Cubantime Calendar Countdown 2021 Part I

 

HolaHolaHola Beautifuls!

No se about y’all but for BB 2020 was a Blurb y 2021 a Buzz, como un bee, flying by y Babushka trying to be stingfree. So far, so good. Pero she must admit, the blogging has taken a bit of a back seat. Between acting, daily mini posts (IGrammy, Feibu y Tweety) and living, the New Year goal of monthly resumens (never resolutions- BB knows herself too well pa’ eso) Babushka's running on Cubantime. Seeing we’re halfway through the año, parece a good time to start playing Cuban Catchup. So ponte los cinturones Beautifuls, aqui vamos!

January-Enero

Started 2021 en Casa BB with Sweetie. A traditional mixed cultural cena of many items including lechon, sauerkraut, black eyed peas, shrimp, sidra and of course the 12 grapes to pop into our bocas at midnight , one for each bong of the clock, while jumping to each bong. Quee?? Cubanos do one thing at a time?  JU SO FONII!!

January 2

The next dia we started a new tradition, visiting St.Augustine with son MAC and his Minions. Of course a trip to San Agustin wouldn't be complete without a trip to the Busy Bee. Once all the senses were satisfied, off to meet la familia!

 So San Agustin will see BB and her Bunch again in 2022. 

ESO! 👍

Ok, not gonna go dia por dia, porque then it'll be Crisma by the time Babushka posts. 

Sooooo.... video con todo!!

Then Febrero- the month of Love.

And BB knows no greater love than love of Grands-

Except the love of donuts.

He had never gone inside the Dunkin.

Grandchild #5

Trip to the INSIDE of a Dunkin Donuts with BB.

Oh my. The variety... His eyes glazed over- just like the donuts!!

Took him over 5 minutes, 

but he picked two, and this was the verdict.

And now the month's video highlights-

March

Wow and Woah.

 Oh Google, JU SO FONII!!

Ya really shouldn't count the places/times BB and Sweetie had to stop for pp breaks...

And there Beautifuls are the first 3 months of BB's 2021.

Truth be told, seemed to take longer to write the post about them than to live them...

Babushka Besos a todos. Cuidensen.

For San Valentine Or Anytime, @ViajaSanAgustin #floridashistoriccoast hosted

This trip was sponsored/hosted by the Bella Gente de Viaja San Agustin & @FlHistoricCoast ,

 pero all opinions and fun times were BB y Sweetie's. 

Never too old to learn and love

HolaHolaHola Beautifuls!

If you've been following Babushka for a while you know she's gone to St. Augustine many times. Besides visitng when she was bb (first trip age 11), there were notable trips such as the American Latino Heritage Fund Roadtrip and all the performances with TWAM , and though they were all fun and good trips, they were business and the city called to the soul for a more personal visita.  La belleza natural, la historia, la cultura, de San Agustin makes it easy to explain its over 400 years of existence and why one never tires of visiting. There are so many different "tours" and interests you can experience in St. Augustine, that every time truly can be a totally nuevo experience. This visit was one tailored for BB & Sweetie, a couples call, with a little bit of everything. 

1st night-Primera Noche

Por supuesto the wonderful folks of St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches

Visitors and Convention Bureau had a wonderful 3 day itinerary planned for us, and also por supuesto BB was running Cubantime and we didn't arrive until nightfall. Oh, but we knew all was fine and well planned when we saw our casa for the next few days, the Jaybird's Inn. 

2700 N Ponce de Leon Blvd Saint Augustine, Florida

Que Entrada!! 

Spacious with nods to the town's history, nos encanto.

Rapidito we checked in, dropped the equipaje and went to meet our hostess Barbara del visitor's bureau who was waiting for us at a local favorite restaurant, The Raintree.  Located in an 1829 Victorian Home, winner of numerous awards, and offering over 350 wine labels, BB & Sweetie couldn't have asked for a better place to enjoy our first cena en San Agustin.

102 San Marco Ave Saint Augustine, Florida

Que Belleza y detalles verdad? And if you think that's algo Beautifuls, wait 'till you see the comida!!

Sweetie thoroughly enjoying the pampering and the plates. House salad and the day's special, Flounder stuffed with crabmeat, fresh  vegetables and angel hair with mushroom Alfredo sauce.

