Day 1

I arrived today in La Havana after my parents decided it would be best for me to spend some time with my grandmother, and learn responsibilities--what a load. The first time I visit this country and my parents decide I should do it alone. And not to a resort, no, to a half broken apartment in the crappiest side of La Habana, or at least it seems to be, for nothing can look worse.

Six months I am supposed to spend in this place. At least I have my computer. Although, there is no internet here. I wonder if they have discovered fire. When I arrived, my grandmother was very happy to see me. I feel bad that I wasn’t as excited. It’s hard to explain, I know that she is my grandma but I have only seen her once and that was five years ago. I feel like I am in a strange place surrounded by stranger people. Earlier, I met my cousins who I had only seen in pictures. They where very happy to see me, and their mother-- my aunt by marriage--told them to hug and kiss me, and then she hugged me.
It was very awkward, and I think she is fake. How could anyone be so happy to see someone they have never met? Anyways, two of my cousins are young. I think five or four years old. The other is older. I think she is seventeen, or a year younger. Anyways, she is around my age. They stayed for about an hour, and asked about my parents and about whether I liked Cuba, even though I have only been here for five hours. I said I did, since I didn’t want to be rude.

Now I am sitting by the window and writing these notes. Maybe when I get back I’ll create a blog. I have always wanted to write and this is as good a time as any, since there is nothing to do. There is nothing good on tv. There are only like 5 channels and two of them are constantly talking about the great economic advances achieved in this island by the sacrifice and hardwork of the revolution. I must be in the shittiest part of town indeed since I don’t see any great economic signs around here.

I am sitting by the window, and I can see the Ocean that starts just across the street. From what I am told, that is the “Malecon” or boardwalk. The sea looks very blue, especially now that it's getting dark. It’s actually beautiful. Just about the only beautiful thing I can see. The neighboring houses and buildings look old, and decaying with the paint flaking or gone showing bare bricks. I cannot believe my parents have sent me here. I must find ways to entertain myself or I will go crazy. It's such a boring place. Even the light bulbs are yellow and tired. And there is nothing good on tv, what will I do without tv and internet? My cousin Elena said she would pick me up in two hours to go out. At least I won't be in this room. It's so plain!
I think I will continue writing later as my grandmother is now calling me to dinner. Rice and steak, although hardly the New York striploin kind. I will write later about my outing with my cousin. Although I don't hold high hopes for it.