Diaries Archives - Page 571 of 642

The Limitations of Being Cuban

When I walk through Old Havana, I don’t feel as free as I’d like to be. It’s my city and my country; however there are simple things I can’t do.

Havana’s “Little Train” Proyect

El Trencito, an initiative that has been active for nearly 15 years, has allowed two generations to be equipped with the tools necessary for asking themselves how they are behaving for the good of themselves and others, and what is their place in the present moment of this country where they wish to live and create their family.

Chickens, Baldness, Gays, Native Peoples and Left Destinies (I)

I find any generalization particularly appalling concerning the virtues and defects of groups of people based on their sexual orientation, nutritional habits or the hair density of their scalp. I believe that people are good as people in accordance with what each one of them carries in their heart, and not based on trivialities like those mentioned.

Drugs Aren’t So Bad

“Drugs are bad,” repeated Professor Garrison again and again, speaking mechanically to his students at school on an episode of South Park. Of course, not only did they not believe him, but they headed off as soon as they could to satisfy their curiosities, since they were sure the prof was lying.

Dumping a Million

When I got up to the door, I realized that it was in fact open, but when I went in I found the refrigerated bins for meat products completely empty. There was nothing of anything. I asked an employee what had happened and she responded very calmly saying that for more than 15 days the freezers had been broken.

Fidel’s New Name for US Citizens

Fidel Castro has proposed a new name for people from the USA. Listening to Fidel’s “Reflections” read recently on the noon news , the Commandant used the term “Usamerican,” an adjective derived from USA.

The New Neighbor

Several months ago a new resident moved into the building. At once the speculation began: “He has to be a manager,” “The Party must need him in the municipality, that’s why they gave him an apartment here,” “They say he’s going to take care of some of the problems,” and on and on… Popular imagination in the building went wild.

Loneliness and Us

Noticing her state of desperation, I invited her to step outside the office and go for a walk through Old Havana. Finally we decided to sit down on a park bench.

Are We Serving as an Example?

Over the last few years, I’ve heard many complaints from Cubans who frequently travel abroad. Upon returning to their homeland, at the Jose Marti International Airport in Havana, they always run into new regulations, difficulties and various restrictions.

The Resin Tree

I’ve just seen how a more than 20-year-old tree with medicinal properties has been thoughtlessly cut down. It was felled by a neighbor of mine who lives in an apartment bordering the common garden of a building on the well-known calle de Los Almendros (Almond Tree Street) in the Alamar community.