Shows
Cuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 102 - The Rocking ChairLast month, we shared love stories, and in this microburst
episode, we explore the love for an artifact that embodies the feeling of home for a little girl. This is an excerpt from the book Flight of the Tocororo, and it starts with a brief memory.
The Rocking Chair
I don’t remember the heat of summer
nor the coolness brought by the rain.
But I can still feel the strength of
your oak frame rocking me, the curve and sloping
details of your armrests, and even the little ind...2024-03-1205 min
Cuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 98 - Nuestra BanderaLos episodios, tipo Microráfaga, como este, son conversaciones cortas con mi familia y amistades, y no son editadas.
Hoy les traigo una conversación con una poetisa cubana muy querida donde comparte con nosotros una poesia sobre nuestra bandera cubana.
Prepárense para ser incorporados en una lectura llena de emocion.
2024-01-1609 minCuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 97 - A Red Bicycle - Una bicicleta rojaHappy New Year!
Do you know what has been celebrated on January 6th since the third century in certain parts of the world? Three Kings Day! El Dia de los Reyes Magos.
It’s the 12th day of Christmas, when Melchior, Caspar,
and Balthazar rode their camels through miles of desert with gifts for baby Jesus and found their way to him guided by a new star in the heavens - the Star of Bethlehem.
Long ago, on the night before El Dia de los Reyes Magos, some Cuban family traditions included putting ou...2024-01-0213 minCuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 96 - More than Money Can BuyThis episode, written by Dr. Martha H. Corvea, and is our second “first Christmases in exile” story, which brings home an example of sacrifices made by families to reach the Land of Freedom.
As a family unit, her parents, brother, Abuela, and she lived like gypsies for months after leaving Cuba on a tourist visa. They traveled across Mexico & Ecuador...
2023-12-1910 minCuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 95 - Christmas on the Virginia de ChurrucaIn December we celebrate our roots with stories of “first Christmases in exile.” In a past episode, I had shared a story about our family Chistmases in the United States but somehow, tucked away in the recesses of my mind was another first Christmas. One which came at the heels of the triumph of the revolution.
En diciembre celebramos nuestras raíces con historias de "primeras Navidades en el exilio". En un episodio anterior, había compartido una historia Navideña sobre mi familia en los Estados Unidos, pero de alguna manera, escondida en los recoveco...2023-12-0513 minCuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 94 - A 1982 SangibinIn November of every year, we bring you stories of “first Cuban Thanksgivings.” Mixed with the emotions of living in a land of freedom, we were introduced to “the turkey” – the culinary centerpiece of the holiday and all its accompaniments. Also, as a new Spanish-speaking
arrival in North America, we were faced with a different language and what seemed, at the time, strange words and letter combinations like “th,” which required the speaker to gently thrust and manuver the toungue in a gymnastic feat.
Coupled with a knack for dropping the last letter of a word, Thanksgiving became Sangibin.
Today, w...2023-11-2109 minCuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 83 - A Picture Clue - Las pistas en una imagenToday’s story looks at genealogy research to find balance in present life. And how finding the missing parts of a puzzle brings peace despite the pain of our first Thanksgiving in 1964. This episode expands on the poem and the
story Can I Learn to Walk without You? From my book, Flight of the Tocororo, co-authored with Betty Viamontes.
El episodio de hoy analiza como la investigación genealógica nos ayuda encontrar el equilibrio en la vida presente. Y cómo encontrar las piezas de un rompecabezas trae paz a pesar del dolor de nuestro primer Día de...2023-11-0721 min
Cuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 45 - Microráfaga - Una visita en CubaEn este episodio tipo microráfaga del podcast de Green Plantain, tengo el placer de compartir una visita muy agradable con mi prima Nora, la cual ya la conocen por medio de una historia en El vuelo del tocororo.
Aquí ella habla sobre los carnavales, nuestra familia y oirán los sonidos de Santa Clara con el bullicio del trafico y la radio. Quizás podrán oír a otra prima dando instrucciones a mi hija en la cocina.2023-10-3006 min
Cuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 93 - Microrafága - La Noche de los dos solesEn esta Microráfaga del Green Plantain podcast, tengo el placer de bienvenir a Betty Viamontes, mi amiga y coautora de El Vuelo del Tocororo – Historias de Cuba y el exilio. Aqui nos lee uno de sus cuentos que se encuentra en la última sección de dicho libro.
¿Pero esperen? ¿Qué es un tocororo?
Aqui lo sabran,,,,2023-10-3009 min
Cuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 92 - Microrafága - Escapando de Cuba 1961El SS Satrústegui barco gemelo del Virginia de Churruca salió de La Habana rumbo a Venezuela y Colombia en marzo del 1961 a menos de un mes antes de la Invasión de bahía de Cochinos en abril. En este barco de la Compañía Trasatlántica Española iban casi una docena de mis familiares rumbo a Venezuela.
