So Get…

Last week I won the Broadway in Chicago lottery and was able to see, ‘Get on your feet’ the Gloria & Emilio Estefan story. Like usual, no expectations going in, but what a fun musical. First I didn’t know they was from Cuba, and I also thought they were siblings, not husband and wife, so silly me. We went on a journey with their story, the show leaned more into Gloria’s life, but their lives were so intertwined. To me the show was on the slower side, with lots of dialogue, and slower ballads, but when they would do group numbers, you felt as if you was in Cuba or Miami.

My biggest gripe, with the ensemble, there was only two dark-skinned dancers, which happened to be male. I would’ve loved to see dark-skinned female dancers. Because if the show should reflect the people of Cuba, or Miami, well then we need darker hues. Also, the writing threw a bit of shade to the white folks when describing there dancing, but is it really shade if its true?

Have you experienced this show? Jonez.

Cuba, MY Cuba

Ive been a horrible host, I was supposed to indulge and divulge all the details of our trip to Cuba, way back in May. In my defense I did start the conversation, with the story of my tour guide boyfriend, that I met on day one but then the World turned upside down. However I am here, to finally chat about the Country that made me teach myself Spanish!

This Week, I’ll share meeting my Birthday Boyfriend and dancing Salsa with him on my 34th Birthday. We’ll discuss how I walked over fifteen miles to see Fusterlandia, The after the club hole in the wall that served the BEST fried chicken, I’d ever had. But we cant leave out visiting Museo de Arte Colonial, where we had the pleasure of receiving a personal tour in Spanish!

Thank you for being as patient as you have been cuz Lord know I definitely dropped the Cuban ball!

Tristan Jonez

Once Upon A Cuba

I. Tour Guide Boyfriend.

So, picture this, its day one in Cuba, you have literally twenty minutes ago checked into your air bnb, and you are so excited, you are ignoring the urge to take a nap, so you can jump right into Cuba. Well, that was me. I was so excited to get outside, I couldn’t be bothered with resting before exploring. After a few wrong turns, and a walking thru someone’s neighborhood, I found my way into plaza vieja, which would be my favorite place in Havana.

Short Story shorter, I ended up meeting my tour guide boyfriend. My beau showed me all around Havana, pointing out special statues, while giving me the full history on Cuba. He also, was my personal photographer, we spent about five hours together. It was my introduction to Havana, with some spaces that was for locals only. A perfect gentleman, super sweet, and we were able to toggle between English and Spanish. If I had written it for myself, I doubt I could’ve worked that perfectly.

Brace yourself … Theres more to come.

Jonez.

Cuba

I just realized, We did not get a chance to fully chat about Cuba. I know, I know, I said I wasn’t going to share ANYTHING with ANYONE about my time in now my absolutely favorite place but I think I can share a few stories with y’all. First and Foremost, I had the most wonderful time, my birthday was FULLY celebrated. As usual I managed to walk everywhere, and get a real feel for the local culture, to appreciate the people, and the food. To truly appreciate the hustle the Cuba has, that I’ve yet to see anywhere. During this trip, I kept a diary, basically writing to my mother everyday. An array of emotion was felt, and although I cried, a lot, it was such an experience.

Please Relax as we explore Cuba … Together.

Tristan Jonez.