Being Cuban

 Cubans have to prove themselves. Cubans have to remember how beautiful their country was, and  hope for that day when they'll be able to go back. I've grown up in a mix of an "American" Culture, and a "Cuban" one, and have come to believe how American's (including myself) were very innocent as to what was happening in Cuba and relating that to America.

When I young, I was naïve. I may still be considered young now, but I’m no longer naïve about who I am, and where I belong. When I was younger, I didn't understand how my ethnicity should be something to show off like my dad did. I wanted it to be hidden, I wanted to blend in. Now, I’m proud to be Cuban, and I always will be. One day I’ll be able to visit Cuba with my dad, and see the mysterious part of his life that he loves and misses so much. My dad used to tell me every day before I went to bed: “Remember, Cuban is in your blood”. And this, I believe.

This is a picture of my family and I visiting Key West in Florida. This is the closest you can get to Cuba without leaving the United States! 

Cuba Libre!

 

Cuba Libre means "Free Cuba". My family listens to this song so much, that it almost represents us as a whole. And this song is fun:)

Little Havana

This picture was taken in the area known as Little Havana in Miami Florida. Most of the people that live here are Cuban born, that fled to the United States for freedom. I've been there multiple times, and it is a great place to experience culture! Cuban music is playing on every street corner, great food is being made, and all of the old men that came from Cuba sit on their plastic chairs and play dominoes for long periods of time. It is definitely a treat to experience.

 

This is a picture of my Dad and my younger sister. This restaurant is one we go to every time we are in Little Havana - Versailles! Presidents like Bush and Clinton have even dined here. Whenever we do eat here, its like a whole different culture. Everyone speaks Spanish, so my dad has to translate for my sister and my mom and I. Everyone has an opinion about Castro and his Brother Raul, and everyone wants a FREE CUBA.  

Some Cuban Flavor

My dad has this hanging up in our house. This painting is huge, and takes up most of the wall it hangs on. My dad wants to make sure that his culture is shown to whomever enters our house, and he wants them to be taken away by all the Cuban flavor. When I was younger, I was ashamed by this. I didn't want people to view us differently, I just wanted to blend in.

However, in this picture, you can see that my ideas have changed. This picture was taken last year in Miami, when I was visiting my Dad's side of the family. This was for my sister's birthday (She is in the far back dancing with my Grandpa). Usually for birthdays there, we get a Mariachi band and everyone dances and sings along. There is a bunch of food and drinks, and millions of family members there to have a great time. 

The Two Cubas

What tourists see ^. This is what I used to believe before I accepted my culture. I was oblivious to what Cuba was really going through, and decided to only see what some Americans see - beautiful beaches.

How it is for citizens>; wanting to leave. When I realized how selfish I was being not accepting a part of me, I realized how much Cuba needs help, and how this is the side my Dad and his family grew up in.

What Exactly Has Changed In Cuba?

I FEEL CUBA

 My father showed me this youtube video once, and I'll always remember it. It shows just how much Cubans feel for their country, and just how patriotic they are.

CUBA REVOLUTION

To begin, this video shows the "two" different Cubas. One for the tourists, and one for the actual citizens.

This picture defines me. Before, I was afraid to show this side of me to my friends or even my family. I didn't want to learn it, and I didn't want to accept it. Now, I'm proud to tell people where my Dad and his family came from, and how much this is a part of my life. Cuba Libre!