Diaries Archives - Page 498 of 647

Che, CLACSO and University Reform (I)

When it came to the two Cubans who participated in book I just read about university reform, it seems that the sole country where it was completed and is sustained is in Cuba.

My Neighbor Esperanza

My neighbor Esperanza is a Cuban descendent of Spaniards. Her parents came to Cuba in the first half of the previous century to make their fortune. Though they never became rich, they worked hard to become the owners of a bodega (a small store), located in the Vibora neighborhood.

My First Cooperative

I still don’t sell different varieties of coffee on some corner in the Vedado neighborhood, nor do I cook Mexican dishes that would break with our national culinary monotony.

Summer in Guantanamo, Cuba

When people from other countries hear the word “Guantanamo,” the first thing that comes to their minds is the existence of a prison that infringes on basic human liberties and the area’s occupation by a United States military base.

Electronic Romance for Cuban Couples

Nowadays, “caller paying” equals see how much I love you. Assuming the full cost of a telephone call [in Cuba both the caller and receiver normally pay] is also a good way of showing affection to one’s partner.

Santiago de Cuba’s Proselytizing Carnival

The spectacular cavalcades of choreographed dance troupes and conga bands and floats pack the streets and avenues – while in the lights of the fireworks, the people of Santiago de Cuba looked happy for more than a week.

Project Rainbow Unites Cuba’s LGBTIs

A new initiative of civil struggle for the rights of lesbians, gays, bisexual, transsexual and intersexual people (LGBTIs) has emerged in Cuba. And me? – of course I’ve added myself.

The Beat Box

Up the dark and narrow stairway, Irina and I made our way to the little apartment constructed on the roof where people were celebrating the “Cajon”*. We had been invited by a spiritualist friend, a key and very well paid figure in such ceremonies.

Pollution in Havana

The existence of garbage-strewn streets — which the great majority of people contribute to while carrying out their daily activities — is the product of an indolent and irresponsible attitude toward our environment.

Staying Power in Cuba

I imagine that at some moment in our lives almost all of us have wanted to disappear, die or at least be far from our job, our house, the neighborhood, our family and even our friends.