Y hablando about Detalles y Belleza, you KNOW Babushka HAD to try some of their award winning postres. Made fresh and to order tambien, the combinaciones delectable, delightful y deliciosos!

Banana Crepe filled w/vanilla ice cream, Dessert chef, Chef Matt Berg, Barbara Golden, BB, Sweetie, Mgr Zack Fraser.


Of course we all had to give the dinner a great big ESO!!
Despues de la llenura of estomago, sights and senses it was time to call it a noche.

In our suite we found a sampling of what was to come.

Wineries, Fountain of Youth, Pirate's Museum, y mucho mas.

Hope you come back to see the rest of BB & Sweetie's @ViajaSanAgustin .

BB2U

FB San Agustin Album

Upon a Star- TWAM, Wishes, a new friend.

Arrived Up North in The South on Wednesday morning, by the following Wednesday I was a little bored with my routine.  That's what happens when you live between two worlds, the world of Miami and the rest of the state.  In actuality I was missing the chispa of el Cubaneo, having someone who understood my Spanglish with no question and who could pick up my thoughts without missing a beat. Last Friday My Little One, the only one who fulfilled those missings for me here, moved back down to Miami to continue college and the separation was very hard for me- apparently I must have made a heartfelt wish.  Once again TWAM was going to help me fulfill it.

The Star

TWAM, Theater With A Mission, a theater group linked to Mission San Luis in Tallahassee and also linked to BB's corazon.  In volunteering for this troupe I've found my Spanish roots and my voice.  Queee? JU SO FONII!!! Ok si, Babushka has always been vocal, Cubana al fin, but I meant with the confidence and style one can only get when performing- especially with friends.  Especially last minute.  On the 10th I contacted our director Ben Gunter, to which he said there was a perfect part for BB in a performed reading on the 15th. We were to perform El Auto de los Reyes Magos for the second annual Navidad en Viejo San Agustin (Christmas in Old St. Augustine) ; we were to rehearse on the day of the show. 

I KNEW I could count on TWAM for some blood pumping Miami style rush!!!

Romas Sparkis, Gabrielle Reed, Ben Gunter

The play, whose interpretation and editing was finished that morning by Ben, was based upon the sighting of the biblical star of Bethlehem by the three kings/wisemen and King Herod's reaction to their visit.  Babushka was to play Melchor, one of the three wisemen.  Si, the ironic humor in that casting was not lost on BB.

Melchor as played by Babushka

Balthasar- Romas Sparkis

Gaspar- Jaime del MonteGuayava

aka  JM

The cast met up at Mission San Luis to try on costumes and rehearse.  New to the troupe was Jaime del MonteGuayava, but not new to BB.  Believe it or not, he had gone to school with Babushka in Miami. He was 2 years behind me and I still can't pinpoint from where I remember him- either in a summer class or in college, but his persona I could not forget.  JM was always bigger than life because he always questioned the whys of life and did everything with passion. No ha cambiado- he hasn't changed a bit. Seems like the S Sisters paid me another welcomed visit.

In the 3+ hours to St. Augustine, Ben, JM and BB went over our lines and had many fascinating conversations.  Normally Babushka would say "interesting" conversations, but JM has a way of speaking- part yogi (as in swami not the bear), part scholar, and part chusma de Hialeah.  Fascinating. 

Navidad en Viejo San Agustin was foggy, chilly and enchanting.  The bridges were illuminated with lights and the grounds sprinkled with torches.  Everyone was dressed in period clothing;  it truly was very easy to imagine oneself back in Old St. Augustine.

The performances (we did 3) were met well and we were finished by 10 p.m.  We usually head straight back to Tally after a St. Augustine performance, but JM wanted to aprovechar the trip and see more of the city in its' holiday splendor.  Besides, as the Cuban in him pointed out, we had to eat dinner didn't we? Taking the main street of St. Augustine- there's only 2, we proceeded to look for a natural food establishment porque JM only ate organic/vegan food.  You expected something different?  

We had a marvelous dinner, generously paid for by JM who throughout the whole event (because going out with him must be classified as an event) was enjoying his champagne, the food, the ambiance and the people.  At times BB couldn't tell if he was a Conte enjoying his subjects or a child enjoying Christmas, but either way BB was thoroughly enjoyed,entranced, and entertained.

