Isaac Holeman My site and ideas are works in progress. More »

Regarding the blurry boundary between Free Love and Transactional Sex in Cuba

the malecón photo by Isaac Holeman.
 
The other day I passed part of the afternoon walking alone along the malecón, the seawall pictured above. Built in 1901 by the U.S. during one of their occupations of Cuba, it covers most of Havana’s sea shore and is a hub of people watching and sea sprayed dallying [...]

Bear Necessities: Little girls have fun and make do

Two Girls and their Water Balloons? by Isaac Holeman.

 
I recently read a short passage about Cuban culture that included the statement “la necesidad ha sido nuestra maestra, el orgullo nacional nuestro consejero / necessity has been our teacher, national pride our advisor.” Though perhaps surprising in a country so marked by political rhetoric and ideology, [...]

Ice Creams, Che Creams: Understanding Money and a dual economy

Yay for Ice Cream (or a reenactment of fighting pirates in Santiago) by Isaac Holeman.

 
We use big numbers all the time. In the US we’re all about big, but in reality human brains are pretty crappy at comprehending really big numbers. It’s easy to go without noticing this because brains are very clever, and they [...]

Libre in Cuba: My arrival in Havana

The Color in Habana Vieja by Isaac Holeman.
As some of you may know, I now write from Havana, Cuba. Smiley face X !!! to the power of * is how much I like it here, so far. Yes, I know that’s an impressive number. I’m on the honeymoon with this country.
On the [...]