November 25, 2008
Two years
My wife and I are enjoying a little vacation in Savannah, Georgia, and as we always try to do, we're staying in a nice, quaint, and friendly Bed & Breakfast. The cool thing about staying in B&Bs is not just the great breakfast prepared for us every morning, but also the intersting people you get to meet in this relaxed and cordial setting.
A couple of nights ago we met a couple originally from New York who are now retired and just enjoying themselves travelling. Over some afternoon tea and wine, we began talking and when they found out we were Cubans from Miami, the conversation turned to Cuba. Interestingly enough, the retired gentleman began to tell me about his corporate days in Manhattan in the 1960s and his experience with the Cuban refugees that were beginning to arrive in New York. It turns out that the company he worked for actively seeked out the recent Cuban arrivals because although they may have had a languange issue, the majority of them were well educated, had business experience, and were highly motivated to succeed. Everything they wanted of their new hires.
The funny part came when he told me the joke they used to say about the Cuban refugees amongst his friends and colleagues: Hire a Cuban as a building superintendant and within two years, he'll own the building.
I had to laugh because not only was it true, it was a compliment.
Posted by Alberto de la Cruz at November 25, 2008 08:12 AM
Comments
Alberto: While in Savannah, visit Monument Square. That's where in August 1851 there was a large rally in support of the last Narciso Lopez expedition to Cuba. Laurel Grove Cemetery contains the graves of many famous people, including a huge monument to a German named "Frankenstein." Nearby Fort Pulaski still bears the marks of the Civil War cannon balls. Cuban Confederate Colonel Ambrosio Jose Gonzales was chief of artillery for the Department of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.
Posted by: delacova ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.babalublog.com/nav-commenters.gif)
at November 25, 2008 11:18 AM
Great story, Alberto.
Makes me proud to be descended from the Cuban version of "The Greatest Generation."
Posted by: Marta at November 25, 2008 05:10 PM
Alberto,
I hope you have a wonderful time in Savannah ... you should hop to Charleston, SC ... we are less than 2 hours away ... and you and your wife can join us for a great Thanksgiving Dinner in Isle of Palms ... just let me know ... the more the merrier!
While in Savannah, you must go eat at Mrs. Wilkes (lunch only)... on West Jones Street ... it's a must for great southern food!
http://www.mrswilkes.com/
I wish you well :) Melek
"Our greatest happiness in life does not depend on the condition of life in which chance has placed us, but is always the result of good conscience, good health, occupation, and freedom in all just pursuits." ~ Thomas Jefferson
Posted by: Melek at November 25, 2008 05:57 PM
Doesn't that make us proud? But times change ... and even though most Cubans that come to the US still have the same attributes (I'm a pretty recent import myself), around the world Cuba is known for the cheap and easy women in the island... what a contrast!
Posted by: nurian at November 26, 2008 11:26 AM