At the end of the evening, once we arrived in Tally, we all said adios, gave each other hugs and went on our separate ways. Or maybe not, because an hour later I received this text photo.

Definitivamente a BF for BB

; )

May your inner wishes be granted by a star, and may they always be bright.

Babushka Besos a todos.  Cuidensen

Stowed Away By Pirates in St. Augustine

Remember the old movies where the princess stowed away and was harbored by pirates? Bueno, it doesn't just happen in the movies. Yes, this princess (Cuban American Princess-CAP) was stowed away by pirates during her stay in St. Augustine. AAaaarrgh you ready for the tale?  Sorry, couldn't resist.

It happened long ago, during the mythical days of the American Latino Heritage Fund Roadtrip.  The Princess had been traveling for hours with her trusty stead, and  it was time to rest. Night had fallen and she was weary from her travels, but where to stay?  According to her map, the next stop on their journey was the fabled St. Augustine, land of history and riches.  The Princess had visited this place during her childhood but that was too many moons ago and of course it had changed. The streets were dark and quiet- except for laughter.  A strange sound at this hour of the night, however she followed and found herself here.

The Pirate Haus Inn 

Pirates?  

She was too exhausted to question and ventured in.

Being no pushover, the Princess, although dizzy from cansancio and looking up those stairs, was determined to find lodging and continued upward.  She followed the laughter and found

Si, she had found a place among friends, for although she was a Princess, the pirates could see the spirit of adventure within her and welcomed her to their haus.  Together they would create many tales and memories, make their own mark on history, pero era tarde, it was late.  Mañana she could explore her surroundings, but for now they showed the Princess  to her quarters.-  it was time to rest.

So, did y'all like the story of the Stowaway Princess?  Queee? JU SO FONII!!!  Of course it's based on true events-  Here's the video showing her quarters...

Si, a very real and  very fun place to stay when you're in St. Augustine.  Babushka spent two enjoyable nights there and would have continued enjoying the Captain's wonderful pancakes.

For this alone it's worth the trip.

; )

Babushka Besos a todos.  Cuidensen.

P.S.  Meet the Captain on BB's YouTube Channel, and of course more pics on Feibu. And while you're there, visit  The Pirate Haus   and St. Augustine 

P.P.S.  Mil Gracias to the maravillosa Ms. Barbara of the St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches Visitors and Convention Bureau for arranging this stay for BB. 

P.P.P.S.  The opinions/tale expressed on this post are my own.  The compensated accomodations did not sway the review of  my stowaway.

American Latino Heritage Fund Roadtrip- Ft. Matanzas

Day 5 of the American Latino Heritage Fund Roadtrip finds BB at Ft. Matanzas National Monument. Fifteen miles away from St. Augustine, it was a nice leisurely Sunday drive, especially with Carlitos and his guided navigation. Ok si, a lo bueno se acostumbre facil. I am quickly and easily spoiled by the finer things in life.  But can you blame me?  Look how purty he makes it!

Colorful Composition by Carlitos

And talk about purty-  look at this pic of Ft. Matanzas.

Of course this shot was taken when the ferry was close to the fort.  Queee?? You didn't know it was only visitable via ferry?  Here, a little video to give you a taste of the waters and what's ahead. 

 

Now remember the part about the narrow opening at the top to go to the flag...

We arrive at the actual fort, Fort Matanzas. 

A National Monument for its' history, its' longevity and its' service to our country.  

As told brilliantly by this Park Ranger.

In the fort-  

On the ground floor we see how soldiers may have been housed 

and the different uniforms used by various troops who served at Ft. Matanzas.

the view from inside-

the second floor- 

These stairs Babushka had no problem with.

The sentry's quarters.

Now, remember what the ranger had said about a narrow opening?  

BB had no problema with the stairs going to the second story, but the ones going to the roof?

Babushka's Cuban Cadera (Caboose) going through there?

JU SO FONII!!!

BBP (Babushka Bullet Points) on Ft. Matanzas National Monument

* Back door protector for the city of St. Augustine

* Under Spanish govt. Gov. Manuel de Montiano commisioned the fort 

* In 1740 construction made from coquina taking 2 years to complete

* Never overtaken by battle

* Acquired by US in 1819  Declared a Ntl. Monument in 1924

*Can only be reached via ferry- so take precautions if you get seasick.

