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.
Read MoreMy 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.
Read MoreI 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.
Read MoreIn terms of getting permission to stay in Havana, we’re OK for now, in that we’re currently here legally as students. Afterwards -once we’ve finished our studies- that remains something we’ll have to take care of.
Read MoreAll these debates resulted in the inevitable; university professors told how they had studied using Russian text books, which falsified or distorted the ideas of the greatest Marxist thinkers, and how those books are still being used at the university.
Read MoreAs a visitor to this country I can say that I am perfectly fine with Cuban families building sand castles on the beach. Having police cars honk at me and officers make advances in the street is what actually bothers me.
Read MoreThe day I decided to write this blog, somebody stole my documents and my appointment book while I was on the city bus. I want to chronicle my life experiences in this city that perhaps someday you will decide to visit.
Read MoreThe true hero of the kids in my neighborhood is Misha, a very well-known Reggaeton singer and composer who has been unmatched in giving a sense of identity and belonging to those youth. He walks on foot through our community, and no one ignores his simple and charismatic greetings.
Read MoreAfter seeing how questionable this new system of study can be, it simply makes no sense that no one took us students into account in the elaboration of the plan.
Read MoreThe bus arrived on time, and I couldn’t believe that it took me to the hotel for free. I had some dollars but I didn’t change them in the airport because the signs didn’t clearly indicate where the places were, and everything was a bit narrow and strange to me.
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