Lorenzo Chavez's Blog

January 31, 2023

La Ragazza con la Pistola

I first watched this movie in 1970 while living in Madrid, where it had been dubbed into Spanish, as was the requirement back then. Without a doubt, ,The Girl with the Pistol ,could never be characterized as a good film. However, some scenes are hysterical and Monica Vitti does something extraordinary with the role. I love her comedic ability.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnBWfqORKKc

I will be posting in the future about three of her movies from the 1960s, during her collaboration with Mic...
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Published on January 31, 2023 13:47

December 31, 2022

Legacies

Halfway through the pandemic lockdown, I developed a habit of watching videos posted by Cubans touring our homeland. At first, I simply wanted to revisit my old neighborhood, see the streets I wandered as a boy, find the city block I called home, and pinpoint the actual house I lived in. In time, these videos became more than an obsession; my only link to a past I had not felt, touched, or seen since 1969. Happily, I joined the walking tours of the old city—,La Habana Bieja,—on my TV screen. I...
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Published on December 31, 2022 21:00

December 14, 2022

Havana to Haiti

In this TV series which I found on 'BBC Select', Joanna Lumley brings us along on her journey across Cuba, lovingly introducing us to the country and its people.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11363226/

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Published on December 14, 2022 08:23

March 10, 2022

Cuba An American History

This book by Ada Ferrer is an extortionary achievement and an absolute most read for anyone that wants to understand Cuba and its people.,Publisher' Page,:,https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Cuba/Ada-Ferrer/9781501154553 ,Ada's Interview with Ben Rhodes,: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0aucFVtH6AM
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Published on March 10, 2022 13:37

My Cuban Flan

This is my recipe, which slices like a cake and melts in your mouth the minute you take a bite. I hope you enjoy it as much as my friends do. The image in this post is from the one I baked for our Christmas 2021 gathering.Goal:After years of experimenting, I concluded that to have it slice like a cake and melt in one’s mouth I needed to slowly emulsify all the ingredients during its preparation. I also discovered that this is best achieved by having all the ingredients at room temperature. ...
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Published on March 10, 2022 07:46

March 6, 2022

Maymont Park

From its many parks to the canal walk along the James river, Richmond, Virginia is a city best experienced outdoors. Maymont, with it extraordinary gardens and amazing trees, it my favorite place in the city.Maymont - Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maymont Maymont Website: https://maymont.org/ ,Maymont - Images,:

https://www.shutterstock.com/search/maymont+park

,Bonus,: Visit the USA - Richmond:

https://www.visittheusa.com/destination/richmond

Richmond - Wikipedia: https://en...
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Published on March 06, 2022 12:04

March 1, 2022

Upcycling Heaven

I first learned about finding second-hand treasures while living in Madrid. As a fifteen year old living in a new city and country to explore, I would walk the few blocks to its outdoor flee market - El Rastro - nearly every Saturday and spend hours searching for just the right thing. Most often than not, this meant a book or novel, frequently sold for the equivalent of a few pennies. It was during one of those outings that I picked up my first Agatha Christie mystery. If you find joy or ela...
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Published on March 01, 2022 06:26

February 24, 2022

Punto Cubano

I make references to this style of music in my novel. Still, I must admit that, as a child for a peasant family living in the capital where everyone was trying to pass for something better than they were, Punto or Guajiro music was embarrassing to me. Not until now, with the passing of time, can I appreciate its beauty and its gift.Punto Guajiro - Wikipedia:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Punto_guajiro

Excellent Overview :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9S9F1jI8ns

Great Example:

https://www....

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Published on February 24, 2022 11:27

February 6, 2022

El Retiro Park

In my novel's 'Honesty' chapter, I describe this park in some detail. That day at the park represents a pivotal moment in the story. In reality, I visited it mark many times during my two years in Spain. And while I am partial to the park in late spring, when endless flower beds welcome the visitor, you will find something new and exciting at every visit. Madrid is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Its history – Wikipedia : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parque_del_Buen_Retiro,_Madrid ...
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Published on February 06, 2022 12:27

January 30, 2022

Concierto de Aranjuez

I love this work of genius! To me, the Adagio is the most beautiful Spanish music ever composed. No matter what my mood, either elated or sad, I can return to it and the full concert and feel energized and reborn. As if by magic, this music always seems to know exactly what what soul needs. Below I share my favorite examples. And yes, I even included a version by Charo, who is an incredibly talented musician. Its history – Wikipedia : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concierto_de_Aranjuez It...
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Published on January 30, 2022 09:25

Lorenzo Chavez's Blog

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