*No entrance fees but donations are always welcomed

*Is very relaxing and if you want to make a day of it you can go fishing, hiking, and picknicking. (of course check out licenses for the first one- the other two are done near the visitor center.)

So tempting and sooo perfect for this Sunday afternoon,

but Carlitos was ready to navigate to Ybor City, and at this point I happily let him.

Babushka Besos a todos.  Cuidensen.

P.S.  I had such a lovely time and the surroundings were beautiful, plus I actually had a good camera, so look at the photos on my Feibu page- they're very good- if I say so myself.  

; )

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.513410638685909.133240.258124544214521&type=3

and don't forget my YouTube Channel- http://www.youtube.com/bohemianbabushka

P.P.S.  Thanks once again to the Beautifuls at Florida's Historic Coast for all their hospitality in this part of my travels.

P.P.P.S.  And of course, to the wonderful major sponsors- Mil Gracias.  The views expressed in my posts are always mine (who else would claim them?) but there'd be no roadtrip w/out them.  Thanks.

American Latino Heritage Fund- Castillo de San Marcos

Day 4 of the American Latino Heritage Fund Roadtrip finds us at St. Augustine, the most famous of Florida's Historical Hispanic hotspots- and BB means that in every sense of the word.  Founded by Spain in 1565, it was a booming town 42 years before Jamestown and 55 years before Plymouth Rock.  Imaginate, there was actually a time we were early!  And not only were we early, we knew a good thing when we saw it.  Queen Regent Mariana mandated the building and fortification of a fort to defend La Florida, and though it took 23 years to complete, the Castillo de San Marcos is still a strong testament of Spanish Colonial construction and to the people who defended her.

BB in front of the Castillo de San Marcos

Now a video from a man who knows, Ranger J. Olbrich.  Poor man had no idea what BB was about or about to ask, but he handled it great- much better than Babushka, but more on that in a bit.  

Ahora, remember BB saying St. Augustine was a hotspot?  I wasn't just whistlin' La Guantanamera My Beautifuls- it was 96 degrees on this day, and after a self directed tour, the rangers narrative, and waiting for the next canon exhibition I was about to faint- truly.  Knowing that my Capitan Maria de los Angeles had the canon firing as a main point of interest, I quickly scouted out the top of the fort.  Never underestimate the determination of a melting Babushka y'all.  The only shade on the top-

BB's Oasis

Down went the Popa bag to stake my territory!  

You'd be amazed how much slinking into shadows 

and squeezing into tight places I can do to keep my sanity.

 This is the view from the top, the angle of my next video-
actually, I think it came out cool.

Ok si, BB was cool(er) from this angle, but then I did go chasing the action.  

The full length canon drill- an intricate dance with tools and timing- is on BB's youtube channel. Actually, I was feeling guilty being sick from the heat- can you imagine being out here in wool?  That's what the soldiers wore, and some of the braver re enactors follow the original lines.

BB had the honor of meeting a family of re enactors-

yes, there is a lady in the ranks.

  JU SO FONII!!!  

You knew I wasn't talking about BB didn't you?

  ; )

Castillo San Marcos BBP (Babushka Bullet Points)

* Over 300 years old

* Never fell to enemy via attack-  changed ownership via treaty and such

* Had at one point over 60 canons of 6 & 18 lb variety

* Can be extreme (so BB) in weather conditions. Dress appropriately and bring supplies.  

* MINIMUM of 3 hours to visit

* Feibu Fabuloso https://www.facebook.com/pages/Castillo-de-San-Marcos-National-Monument/151539938192568

So por supuesto, I had fulfilled my assignment- 

and now to fulfill my body and soul. 

How perfect is the name??


Por Supuesto.

Babushka Besos a todos.  Cuidensen.

P.S.  You can find more pics on Babushka's Feibu page https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.513210745372565.133158.258124544214521&type=3

P.P.S. Mil Gracias to Ms. Barbara and the great folks at the Florida's Historic Coast

for all their help with entrances and lodging in beautiful St. Augustine

P.P.P.S.  And as always, thanks to the major sponsors of this major event.