The end...The end...
So that was it, the holiday had ended. Cuba is fantastic, it really has to be seen to be believed. Is it good that there is no trade with the US? For us, yes. It gave us the opportunity to sample a completely different society, away from an increasingly McDonaldised world. Whether Cuba's problems, particularly economic, are a result of socialism, or the US embargo can be discussed forever. I saw that the effects of both are very strong. Cuba needs the support of America to survive, now that trading relations with the former Soviet Union have disappeared - but the US shows little sign of backing down. Communism has its benefits, as it has created a friendly, colourful society with superb education and health care, and a high degree of national pride. But the imprisonment of polital prisoners, controlling the media and the tendency of Castro to blame all of Cuba's problems on America has done him few favours. I wish the US would end the embargo, but I also believe in democracy. Cubans do love Fidel, but the ones we spoke to would love a chance to be able to work there way out of relative poverty compared to us. It is also obvious by the number of "Hasta la victoria siempre" signs that the government lives by the support created by the revolution - this revolution occured years before England won the world cup, which shows a similarity between us and Cuba - we continue to celebrate something when there's not much else to cheer about. I think the England footy team have a decent future though.
Cuba could have a decent future, but I don't see much hope in the near future - doctors will still moonlight as cab drivers, children will offer their bodies for a few dollars, and people like Elian's mother will continue to die trying to get to a better life in America.
It's a difficult issue, one which could change if Castro were to die soon, although his brother Raul harbours the same ambitions. If socialism were to end, there is no doubt individual cubans would benefit, but Cuba would turn into another american state, and much of the attraction of Cuba would be lost. So go there now, while you have the chance, and you will not regret it.
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