Diaries Archives - Page 242 of 628

San Diego Without the Make-Up

In November, I spent a couple weeks in San Diego, my first trip abroad. I’m still drooling over the city, I admit it, but this has not blinded me to its uglier sides. (10 photos)

Bland Flavors and Scams

People speak of underground factories of every kind, which produce phony products that are ruining the reputation of genuine goods and helping stores steal from customers mercilessly.

Cuba’s CDR Committees: Bringing Back the Dead

There were no excuses: it wasn’t raining, people had been notified in advance, the meeting would be held before the sacred soap opera came on and the “visitors” would arrive early. We had only to wait until the clock showed 8 pm to start.

Looking Back on the Year in Cuba

When New Year’s comes along, most human beings think back and draw a balance about their experiences and future plans. The young make long term plans, while those who are no longer so young, like myself, can only make plans for the shorter term.

Tanya Rodriguez: A Part of My Life the Revolution Erased

I was nine and my sister was thirteen when we got to know Tanya, or, better said, when she fell in love with Tanya and I followed suit. For me, what our family described as imitation was the most natural way to share a person’s tastes.

My Trip to the Island: It Ain’t Cuban If It Ain’t Tough

We bought the tickets from Cuba’s airline company, Cubana de Aviacion. A friend forewarned us: if you don’t want to spend a few days at the airport, try to get there by 5 or 6 in the morning, even if your plane leaves at 3 in the afternoon.

December Jazz and Rain

December always presents a varied cultural programming in Havana; between the Film Festival, Jazz Plaza, the new gallery exhibitions and celebrations for the end of the year, art lovers do not have time to rest. (12 photos)

Cuba’s Faux Christmas Celebrations

Do people actually celebrate Christmas in Cuba? This is a tough question and every Cuban will likely have their own story to tell and share about the season.

The Housing Needs of Cuba’s Disabled Persons

I won’t be writing about the basic elements a house designed for disabled people should have. I’m not asking for so much. My complaint has to do with the extremely limited options those of us who want a roof over our heads have.

San Diego, Havana and Self Esteem

In my previous post, I wrote of the nice things that made me fall in love with “America’s Finest City.” It wasn’t the pretty lights but the important place human beings occupy in the city. (36 photos)