Diaries Archives - Page 464 of 633

Cubans Living on Credit

A new method is now emerging in Cuba as a way to help with supply and demand in the black market. Through this you’ll hear the soothing words: “You can pay in installments.”

What Kind of Democracy Are We Talking About?

Recently I participated in the National Conference of Communicators that takes place every year under the sponsorship of Cuba’s Ministry of Culture. This is a chance for us to become updated on various issues related to this field of work.

Don’t Pollute and Be Freer

To prove that my effort was serious, one hot morning this summer I decided to do without my old friend, that jewel of socialist technology: my Orbita-model fan.

It Really Shows, Ma’am!

For a person who has never set foot outside of Cuba and for the first time they finally do, it’s very difficult to get over the psychological trauma caused by such a long time here with so many questions.

Polito and the Marxism Teacher

I was recently at a Polito Ibañez concert and it came to me that years ago—though he was one of my favorite trova singers—I had preferred not to look at his face while he sang.

A Lynch-Mob Revolution? (II)

On YouTube it looks like a porn movie. “But who cares! – they’re Arabs. Those are their customs…” (as was thought in 1994 in Rwanda: “They’re only a few African tribes going at it”).

My Father and the Sugarcane Harvest of ‘70

Before my father gave me his version of the story, for me the 1970 sugarcane harvest was a simple incident that gave people something to laugh at. “I haven’t been to a fiesta since the ‘70 harvest,” you could hear any Cuban say with a smile.

Photography in Cuba

Every seemingly innocent and simple picture has its own life. Its speech is so powerful in itself. The figure is there, posing its challenge by imploring “Look at me!” This is photography in today’s Cuba.

My Job Is Going to Kill Me (I)

I know that it’s not uncommon for people in other countries around the world to have two or even three jobs. I know that a lot of them only have time to wash, eat, sleep and begin another day that will be the same as the one before.

A Sincere and Beautiful Salute from the Mexicans

Here in Cuba we’re currently being overwhelmed by the 16th Pan American Games. Almost unexpectedly, it has been like a real and contemporary setting where the historical empathy that the Mexicans feel for us Cubans has been reintroduced with new life.