Rotarian Ron Marek
Of all the places Rotarian Ron Marek has traveled, he says Cuba is among the most interesting and unique, a place he’d love to return. Marek shared his “People to People” presentation offering facts about Cuba’s geography, government, economy, transportation, architecture, education, culture and people.
“Dominoes is the national sport, pedi-cabs are the primary source of transportation, artists are the highest paid professionals, and Ernest Hemingway made his home in Cuba,” Marek explained.
Cuba is only 90 miles off the coast of Florida. It was purchased by the United States for $20 million after the Spanish-American War, then granted its independence. Cuba has 11 million inhabitants and it is 45 percent the size of Oregon.
Les Boudreaux introduces speaker
Old cars are a popular hobby for most Cubans. Incomes average $25 per month for most workers. Medical care is provided by the government and English is taught in all the schools, according to Marek.
Among the most interesting part of Cuban society is its people’s love of culture – dance, music and art.
