An rare insight and perspective on Cuba

Apart from the odd report out of Cuba - usually directed to what Fidel Castro has said or done - the country rarely figures in any information or news in the media. The fact that Castro was allegedly seriously ill has been about the most that has been reported in the last year.

Now, someone who has lived in Cuba, has revisted the country - and written about what he found, "A Cuban death rehearsal", in Prospect:

"When Javier heard the news on the radio last July, his first reaction was to go out and buy 15 packets of cigarettes, in case any ensuing tension lead to scarcities in the city. Then he returned to his flat to wait and to watch. He stayed inside for several days. Many others did the same. Fidel Castro had handed over power to his brother, Raúl. It should have been momentous. There were rumours of further political change, there was speculation that the comandante en jefe was actually dead, there was talk of jubilation in Miami, but all was quiet on the streets of Havana.

The subsequent months have been like a continuous Sunday evening, says Javier: quiet, expectant, but laced with an underlying anxiety. "Nothing really has happened, nothing really has changed." He looks at me knowingly. We rock to and fro on his rocking chairs and ease back into our old ways. "Es igual, Bella, es exactamente igual." It's exactly the same as it was."

A fascinating insight into Cuba, where it "sits" now, and what might happen when Castro passes away. Read the full piece here.

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