Ernie Braganza and Karen Moore: Back from Cuba with Love
For Ernie and Karen, a recent trip to Cuba with an E&H group was honestly the trip of a lifetime – because it followed a lifetime of curiosity.
Karen had been particularly fascinated about Cuba since her grade school days when she had a Spanish teacher from Cuba. “She told us her story – about being put on a plane with her sister, without parents, and sent to the U.S. for what the family felt would be a better life.”
Both alums grew up hearing all the rhetoric and fear attached to this tiny country that is situated only 90 miles from the United States – and yet it often seems a world away. When they had the opportunity to visit and see the place for themselves they both jumped at the chance. In the end, Ernie says if he had to pick one word to reflect his impression after actually visiting the country, it would be… “’Welcome.’ I wasn’t sure if the Cuban people would be pleased to see us after so much history between our countries; but everyone I met was gracious and welcoming and spoke warmly of the United States.”
Karen and Ernie both fell in love with the Cuban people, music, food, even the wildlife (they had the rare opportunity on a hike to experience the national bird of Cuba, the Tocororo), and when asked if they’d ever like to go back there was no hesitation as they said in unison, “YES!”
You can hear a discussion about the trip with Karen and Ernie on the Duck Pond Wall podcast. And check out other travel opportunities on the E&H Alumni webpage.
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She’s E&H Class of ’85 and he’s E&H Class of ’87
She’s E&H Class of ’85 and he’s E&H Class of ’87
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