Cuba
Lying in bed overnight, a hot night. Mosquitoes came in, maybe because I had (intentionally) left the window open after putting out the sleeping bag laundry to dry. Hard to fall asleep. Thinking of travel plans, thinking of the Cuban revolution…
This morning, went to use the internet. No wifi in the apartment, but yes outside. Connected. Required password. Scratched off the password on my internet card (sort of like scratching a lottery card). The password numbers themselves came off, so that I couldn't see the password. Also, noticed that the card says "use by 2017" (in 2019). Gah. The wifi briefly came on for free, enough to check the weather.
Went to get another wifi card. "We don't have any. Go to FOCSA." FOCSA is a Cuban mall. Went to FOCSA. Funny to be in a communist shopping mall. At the telecom store, a guard wielding a gun pointed to the line. At least, it sort of looked like a gun, maybe an antique gun. The line was long. Went for a walk, then came back. Still a long line, but not sure if it was still a line or just Cubans waiting around. I went inside and asked if they sold the cards. "The system's down." I asked if they'd have any cards tomorrow. "We don't have any of the $5 ones. We only have the $1 ones." OK, maybe I'll try again tomorrow.
It's hard to get anything done in Cuba. People say no, most items are out of stock, systems break. For directions, Cubans seem to say "go down there," or "go around," or some other relative direction, without indicating how far or to which landmark. If you ask for more precise directions, they angrily repeat the vague direction like you're stupid.
I'm happy that at least Cuban people get annoyed at my inability to understand some of their rougher speech. Instead of acting like I don't speak Spanish at all, as they often did at first, they now seem to treat me like a semi-comprehending idiot, as far as I can tell.
Maybe Cubans outside of the heavily touristy areas don't expect (or care) to have many visitors. They seem to lack the inquisitiveness that I've seen when meeting people in other countries.
On the way back, bought some produce, including a huge papaya, & some vegetables. In Cuba, they call papaya "fruta bomba."
I'm still not sure what this book is about. Maybe just adventures…
Walked around some more… Found that there are a number of places that sell wifi cards for more expensive, $2 for one hour.
I've met some international people here… In the old city...
A few facts arising from the heat here… It's often nice out, so people are out throughout the day, even on weekdays… It's hard to find a quiet spot, in Havana there are so many people! It's hard to stay hydrated, I keep drinking water yet remain thirsty…
I don't remember where I've seen insect repellent here...
It seems like just taking care of the basics is a hassle here…