BY MARELYS VALENCIA (Granma International staff writer)

                   TWO minutes before 4 p.m., former U.S. President Jimmy Carter
                   was received by Cuban Foreign Minister Felipe Pérez Roque, who
                   expressed the Cuban people’s pleasure with this visit, which he
                   described as "a moment that makes possible ever increasing
                   understanding and comprehension."

                   Carter stressed the importance of having received the Cuban
                   government’s invitation, "to visit this beautiful land and exchange
                   ideas."

                   He also joked about having felt very hot during the walking tour of
                   Old Havana, just before his meeting with the foreign minister, but
                   also spoke of the beauty he had seen and the "beautiful view" from
                   his hotel.

                   Under the scorching afternoon sun, on Mothers’ Day, which is so
                   special for Cubans, Carter strolled some of the old city’s narrow
                   cobblestone streets, accompanied by City Historian Eusebio Leal. In
                   one of the most central areas, Plaza de Armas, he briefly delved into
                   the history of its buildings and the restoration that has been carried
                   out there.

                   The Santa Isabel Hotel, located precisely in these parts, is where
                   Carter and his companions are staying. In this converted colonial
                   mansion in Old Havana, the former U.S. president will sample some
                   of the island’s traditional dishes.

                   "We want to show him the quality and prestige of Cuban cuisine,
                   logically in line with his preferences, and to provide excellent service
                   as befits his importance," the hotel’s general manager, David
                   Ascancio, told CNN.

                   This hotel has received international film personalities such as U.S.
                   actor Jack Nicholson and Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar.

                   The building belonged to the Count of Santovenia starting in 1833,
                   and passed into the hands of U.S. businessman Luis Lay of New
                   Orleans in 1867.

                   The U.S. delegation will be able to try the hotel’s wide range of
                   dishes, such as veal, white rice with black beans, various fresh salads
                   and grilled fish with almond sauce.

                   "But we very much want them to enjoy our Mayombe chicken, the
                   house specialty, inspired by Spanish, French and Afro-Cuban cooking.
                   It is flambéed spectacularly with sugarcane spirits and a touch of
                   spice," the hotel’s chef told the press, "and even the bones taste
                   good."