2/6/10

Its fairly early in the day but I thought I might just blog a bit now. I seemed to get my sickness out of my system efficiently yesterday. Hopefully THAT won’t happen again.

Unrelated, I feel like I’m not getting a very honest impression of Cubans. This morning we went to the grocery store. It is the largest and most well stocked grocery in the country- and this is the second time they have not had cheese of any sort. I hate going to that grocery store. It used to be a place where you literally had to show your passport to get in, locals weren’t allowed. On Thursday the group went to a government building to hear about the Cuban constitution and method of assemblies of the public. He explained how in Cuba everyone has equal access to things: they all have the ability to transport themselves, to work, to have a house, and to get groceries. I argue, however, that there is still a large distribution among these abilities. For example, the majority of Cuban people can not shop at the market here in the tourist district. And the rations for food are not enough for meals to last the month. It is a difficult problem. I definitely understand the failures of our capitalist system, but I’m still not sold on the effectiveness a socialist organization.

Anyway, in the grocery some guy says: cual pais!? He holds his arms wide as if he is going to give us a hug. Katie and I stop walking. We exchange a quick glance with no answer. We are sick of everyone asking where we are from as the first encounter of discourse. Why does it matter!? Also, when you say ‘the United States’, you usually are responded to with, ‘oh really? Oh, we love the united states, Miami right!?’. I’m sure this is not true for everyone who as told us so. Italy? He asks Katie. At the same moment she says yes, and I say Canada. ‘For me’, I add. Sometimes it is just easier this way.

End of day update: feeling more comfortable using the bus system. Can get to school, old Havana and back home with ease. We found a wonderful art market that is evidently a weekly Saturday event. Upon returning ‘home’ to the hotel we found that neither our soap or toilet paper have been replaced. Please don’t let this be the beginning of a shortage again!

Feelings: infinitely better than yesterday, but the city makes me tired. Thinking beach tomorrow for my reading.