Quimbombo

[bembacolora]

I have been amazed lately by the news coming from Cuba. Many of my friends call me saying, "What do you think of the news that the Cuban government is now going to allow Cuban citizens to purchase computers and cell phones and electronics?" Things only government officials and communist elite were able to have

Comments

[debbiejoy]

I swear to you Mario, in these few paragraphs you've taught me more about Cuba than I ever learned from any other source. We spend so much time hearing about politics that average daily life is shoved aside as not newsworthy. I love hearing your family stories--even though I wish I could have known your grandma just so I could have given her all the okra I've passed up, and croutons I've pushed aside thoughout my lifetime. Thanks for introducing actual reality to this old dog!

[bembacolora]

Grandma was an amazing cook back in the day. It amazes me that later in life she took such joy from some very simple things. She had been beaten down by years of the Castro regime

[debbiejoy]

A story's never too long when it's about family. It shouldn't make you feel melancholy too much either. When we talk about the people we love it brings them closer and keeps them alive for yourself and others. See, now your grandma has a woman in Mt. Pleasant who knows some of her stories and will pass them on to other people as well. Tell me all the stories you want...I love hearing them! And when my sinuses FINALLY decide to clear up and I'm feeling human again, I'll tell you a story or two about my two grandmas and how I was lucky to have time with them. :o)

[bembacolora]

I would enjoy that.

[mintygoddess]

Don't apologise for the length of your posts or replies, Mario. I'm just waiting to find out where I can buy the book you should write. :) Like debbiejoy I love reading your family stories. I studied the Cuban revolution for the Higher School Certificate (the big exams at the end of high school in my state to get into university etc etc) but I learnt absolutely nothing compared to when I read what you write. And you made me get all teary at work, dammit! Your grandma was truly a wonderful person.

Would you mind if I reposted (with full credit of course) on a site I frequent with people who have also taught me a whole lot. I think they would appreciate your words as much as I do. If not, then that's totally fine :)

[bembacolora]

I'm not all Mr Public, but you can repost if you like. I'm glad you liked it. Maybe someday when I'm old and have a bunch of idle time on my hands I'll attempt to write a book. HA!

[artemiswinter]

Every time I hear a story like this latest from Cuba, I think of you. And every time, you come through with a perspective that I've never heard and respect immensely. And I so love to hear your family stories. I know your grandmother (and all of your family) is with you, always.

[anonymous]

Lately I`ve seen a documentary about Havanna and the bad circumstances people still live in there. I saw an old man and his wife, both of them over eighty years old, who had to carry all the water they need to the third floor of the house because the water pipes were ruined and no one did repair it.
I grew up in this communism system too and knew about the lack of everything and the daily fight to get things you need while the government had everything they wanted. But no one had to starve here in Germany.
I`m not really happy with the capitalism system although I have a better life now. Then the government ruled our world and now the money rules the world. I´m still hoping for something better and a change for Cubaniens.

Nightowl