Diaries Archives - Page 621 of 635

Why I no longer eat meat (I)

These animals ended up being part of our life, and each was almost like another neighbor. Nonetheless, the day of cruel sacrifice would arrive; men would again start sharpening their knives.

No, don’t get scared; I’m not going to ramble on about the collapse of the socialist camp, or the love-hate relationship that we Cubans have with the Russians. I’m speaking of an emblematic site of Cuban geography located just to the east of the capital.

Learning the “Ola” in Cuba

The student that had originally invited us on the bus burst into a very impressive rendition of a popular Reggaeton song. At this point the girl sitting next to me began doing the “ola,” similar to the American “wave” but with some variation.

City in Red

If I couldn’t identify more with this film, it was because of the obvious gaps in the script. The weaknesses in the storyline couldn’t be saved even by the good acting. I was unable to discern a leading character.

Close to Vedado (III)

In the market we divided up the purchases. Ana Maria was responsible for yogurt and eggs. While she waited in line, a more than seventy-year-old man struck up a conversation with her.

Kids and “Bratz”

My friend, Cuban essayist and poet Victor Fowler, has discerned a dichotomy in Cuba between “the body of pleasure” and “the body of the Homeland.” I believe that explains why the bodies of the “Bratz” are popular among Cuban girls.

An Excursion that Ended at the Beach (II)

There wasn’t a soul left on the shore at this hour – an unusual situation – due to a cold front which had enveloped the city. We collapsed as soon as we reached the sand, overcome by fatigue and sleepiness.

Our Street Vendors

Born in the economic crisis of the 1990s, at a time when the government was scrambling in its capacity as employer, they came to be known as “merolicos”, a word meaning “informal vendor,” which was added to the Cuban vocabulary from a Mexican soap opera.

The Bodyguard

My friend is much loved and his friends and family eagerly skipped work or other activities, or took their vacations to spend time with him going to parties, renting beach houses or traveling the island. I joined in two activities.

The First Part of the Trial

I had never been in a courtroom before; it was quite small with long wooden benches, like in the movies. The judges and lawyers were dressed in long black gowns, which I imagine must be hot as hell in the summer.