Carlos Fraguela’s Diary

A Lionfish at Home

I’ve captured a magnificent Pterois volitans specimen. I dared kidnap the fish because of its small size (which made the task rather simple). This species, characterized by long, needle-like fin rays, blindly trusts its venom and therefore does not require a quick escape.

The Holes in Our Bodies

All animals (including humans) have a series of holes in their bodies that are paths to different sensations or windows to knowledge and power. Some have multiple purposes. I’ve been thinking about this for a long time.

How I Stopped Feeling Alone in the World

In the years I worked in Bejucal (south of Havana) I got to know a fascinating man. I was only 20 at the time, and this older and more experienced man (aged 40) was married and had two kids. One day, he told me he was worried about the attraction he was starting to feel towards the famous singer Chayanne.

The Beauty of My Aquarium’s Anemones

A few months ago I accidentally discovered that I could take superb photographs by aiming the flash on my camera at the glass panel in the back of my aquarium. The reflection produces a kind of x-ray of the aquatic specimens. (14 photos)

Cuba’s Unique Sex-Related Problem

Less than a month ago, I met a girl who’s dating a friend I know from work. She is visiting Cuba and complains that she can’t go to any movie theater in the city alone without being stalked by men who masturbate next to her.

A Weekend Trip on the Havana-Matanzas Coast

Last weekend, I was invited to take part in a somewhat improvised excursion. A friend of mine who lives in Uruguay and his girlfriend rented a car for the trip. We thought having a means of transportation was enough set out on the adventure. (7 photos)

Havana’s Gay Meeting Places

In 1987, I went to a gay meeting place in Havana for the first time. I’d been too afraid to go to such places before. Single men would go to these places to meet other men, in search of a relationship or one-night stands.

Cuba: Humanity is the Problem

The chair of the Committee for the Defense of the Revolution (CDR) on my block, told me one of the cats that live in our neighborhood hid in a small room he uses as a workshop and to store tools.