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Havana, Cuba Seen From ‘The Control Tower’

I imagine the Russians are tired of bailing out their Cuban comrades, but also in need of allies in this hemisphere.

By Yoani Sanchez (14ymedio)

HAVANA TIMES – In the mornings, Tulipan Street transforms into a Carthaginian market. I skirt the stalls where they sell everything from peas to soap, aspirin, and cigarettes. I’m lucky to live very close to this commercial bustle, which, although informal, precarious, and with prices driven by inflation, keeps my neighborhood alive and allows me to find basil for pesto or Teflon tape to repair a leaky pipe.

This Friday, Tulipan is my starting point. If public transportation is dying throughout the city, here it’s practically nonexistent. An avenue without almendrones (old US American cars operation as taxis), without bicycle taxis, and without tricycles carrying passengers, this street is only for two types of people: those who walk and those who have a car (and managed to find gas or electricity to run it). So I don’t even look to see if anything’s coming to give me a ride. I’m ready to tackle the hill ahead.

A sprawling garage sale has sprung up in the basements of two enormous Soviet-era concrete blocks I pass on my way. There are makeshift stalls, blankets spread on the ground, selling mainly pants, blouses, and shoes. It’s the “clothes of Cuban emigrants,” the countless outfits left behind in closets and drawers after their owners left the island. One of the many flea markets selling the spoils of the mass exodus that have opened up across the country.

The relatives left behind try to sell a baby clothes here, some little girl’s shoes........

© Havana Times