Diaries Archives - Page 422 of 647

The Ecological Cuba of Europeans

Many European environmentalists come to in Cuba with the hope of finding a lifestyle representing an alternative to the chronic consumerism that has marred the natural environment in their countries.

Cuba’s Cultural Policy: Sledgehammers and Speeches

The strategy for determining and controlling education and culture in the country as being based on political principles (understanding that I’m referring to unconditional support as stipulated by the government) can clearly be seen from that well-known speech “Words to the Intellectuals.”

Awaiting a Real Smoking Ban in Cuba

This past August, Australia passed a strict law against tobacco. Meanwhile, here in Cuba, we continue to show fine health, beauty and dangerous subliminal messages on the packs of Popular and other brands.

The Freedom We All Need

A recent and alarming cervical crisis led me to become aware of the long hours I spend sitting at my laptop in an unnatural and harmful posture. As well as how I had forgotten that basic freedom that I discovered back in the 80´s in dance.

‘Religion Has Died in Cuba’

Fredrika Bremer was an outstanding Swedish writer and feminist activist who visited “our” city in the mid-19th century. Touched by the romantic wave, she was confronted with the stale values of her society and therefore went traveling around the world alone.

Chronic Blowouts

In the last six months, the tires of the motorcycle that my mother uses have had to be replaced three times. The most recent one didn’t last thirty days. It fell apart, worn out with huge gaping holes.

When Life Imitates Fiction

Throughout my life, I’ve been able to confirm those details we see in movies or read in books, things that seem to step beyond reality while certainly having a real basis in it. Take the moon that’s out there in front of me, right now, as I’m writing. It’s huge, enormous, round, and red.

A Gruesome Video

The video camera of a cell phone can help break the siege of misinformation, especially in countries where ignoring news items is the norm imposed by a state on its citizens. A government that misinforms, spoon feeds (at best) or just hides the news.

The Power of Fear

After watching a documentary about North Korea, when I went out into the street and looked around, I was relieved to have been born in Cuba. But I had forgotten that comparisons can be misleading. Very soon afterwards I had the opportunity to remember that.

Young Rebels vs. ‘Ni-no’ Youth

I don’t know how many times a police officer has beaten or dragged in Pablo this month. I don’t know if tonight he’ll sleep under a roof, in the Plaza del Sol or in jail. I fear for his agile hands, and for his voice that cured my allergy to the Iberian accent.