november-december

Ever since we began publishing OnCuba, our goal has been to address Cuba´s reality, its beauty and difficulties, in a project that requires seeing with our heart but keeping our feet on the ground. Therefore, it can be assumed that one of the people we wanted to interview was Silvio Rodríguez. If there is anything that has characterized this artist, it has been his proven love for his homeland and his consequent fierce loyalty to his principles. Whether they be angels or demons, his visions always provoke debate, because his opinions leave no room for a middle ground.

Of course we had to be patient; that phrase about his “door is worn down where the world has been knocking” is not that metaphorical, but like the lyrics of his song, the whims of fate, and above all the causes, made our wish come true. We asked Cuban intellectual Julio César Guanche to discuss certain subjects which he feels passionately about and concern him, with Silvio. Today we share that conversation with you.

Also in this issue, we have the first edition of a new section devoted to a subject that has returned to the fore: real estate. We also take a look at aspects of ranching in Cuba, based on the experience of a woman who has achieved surprising results; we consider the work of artist Esterio Segura; and we offer a tour of paladares, or private restaurants, with recommendations for special Christmas and New Year’s Eve dinners.

Another music-related article will be attractive for our readers: Paola Guanche, a little girl of Cuban descent who won the first edition of the Telemundo network TV program La Voz Kids, received us at her home in Miami, and shared her experiences with our team.

This has been a year of hard work, joy and perseverance for OnCuba. We wish all of our readers a Happy 2014, that your eyes may remain on your most cherished goals and that you dedicate yourselves to achieving them; love accomplishes wonders—we can testify to that.