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The Welcoming and Guarded Island of Cuba

by Rebecca Zinner (USA)

Cuba

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Cuba likely prompts specific imagery in the minds of internationals; classic cars driving past Spanish colonial facades and icons of Communism.
Cuba likely prompts specific imagery in the minds of internationals; classic cars driving past Spanish colonial facades and icons of Communism.
These scenes are striking, but my attention quickly turned to the people I met along the way. I asked everyone who would take the time to listen to my stilted Spanish, "What is it like to actually live here?"
These scenes are striking, but my attention quickly turned to the people I met along the way. I asked everyone who would take the time to listen to my stilted Spanish, "What is it like to actually live here?"
I encountered nearly universal enthusiasm and welcoming from the people I spoke to, but some conversations hinted at a veneer that locals employed when speaking to tourists. I noticed this while I was chatting with a young woman who worked at a posh hotel as I waited for a bus.
I encountered nearly universal enthusiasm and welcoming from the people I spoke to, but some conversations hinted at a veneer that locals employed when speaking to tourists. I noticed this while I was chatting with a young woman who worked at a posh hotel as I waited for a bus.
When she realized I was on my way to the beach resort town of Varadero, she spoke enthusiastically about the stunning, pristine beaches and clear, endless ocean. I asked her how often she would visit. Varadero is only about an hour away from Old Havana and I assumed she went often.
When she realized I was on my way to the beach resort town of Varadero, she spoke enthusiastically about the stunning, pristine beaches and clear, endless ocean. I asked her how often she would visit. Varadero is only about an hour away from Old Havana and I assumed she went often.
But when pressed she admitted that she had never actually been; it was too expensive for her to go but she hoped to do so eventually. She smiled, "Havana is beautiful too." With that the veneer returned and I was left to wonder what else might be behind it.
But when pressed she admitted that she had never actually been; it was too expensive for her to go but she hoped to do so eventually. She smiled, "Havana is beautiful too." With that the veneer returned and I was left to wonder what else might be behind it.

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