Cuba Bla Bla

Here's a new blog for all you Cubophiles. it's called El Yuma and is written by Ted Henken, a university professor from NYNY. Another aplatanado. So far he has written mostly about bloguera Yoani Sanchez, who is a friend it seems, but it sounds like Henken knows a lot more about Cuba than just the dissident bloggers. Lets see what he writes about.

Speaking of Yoani Sanchez, I dont know if you caught this a few weeks ago, when Yoani, denied permission to travel yet again, unloaded on the poor sleepy bureaucrat who had the misfortune to be the one who had to give her the bad news.

Beware the wrath of a highly intelligent, highly pissed off Cuban woman. With a hidden camera.

Meanwhile, the U.S.- Cuba thaw continues sort of, as the Latin Grammys have announced that Omara Portuando will be one of the presenters for this years gala on November 5th....However, a Miami friend, who is very familiar with the changing U.S. immigration policies vis a vis Cuban artists, cautions that we shouldn't expect of flood of Cuban musos coming to the U.S. next year for summer tours. More like a trickle, especially of older, more established artists, who present less of a threat of defecting while in the U.S. (I think the phrase is 'flight risk.')

Myself, I'm going back to Cuba for the first time in a couple of years. Leaving for Havana on the 17th. Yessss! I desperately need sun, and I need to be in a room with Manolito, or Havana D' Primera or Van Van, surrounded by Cuban dancers. It's been waaay too long. I hope to do some meetings, and I will also attend a wedding of two friends who are getting married. Two friends (Christian Muñoz, well known timba photographer and Jensy Menendez) whom I introduced - come to think of it.

Comments

[linner]

so glad you're heading down, billy--you deserve the break, the fun, the sun... i'll try not to be jealous! ;)

[Annette]

Can I come with too? I am sure you'll be needing an assistant in Havana :-)

[linner]

good idea, annette! okay, you be billy's assistant, and i'll be... um...your assistant! you're not too demanding, right? ;)

[bb]

Right. I can imagine ypu two a la playa and in the clubs of havana and the word 'assistant' does not come to mind.....