Ariel Glaria Archives - Page 2 of 3

Prelude to Obama’s Visit

The following discussion took place at the bus stop where I wait every day, on the morning of Friday, March 18, two days before President Barack Obama arrived in Havana.

A Telescope and My First Time in Cuba

Though the things Cubans most crave have varied in dependence of the priorities and fads of the time and individual aspirations, a house and a car have been the top two since I have use of reason. In my case, it’s also been a telescope. (6 photos)

Two Flies in a Cuban Market

On the zinc roof of a produce and livestock market in Havana, two flies converse. “Have you met the Argentinean fly, yet? He’s got all the flies in the dumpster imitating his Argentinean accent.” (11 photos)

A Burial and Wake in Havana

A few days ago, while standing on a street corner in Havana, Luis, an acquaintance who never misses a wake, told me about a burial and the last wake he’d been to.

The Accident that Changed Miguel’s Life

He came back home with a bandage wrapped around his head, with no recollection of what had happened to him. It was the summer of 1984, a Thursday afternoon. Two weeks later, he was already out and about, greeting everyone and answering by his name, Miguel.

Funeral Parlors in Havana

Three months ago, at the funeral parlor in La Lisa, Havana, Luis showed me why he is renowned for never missing a wake. He was among the first to arrive. “This is one of the ugliest, lesser known funeral parlors in Havana,” he said when he saw me.

Cuba’s Architectural Demons

Nothing says more about what we once were, what we are or what we want to become than our architecture. The post-revolution unimaginative designs, the poor quality of the construction work and the little importance given the buildings’ finishing had an impact on immediate surroundings. The practice became generalized and, today, we can see its results everywhere.