#usembargo

Looks like I’m going to Cuba tomorrow.  Every study abroad program by its nature seems to imply these moments of mind blowing opportunity that one cannot fully appreciate; this is one of those times. 

I learned next to nothing about Cuba during the good ole days of high school.  I knew that

We don’t go there.

Communism.

It’s close to Florida.

They have cigars.

Dirty Dancing Havana Nights.

Perhaps this says something about my high school education (probably), but unfortunately I think it reveals a larger lack of awareness within United States culture.  This could lead me to a longer rant about the seeming general lack of basic education about Latin America in the States, but we won’t go there, so back to Cuba.  It has been equally fascinating and sobering to learn about this country through my various courses here.  Things like, Cuba has two currencies, and that’s not exactly ideal.  Or that a lots of people aren’t big fans of the embargo, including my host family (I’m talking about the U.S. trade embargo against Cuba, read about it here and a bunch of other places).  Also, the music. 

Do your own digging about this unique nation and see what ya find.  Then watch this movie and this movie because they are good. 

Another fact about Cuba: I won’t have internet for the week, so adios!