Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps

June 10, 2011

One of the joys of pedaling around Cuba is stopping to listen to street musicians. And of course, watching the Cuban people who can't help but dance whenever they hear music. I remember watching this little old lady do a subtle little salsa step while waiting in line at the bank.

A tune you will hear over and over again is Quizás, Quizás, Quizás (Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps).

The song was written by Osvaldo Farrés in 1947. I don't think it has ever lost its popularity. It has been covered by the likes of Nat King Cole, Doris Day, Samantha Fox, Cliff Richard, and the indie rock band Cake.

I recorded the version below on the streets of the city of Cienfuegos.
 

Quizas, Quizas, Quizas

Here's a direct English translation of a few of the lines from the original Spanish version:

The days pass this way
And I am despairing
And you, you always answer
Perhaps, perhaps, perhaps

You are wasting time
Thinking, thinking
That which you want most
Until when? Until when?

It's pretty obvious that the songwriter was speaking of unrequited love. But I'd like you to consider it written about you and your travel dreams.

Can you relate to the above lyrics when it comes to that bicycle trip? Always thinking, planning and dreaming, but never going? Are you one to always answer the call of the road with "perhaps"?

Make this year the year you turn perhaps into yes!

Pack your panniers (or your trailer), get on your bike ... and go.

Photos by Willie Weir

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SIGHTS AND SOUNDS is posted every other Friday. Willie Weir is a columnist for Adventure Cyclist magazine. His books, Travels with Willie and Spokesongs, will inspire you to hit the road, and might change the way you approach bicycle travel. He lives in Seattle with his wife Kat. You can read about their adventures at http://yellowtentadventures.com.