Diaries Archives - Page 14 of 634

You Need to Be Happy

Coming across ruins in Old Havana is commonplace. But if the building in question bears graffiti with the phrase “you need to be happy”…

The controversial aspect of this experience is that it took place in a country where citizens can be imprisoned for expressing their thoughts.

Before the Pope’s visit in 1996, there were only four official holidays in Cuba, three tied to the government and its “liberation struggles.”

Cuba is full of these examples. Among those who attempt suicide and those who go through with it. But these aren’t topics that are addressed.

It’s Saturday, and Cubans refuse to give up on happiness. Since I opened my eyes, I’ve been hearing music and a commotion on the street.

The Camaguey Theater Festival was set to take place on November 14 and run through the 24th. Enthused, I bought a ticket to the city.

“Do you want to eat, or do you want to buy the jeans?” I overheard a woman ask her teenage son. What a difficult choice!

The vast majority of Brazilians I know here in the south of the country are against Lula and his Workers’ Party.

I believe that as long as we maintain a critical outlook, a value, even if minimal, to express what we think, then there is hope.

I grew up hearing from my parents that in Cuba, people don’t work. At first, I didn’t understand why they would say that, but…