Professional drivers often complain in Cuba about the steep and frequent fines that traffic police give them everywhere, forcing many of them to spend long periods of time without being able to work (as these fines are cumulative and soon invalidate driver licenses).
It’s clear not all Cubans have the same economic situation, but what’s certain is that the vast majority have salaries that last them a mere 8 to 10 days, and that, the remaining 20 days of the month, they have to what I do: work miracles to acquire essential products.
The African continent is again making news and these are again far from good. The world is talking about a new outbreak of the Ebola virus in Western Africa, the worst since the disease was discovered near the Ebola river, in the Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire), in 1976.
It may be true that some people in Cuba are being terrorized. Those dubbed as dissidents probably fear being imprisoned or tortured for their ideas. The former has happened on many occasions. I have no proof the latter has ever taken place.
Children tend to notice things that often elude adults and know what’s best for their parents more than anyone. A friend of mine told me something that happened to her and her five-year-old son that I want to share with our readers.
Until recently I didn’t write anything for HT for three months. Many reasons kept me away from the page. The main ones are my old computer, which breaks down more and more often and my two girls, who seem to cause greater problems as they grow up.
Rude behavior is becoming more and more common in our homes, streets and neighborhoods. I don’t know whether this is because the economic problems of Cubans today is expressing itself as mistreatment, yelling and offensive gestures. Yesterday I witnessed an accident that proved shameful not only for the victim.
Yesterday afternoon, I caught an inter-municipal bus outside the Agostinho Neto Provincial Hospital in Guantanamo. The bus was headed for the provincial terminal. Before getting on, those who had been anxiously waiting for the bus to arrive asked the driver how much the fare was.
There are only two things in the world I like more than plants. One is telling stories. The other are kids, particularly children under five. For me, it is delightful to spend time with a little kid, to see their smiles, to pamper them. On occasion, I offer them some of the sweets I carry around for my own girls so as to get as close to them and get a glimpse at those perfect beings that will soon not be so perfect.
I turned on the TV to listen to the morning show Buenos Dias, as I always do, from the kitchen. It was a news piece having to do with Cuba’s two currencies and their use. I perked up my ears and managed to hear something about “monetary unification.” In less than two seconds, my brain was already asking such questions as: “Will I get paid in Cuban Convertible Pesos (CUC)?”, “How much will I start earning now?” and “Will my salary finally be enough to live on?”