Eduardo Garcia's mother, Nena, insists I come for dinner every time I'm in town.

Hugs and kisses, then knee to knee in the tiny, tidy living room on the 2nd floor of a Havana walkup.  News is shared that makes friends feel like family.  Orlando got a passport, father Paco lost 25 pounds, Eddy and Yuliett are getting married in November.  Small gifts from the U.S. are shared.

In time, Nena moves on to the kitchen, the twins and I squeeze into their room and sit on the bunkbed next to the computer.  Orlando pulls up their newest digital works.  I purchase a dozen photographs, and note a stunning painting on the wall, Eddy's first significant work in oil.  Two artist friends drop in and join us in the crowded room.  The talk is young and lively.

At dinner, the talk is of the Cuban "system," the Castros, Bush, ironies, inequities, hopes and dreams.  We are all the same, we agree, it's just the governments that are different.

After dinner, Eddy gives me a gift from his heart - the painting on his wall.  And, when it's time to leave, no tears, but every eye glistens.  We are not just business associates.  We are building cultural bridges, one person...one family at a time.  We are friends.

 - Notes from Cuba! Gallery of Fine Art -