Diaries Archives - Page 598 of 641

Whatever Happened to University Reform?

One would suppose that a mass-based socialist revolution such as the one that triumphed on January 1, 1959 would carry those demanded reforms to term, but real-life events took a different turn.

Waiting at the Bus Stop

When I got in I realized there were few unoccupied seats. Where she was sitting there was one, but out of fear of appearing too forward, I hesitated from taking it. However, the speed with which the seats continued to fill made me react, so I went ahead and plopped down beside her.

Cuba’s New Film Directors

Not a single yawn was seen in the theater; the silence was like a knife cutting the air, evidence that the new productions have placed their fingers squarely on the wound. Don’t forget: Intelligence is everywhere in Cuba, even in the snout of the caiman, where Guantanamo is located.

History Lapse in Cuba

Not long ago, I saw a guy on a bus wearing a cap with the Confederate flag on it. Plus, written across the front was the motto “Confederacy border patrol: Keeping Yankees north since…” (followed by an absurd date from American history). The man – a Cuban, white and mustached – was also wearing a US Marines t-shirt.

Two Girlfriends in Havana

Anytime anyone mentions reincarnation, I immediately think of the experiences my girlfriend and I have gone through for more than six months. We’ve had to haul boxes over here and boxes over there. When we couldn’t stay at one place anymore, we’d have to look for another place to rent.

Social Service (II)

A question immediately crossed my mind: Had I already obtained my change of address? No I hadn’t. I had had no way of obtaining a job placement in the capital, and -though I dearly wanted it- I hadn’t done anything to arrange this.

Communications & Survival Sects

It’s been around three years since I’ve been back to Argentina, owing to money factors and certain personal priorities. This long stretch has made my mother want to me to return home, as is logical.

Guesthouse by the Sea

It’s true that other ways exist for relaxing, but those too have become somewhat difficult given the lack of money, the shortage of things and the deterioration our society is suffering in terms of services.

Social Service (I)

In Cuba, university education is “free,” as are all mandatory studies. It’s free in the sense that it is unnecessary to pay with money for the years of coursework received. However, once someone graduates, it’s necessary to repay with work for the knowledge acquired in the classroom. This is known as fulfilling social service.

For a True ‘Battle of Ideas’

Who should control the content of philosophy classes? Sparks fly when this question is raised in Cuba. In this hot corner of the world, this leads us directly to the question of how and under what standards the issue of education is conceived; or better yet, what is the function of education and who is it for? Let’s begin at the lowest rung -the students- and then move up.