An Optimistic Map of the Cuban Opposition

The Cuban opposition is a mind-boggling issue. The State has shrouded itself with so much smoke and fear that it is practically impossible to know the identity of those who confront it. From its point of view, all are mercenaries, supporters of the US blockade and champions of savage capitalism.

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My First Battle in Cuba

The first battle I waged against Fulgencio Batista’s dictatorship involved, not firearms, but the pen: I wrote a journalistic article and, unaware of its implications, sent it to the COCO radio station in Las Villas, which had a rather outspoken program that defended the interests of the working class.

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Brazil’s Poor, the World Cup and TeleSUR

I am not against having TeleSUR broadcast the World Cup, but I believe it should try to tackle the problems this sporting event has caused Brazil’s poor in a more in-depth manner. That should be its priority, for it is an issue that affects it’s raison d’etre, the dispossessed.

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A Night at an Ambassador’s Home in Havana

Some days ago, a friend and I went to a reception held at the home of an Ambassador, a very pretty mansion located in Havana’s neighborhood of Miramar. When we arrived, we were greeted by the ambassador and his wife with refined cordiality.

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Resellers in Marianao, Havana: A Case Study

I have written before about the public square and market in the neighborhood of Marianao where vendors resell food product. I don’t know when I’ll be able to write an article that says something favorable about the place and consumers there.

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Linguistic Misunderstandings in Cuba

I had met with some friends at the park in front of Havana’s main bus terminal. It was hot, and I headed down to the station to buy a bottle of pop. I asked the clerk for one the way I normally do where I live: “Could I have a “shell” of Tu-Cola, please?”

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Setbacks and Surprises in Bayamo, Cuba

We had a series of setbacks while setting up our exhibition (titled “The Theater in Pictures”). First, since we arrived only a day before the opening date, we had to postpone the inauguration in order to set up the pieces in less of a rush. (9 photos)

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The Age of Plastic in Cuba

Though not invented in Cuba, plastic is one of those products that are indispensable in the lives of Cubans (as I imagine it is in many other poor countries around the world). Plastic has indeed become a handy tool here to overcome many shortages. Its use is highly varied.

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