Silvergate Retirement Hosts Travelogue of National Geographic Expedition to Cuba
Owner of Silvergate Retirement, David Petree, gives presentation on the history and culture of Cuba
San Marcos, CA – Silvergate Retirement Residences, a top-rated retirement and assisted living community in San Diego County, hosted a special presentation on Cuban history and culture to residents and guests this past week. David Petree, Owner of Silvergate Retirement, presented a travelogue of his recent National Geographic Expedition to Cuba. The event took place Tuesday, August 6th in San Marcos and Thursday, August 8th in Fallbrook.
During Mr. Petree’s Cuba Expedition Travelogue, residents and guests, learned more about what life has been like in Cuba since Fidel Castro took control in 1959. This special presentation included photos, videos, and artifacts from his trip, as well as a Q&A with residents and guests.Attendees learned about how Fidel Castro’s dictatorship had crippled the economy, leaving Cuba with no significant industrial production or sustainable economy. As a result of the severe restrictions on government and development, Cuban culture has developed in a vastly different way. Attendees were surprised to hear the stark difference in lifestyles, such as the limited television and internet availability.
“When you’re in Cuba, you really feel as if you’re cut off from the rest of the world,” explained Mr. Petree. “As a tourist without internet and phone service, you really are disconnected from what’s happening at home and around the world.”
Mr. Petree’s presentation also included comparison points between life in Cuba and in the US, like media, architecture, shopping, average income, and education and health services. The travelogue also featured a description of the cities such as Havana, Cienfuegos, and Trinidad, as well as cultural experiences, like performances and museums.
“Oh I’m an armchair traveler – I love to hear about all these different places and learn about different cultures,” stated Silvergate Resident Florence Segien. “I think it’s great that Mr. Petree takes the time to come and share his travels with us.”
One of the highlights of the presentation included photos and commentary on the vintage cars that are still being used in Cuba today. Many of the attendees recognized the old cars, such as a 1957 Chevrolet and 1953 Ford, and were surprised to see the cars in working condition.
“I really enjoy the opportunity to speak to our residents and guests,” explained Mr. Petree. “Only a couple of our residents and guests have traveled to Cuba before Castro took control and tensions between the United States and Cuba restricted travel. All of the historic events that shaped today’s Cuban culture took place during their lifetime, so this presentation is particularly relevant to them.”
About Silvergate Retirement Residence
With two locations in North San Diego County in Fallbrook and San Marcos, Silvergate Retirement is a full-service retirement residence, offering independent living and assisted living services. Silvergate Retirement Residences were recently voted “Top 10 Retirement and Assisted Living Communities in San Diego” in the Union Tribune’s annual San Diego’s BEST Readers Poll. The community is locally owned and operated by AmeriCare Health & Retirement, Inc.
For more information, visit www.SilvergateRR.com or contact Pam Rundle, (858) 792-0696 ext 102, prundle@americarehr.com.
Follow