Veronica Vega’s diary

I was surprised to discover that an official media platform such as that of Trabajadores weekly newspaper, had denounced an act of racial discrimination which is being investigated by the Attorney General of Cuba.

A French friend used to tell me that listening to criticism from foreigners about her country was a healthy experience for her. The general opinions of a visitor tend to be based on the splendor of a first impression, and aren’t objective at all.

The day Donald Trump announced the changes to his policy towards Cuba, the news caught me at the home of a computer accessories salesman. As the man had the TV switched on, I asked him what the US president had said…

The photo is of a so-called “hot dog” label (a kind of sausage which is widely consumed in Cuba), sold in hard currency among other meat products. They are quite popular and are used to put together a quick meal and even the bread with “something” snack.

When I signed up to the initiative organized by CeDA (Cubans in Defense of Animals), to help out collecting signatures so that animal abuse becomes a crime, I was surprised by people’s promptness to jot down their personal details on paper, on the spot and without any doubts.

I try to write about the country I live in, rather than ordinary Cubans’ problems, the country which doesn’t appear in the media or on national TV.

In a country where government media describes a make believe reality or true only for the privileged elite, those of us who are independent journalists in Cuba usually only see what disappoints us. This makes us sarcastic, skeptical and unconquerable beings.

Thanks to a friend’s text message I was able to be present at the corner of Obispo y Mercaderes, Old Havana, where members of PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), the world’s largest organization for animal rights spoke on veganism.

There are words which can shake us up. I remember some of Mother Teresa’s words, about how she and her order accepted governments like sailors accept time. Depending on the conditions, they set sail, they sail, they wait, they face or avoid storms: but they never stop acting.

It’s understandable that tourists who visit us (if they don’t just want the postcard that Cuba sells them) want to meet some native Cubans, talk in a pleasant space and listen to opinions firsthand, as it’s impossible to get to know the country in just a few days.