I want to start my blog with this documentary made by Louisa Wei. This is a story The story about two women Caridad and Georgina, who had learned the art of Cantonese Opera in Havana as a young age and performed as divas for over a decade before their lives were changed by Fidel Castro's revolution. The documentary shows Havana's Chinatown and the long history of Chinese immigration to Cuba. When I was watching this documentary, I was moved by how Chinese immigrants tried to keep the cultural bonds by practicing Cantonese opera, watching Cantonese movies and publishing Chinese newspapers. This aroused my to go to Cuba and see how is the life of Chinese immigrants there. What also motivates me is the history of socialist revolution that once connected Cuba and China together.
The Cuban Revolution was influential in China, particularly after Guevara's visit in 1960. But this connection was soon disrupted by the Sino-Soviet split. I am curious about the historical traces left by this period of history and how it influences contemporary Cuba-China relation. Grown up in post-socialist China, I may not be surprised about the relatively low efficiency of service and bureaucracy, the less developed infrastructure and many inconveniences in daily life. It might be more like a time travel to my childhood when there was no Internet and the society was still very isolated from the rest of the world. I am curious whether people in Cuba still believe in socialist revolution, how do they think about China's social reform after the Cultural Revolution, whether they want to follow China's route to open their country and join the globalization of capitalist economy.
There are many immigrants from Latin America, particularly Mexico, in my neighborhood at NYC. But I rarely talk to them. As most immigrants I find it hard to integrate into the diverse cultures that are new to me. I have learned Spanish for one year but still cannot speak very well. I hope that I can speak fluently after I finish my study this summer. I want to know more about my Spanish-speaking neighbors and people working in supermarkets and restaurants.
To be honest I'm very nervous about the trip because I don't have much experience to live in other countries. I'm afraid that I cannot get used to local culture. I'm also worried about whether my stomach will accept a completely different kinds of food. Luckily I find that there are Chinese restaurants in Chinatown, although only a few. But will they be very different from the food I eat in China? Hmmmm.... I need to bring some instant noodles with me! Moreover, I'm not a party animal and love to stay quite in my room. If there is no Internet, I might spend more time reading books or watching movies. I need to save more books in my iPad. What about sleep? If people love to party in Cuba, it will be difficult for me to sleep...I might be driven crazy if I cannot sleep!!!
I find that I might worry too much....Anyway, after talking to SSA's staff I feel more secure because they have prepared very well. I trust them!!!!