Memento: Cuba 2006

Thirty is the new twenty playa. So we've been made aware of by a mid to late thirty something dude who needed to validate his craving and desire to screw a twenty something chick. All good. Wouldn't have said anything anyhow Sean. Do u, and her whilst you're @ it. I just ask that you hit me w/ the juicy deets in the AM. Sh*t, I can listen all day. ;) Does she have another sister?? I'm not even that mad @ the House of Dereon rags... Lies. I am.



So, on my new twenty something-ith bday, I was treated to a last second trip to Cuba. How kind was that?? ;) Cuba is a place that I long admired for several reason, but essentially all things culturally tied: the music, the sun, the food and the dearest language that is Spanish. We arrived late one Friday night, and left the following Monday as it landed on a Thanksgiving weekend (Give thx).

As much as I stayed on the resort in Varadero, I got to ride a scooter along the Northern Coast - long side the Gulf Of Mexico.



¡Mira, Mira! What a wonderful site indeed.

I ate well, was basking in the sun, had some great fun and even bought some art in a mercado cubano. I met some Haitians there ironically, and I also met a very interesting retired Cuban teacher called Armando. Click below.



All of this came rushing back in memory as some friends of mine are off to Cuba for a week. Given the op, you should do the same. Do your best to leave the resort as much as possible. You'll be exposed to so much more. And it's not even all that hard to get around.

In any case, I tracked down the photos I took. All of them as well as the video are courtesy of the Nokia N90 imaging phone. If you ever have the chance to get your hands on one, it will replace quite a few things on your digital tool belt. And they sync well w/ Macs now as well. ;) Email me, and I'll show you more.

Enjoy the pix, and book your trip.

H! aka Enrique Pandillero


Created with this.

Memento: Dinner w/ Jose Parla.

My thoughts and writing can be so unfocused and nebulous @ times, I started to think that I was Guy Pearce in that great piece of cinematography, Memento. I have so much that I've not shared that I have decided to create a thread dedicated to older events that I loved, and I've yet to discuss.



Sometime in 2006, I was in NY on my way to a Giant Step & Jazzanova party @ Cielo in the meat packing district. @ the start of the night, we went and saw a film about graph writers/artists. It featured many of the greats, who also happened to be in attendance, such as Haze.
That night, I also met a Cuban artist who goes by José Parlá.
We went on to party all together that same night. He was a hella cool and genuine dude - and I got to practice some Spanish.
FFWD to 2007 and my UK trip. I heard he was in London for a show that he had w/ Futura @ Elms Lesters Painting Rooms. I somehow end up on the phone w/ my girl Jazzi who then put José on the line!

¡Platanos!

We all end up hooking up w/ friends in the infamous Brick Lane in London for some great Indian food.
All in all, a great time was had and I post this only to highlight the strength and love in friendships. Nothing more true and pure. Besides, I owe you dinner JP! ;) On me next time.



Shouts to my boy José and Jazzi. If you have the op, pls feel free to check out José's work online. Below is quite possibly one of my fave pieces

click for larger image:


Hizzla.out.