60 YEARS AFTER REVOLUTION

Is Cuba a tropical paradise or island with a dying ideology?

Now past the 60th anniversary of the 1959 revolution, Cuba is a living paradox with severe limitations on freedom of speech and press whilst equally admired for achievements in education and health. Little is left of the real socialism. 

Life in Cuba is challenging.  The economic situation in Cuba worsens, and its political system remains implacable. State workers and pensioners are paid in Cuban pesos to a value of $20 per month; even professionals are paid within this range. 

Furthermore, only limited consumer items are available in this currency and all imported goods (toiletries, household goods, clothes, etc.) have to be bought in hard currency. Small salaries make it almost impossible to survive.

However cuban life has a strong connection with life on the streets. The house doors and windows are always open to the street. Most people hang outside their house all day and spend time with neighbors and those passing by. The streets in front of houses are narrow, but there are lots of activities going on here. Hairdressers showcase their chair to do their service right there. Kids and teens play baseball with handmade balls. Guys cleanse the fish and the old ladies sort beans. It feels like a big part of their lives is going on the street. But there is no stress - on the contrary, life is completely calm and quiet.