been 'Americanized', we can expect it to be a rich condensed culture, and maybe a little bit lacking in creature comforts. Certainly not a place for shopping. Cars are from the 50's, and they have absolutely no junk food! - or so I'm told. No chocolate? I'll tell you when I get there...All shall be revealed!
I told the fellow in the bank that when I watched Cuban rapper Pitbull gyrating his hips on stage in Miami New Year's Eve, the seed was sown. "Who's Pitbull?" he asked. What planet was this man living on I wondered to myself. Even my 74 year old friend Anita is in love with Pitbull. I dared him to ask one of the young female bank tellers. They would surely know! So over he boldly strides. "Do you like Pitbull?" he asked a sweet innocent teller. She told him that yes, she loved all dogs - even Pitbulls! The moment was lost.
As I pack my suitcase, cigar smoke and Cuban music are competing for air space. The cigars were a timely gift for Kevin from a patient, and he couldn't wait to try them out! He is wearing his straw hat to complete the picture, while devouring all the books on Cuba - now that's the spirit!
I'll keep you posted...!!
Hugs and Kisses,
Polly P xxx
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
LET'S GO!!
I was de-cluttering the basement recently when I came across an Oprah magazine from 2004. It looked interesting and I needed a good excuse for a rest! As I glanced over the glossy pages, enjoying all the familiar Oprah 'live your best life' messages that go in one ear, and out the other, I suddenly had a very bleak moment. Even though the magazine was now 11 years old, it was sufficiently up-to-date to be sitting on shop shelves today.
The fashion was current and modern. The ad for Chanel Mademoiselle perfume was still the same, my laundry detergent and breakfast cereal, ditto. The extra pounds I wanted to lose back then have remained loyal, and could not be parted from me! Suddenly, a wiggly wormy thought struck me - Nothing has changed in the past 11 years! Nothing. Where has the time gone? I could actually recall reading that magazine when it first came out, and enjoying the special feature on dresses.
Eleven years seems like a lot of time, but I think the Universe is fooling us! Our days seem to be really and truly flying! Because the transience of time had whooshed by so quickly, I began asking myself what really had I done with my life in the past 11 years since I bought that magazine? After the initial panic subsided, I began to relax. It wasn't that bad really - I had done something with my life - not all I would have wanted to do, but enough to justify my existence.
In the past 11 years, the girls had graduated from High School and gone on to University, we had moved from Calgary to Victoria, met some new people, travelled to several countries, enjoyed many a great celebration meal at restaurants, our dogs and cat, like us, have got older and wiser, we moved house three times, endured renovations from hell, I wrote 3 books, and of course dear Daddy died and along with him, the heart and soul of our family was buried too. Nothing, and everything, has changed. On paper it seems like a decent chunk of life has been lived. But why do I feel like it has all happened so quickly? Do you feel the same with your life?
How about the next 11 years? Is it because we're getting older, and realize that our health and energy levels are going to be dropping, that we need to get serious about 'Living our Best Lives'. If you lived on a deserted island, a farm, or a small country village, would the urgent matter of using your life to its utmost, be still an issue?
If God blesses you with another 11 years, how would you like to spend it? Are you getting the most bang for your life buck? Are you just dragging your feet? Getting by with a wing and a prayer? Believing that when you lose that extra 10 lbs. your life will change? or that when 'Mr. Right Now' comes along, the clouds of life will disperse? Big questions...Time is flying, so LET'S GO!!
Hugs and Kisses,
Polly P xxx
The fashion was current and modern. The ad for Chanel Mademoiselle perfume was still the same, my laundry detergent and breakfast cereal, ditto. The extra pounds I wanted to lose back then have remained loyal, and could not be parted from me! Suddenly, a wiggly wormy thought struck me - Nothing has changed in the past 11 years! Nothing. Where has the time gone? I could actually recall reading that magazine when it first came out, and enjoying the special feature on dresses.
Eleven years seems like a lot of time, but I think the Universe is fooling us! Our days seem to be really and truly flying! Because the transience of time had whooshed by so quickly, I began asking myself what really had I done with my life in the past 11 years since I bought that magazine? After the initial panic subsided, I began to relax. It wasn't that bad really - I had done something with my life - not all I would have wanted to do, but enough to justify my existence.
In the past 11 years, the girls had graduated from High School and gone on to University, we had moved from Calgary to Victoria, met some new people, travelled to several countries, enjoyed many a great celebration meal at restaurants, our dogs and cat, like us, have got older and wiser, we moved house three times, endured renovations from hell, I wrote 3 books, and of course dear Daddy died and along with him, the heart and soul of our family was buried too. Nothing, and everything, has changed. On paper it seems like a decent chunk of life has been lived. But why do I feel like it has all happened so quickly? Do you feel the same with your life?
How about the next 11 years? Is it because we're getting older, and realize that our health and energy levels are going to be dropping, that we need to get serious about 'Living our Best Lives'. If you lived on a deserted island, a farm, or a small country village, would the urgent matter of using your life to its utmost, be still an issue?
If God blesses you with another 11 years, how would you like to spend it? Are you getting the most bang for your life buck? Are you just dragging your feet? Getting by with a wing and a prayer? Believing that when you lose that extra 10 lbs. your life will change? or that when 'Mr. Right Now' comes along, the clouds of life will disperse? Big questions...Time is flying, so LET'S GO!!
Hugs and Kisses,
Polly P xxx
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