Amazing neighborhood art in Jaimanitas

Friday evening we enjoyed dinner at the Yacht club. it is advertised as barbecue night but there were three dinner choices. A five dollar barbecue pork or fish dinner and a ten dollar lobster dinner.

A creamy shrimp cocktail for an appetizer was extra as was dessert.  I enjoyed the fish and Tom the lobster. We both had an appetizer and shared a dessert. Our bill including drinks? $25.00!  The American author who lives in Jaimanitas was also at the yacht club. He told us to be sure we visited Casa de Fuster, the home of Jose Rodriques Fuster, that has been artistically converted into a visual experience of mosaic tiled walls, sculptures and more.  Kathy and I rode our bikes to the local market, another enlightening experience, collected the men folk and went off to find Casa de Fuster and the resulting artistic expansion to the streets of his neighborhood.  What we found was truly amazing!  Jose Rodriquez Fuster was born in 1946. He is one of Cuba's most original ceramists and popular painter. He has exhibited his works throughout the world. Fuster began transforming his house and yard into a wonderland of mosaic art. The small colorful tiles cover stairs, rooftops, benches and even a fountain. He then decided to improve the quality of life in a city where few are truly starving, but most scrimp and scrape to survive. He was happy to share his good fortune with those who's meager salaries would not allow for any home repairs. Thus the widows house that has a roof that resembles an overturned saucer and a doctors office painted in bright blue with white trim. The walls along the streets of his neighborhood will cause you to shake your head in disbelief yet smile at their beauty. He supports his improvement of his neighborhood through the sale of tiles to those who tour. There is no entrance charge. Inspired by nature, Santeria, Picasso and Spanish architect Gaudi who integrated crafts such as stained glass and ceramic works into his buildings, Fuster's ever-evolving masterpiece is an ongoing pursuit.  Because of his work the nickname of Fusterlandia has been given to Jaimanitas.

                        One of the neighborhood houses that benefited from his artistry

                                                                Fusters backyard

                    A second floor hallway to an outside overlook at his Casa

                                            A view of his yard from the second floor overlook

After viewing the neighborhood art we decided to stop for lunch at a restaurant on the same block. The entrance was narrow and honestly not very inviting but once inside it opened up to a large lovely yard with outdoor seating. We had a great lunch and headed back to the boat. The photos below are of the restaurant.