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Reed Schneider: Student Report from 2016 Alternative Summer Break in Cuba

Reed Schneider and Brian Grim at the Malecon
Reed Schneider and Brian Grim sit along the Malecón, the famous road along the Bay of Havana.

At the close of my sophomore year at UT, I joined a College of Engineering service trip to Cuba. Cuba, despite being one of our closest neighbors, has been a hidden country for the last four decades. Many of my friends and family are avid travelers but aside from my grandfather, who was there during his time in the Marine Corps, none of them have ever been to Cuba. When I saw that a trip to Cuba would be taken, I jumped at this rare opportunity.

My trip to Cuba was an incredible and eye-opening experience. We were fortunate to have a host who was as generous as he was knowledgeable. Havana is a truly eclectic city, unlike any I have ever been to. Within blocks, you can see modern and antique architecture, world-class splendor and luxury side-by-side with disrepair and poverty. One can almost look back in time and imagine what the city once was. However, all of it is changing. The upsurge in tourism has initiated a city-wide facelift. Plaza Vieja has recently been completely renovated. The Capitol building is covered in scaffolding, undergoing major restoration. Many other old structures are being restored as well while holding respect to their original façades. Despite the disrepair and new construction, the city is still striking. To me, it is most beautiful just after the sun sets. At night, the shouting and car horns and sweltering heat of the tropical sun give way to laughing and salsa music and a pleasant warmth that brings everyone together. Havana shines like a pearl in the moonlight.

Restoration of Capitol Building in Havana
Capitol building in Havana, Cuba, going through a restoration project.

When we took our day trip to Vinales, I was able to get a glimpse of the countryside’s natural beauty as well. The mountains of Vinales shoot straight up out of the ground in a most unusual fashion. I’d like to visit the mountains in the southeast of Cuba as well, as there are peaks there that rival the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee in height. I have a lot of experience hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, and whitewater kayaking. Most of these sports are not popular in Cuba, meaning there are streams that have never been paddled, peaks yet to be scaled, and trails waiting to be tested by bikes. If the relations continue to warm, I predict an influx of adventurers looking for new opportunities in the verdant hills of Cuba.

Cristo Statue in Havana
Primavera sculpture located along Malećon in Havana, Cuba.

Since this was a College of Engineering trip, we, of course, got to test some of our skills. Our work took place at an eco-project across the Bay of Havana in a suburb called Casablanca. The project was located on the side of the hill upon which the Cristo (Christ of Havana) Statue stands. In the past, littering and widespread deforestation had made the area unappealing and vulnerable to landslides. They have successfully begun to plant native trees and clean up some of the garbage. They have also cut small nature trails which branch from the main path to the monument to showcase the area’s natural flora. Our assignment was to build benches and a kiosk to be placed at one of these intersections so tourists may rest during the strenuous climb. Lumber is nearly impossible to come by in Havana so our building material consisted of logs from native coconut palms and lumber salvaged from pallets, as well as a mixture of new and salvaged nails. Our tools consisted of a machete, two hand saws, two usable hammers, a crowbar, and two measuring tapes (one in metric, one in USC). Despite the crude tools and materials, we were able to complete three benches in two days in 100℉ heat with little shade. Two of the benches had backs and all were able to support at least three fully grown men. We also made significant progress on the kiosk. Previously it had consisted of only four support logs and a palapa roof. Our group put an enclosure around the base and built a counter along the front side. It was satisfying (though exhausting) work and I’m excited to see what may become of the project in the future.

Brian Grim and Reed Schneider Working
Brian Grim and Reed Schneider Working

I consider myself incredibly lucky to have been a part of this trip, and I hope that someday soon I can return to Cuba. I saw changes occurring there before my eyes and I constantly wondered: What could Cuba be? The future may be coming slowly to Cuba, but it is certainly coming. While I cannot say what changes will come in the approaching years, but the way I see it, the future could be truly bright.