Este episodio tipo Microráfaga es una conversación intima, y emocional, en español, entre mi prima Marybertha y yo.2023-10-3025 min
Cuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 91 - Microburst - Morse Code MemoriesIn this Microburst, Jon Mueller shares with me a story about using his Fighting Lady aircraft carrier and Morse code to send messages to his dad. It is an endearing story. Perhaps you remember this type of toy from the 1950s. You can also listen to his interview with Mona regarding Memorial Day on her podcast Stories from A-Z with Mona P.2023-10-3002 min
Cuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 90 - Microburst - Kissy Kissy DollIn this Microburst, Mona Posinoff was telling me a story about her doll when she was a little girl. It is an endearing story. Perhaps you remember these dolls from the 1960s. Thanks for listening. You can also follow Mona on Soundcloud: Stories from A to Z with Mona P.2023-10-3002 min
Cuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 89 - Microráfaga - SOS Cuba - Cinco Puntos con PepínCinco Puntos con Pepín - Esta Microráfaga fue grabada espontáneamente y la lanzamos en anticipación al episodio de la semana que viene para que Pepín nos de cinco puntos que pueden ayudarnos responder preguntas y disipar algunos mitos sobre Cuba y el presente régimen.2023-10-3027 min
Cuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 88 - Microráfaga - Pepín, El Chef Hispano mas QueridoEsta Microráfaga es un extracto del Episodio 24 del Green Plantain. Esta historia trata sobre una amistad inesperada.2023-10-3005 min
Cuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 87 - Microráfaga - En el Tiempo del CóleraDurante el siglo 19, el cólera se extendió por todo el mundo desde su reservorio original en el delta del Ganges en la India. El cólera ocurrió en Cuba en diferentes momentos. Aunque la enfermedad no logró entrar en América del Norte, durante el período objeto de examen se produjeron brotes graves en América del Sur (Argentina, 1886 y 1888; Chile, 1887 y 1888). http://health21magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/1954-Cholera-Studies.pdf
En el tiempo del colera es una anécdota relatada por mi madre de ochenta años. Ella fue entrevistada por su sobrino, Fermín Rodriguez Tarrau en Venezuela e...2023-10-3003 min
Cuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 86 - Microburst - How the British got their AccentMicroburst 003 is a short, candid, and informative conversation recorded in my kitchen during a friendly poker game with the kids – my Cuban-American life. This microburst is about how the British got their accent. I don’t want to spoil the story. I hope you like it as much as I do! For more information, checkout this website: http://www.britishaccent.co.uk/news/2013/06/how-did-the-british-accent-evolve/2023-10-3002 min
Cuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 85 - Microburst - Memorial DayThis Microburst of the Green Plantain features a conversation between my friend Mona Posinoff, producer and host of Stories from A-Z with Mona P., and my husband, Jon. You will learn about Memorial Day in the United States and its meaning. Specifically, you’ll hear how to best honor the memory of our fallen service members. You can find the entire candid and insightful interview about the military service of a paratrooper and Green Beret on Episode 22 of Stories from A-Z with mona P.
In this episode, you will also hear about Jon serving in Vietnam, Mona’s life during the...2023-10-3004 min
Cuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 84 - Microráfaga - Los Abuelos - Cuba y Las CanariasMicroráfagas del Green Plantain son conversaciones cortas, francas, a veces cómicas o satíricas que no han sido masterizadas. Esta conversación tomo lugar en Venezuela. Una entrevista conducida por mi primo hermano Fermín. Una conversación con sus tías Martina y Celia y su Tío Máximo Rodriguez sobre mis abuelos Sebastián Rodriguez Rodriguez y mi abuela Leandra Cárdenas y Rodriguez del Rey. También incluye información de Bartolo el primo hermano de Sebastián.2023-10-3005 minCuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 82 – José Marti’s Verses – Los versos de José MartíIn this episode we continue celebrating poetry through the verses of a man who added to our literary inheritance, our apostle, José Martí.
At the budding age of 15, his passionate pen began to fight Spain’s rule through poetry. This episode highlights his accomplishments.
En este episodio seguimos celebrando la poesía a través
de los versos de un hombre que sumó a nuestra herencia literaria, nuestro apóstol, José Martí. A la incipiente edad de 15 años, su apasionada pluma comenzó a luchar contra el
dominio español a través de la poes...2023-10-2414 minCuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 81 – A Musical Genre – Punto Guajiro – Un género musicalIn this episode we explore Cuba’s folkloric poetry, the Punto Guajiro, through a few verses written by my cousin José Luis Rodríguez Martínez, who lives in Fomento, Cuba.
Punto is the poetic voice of our Cuban farmers. It consists of singing an improvised or learned stanza of ten octameter verse lines, with a rhyming scheme accompanied by string instruments.
En este episodio exploramos la poesía folclórica de Cuba, el Punto Guajiro, a través de unos versos escritos por mi primo José Luis Rodríguez Martínez, quien vive en Fomen...2023-10-101h 05Cuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 80 - Cuban Coffee - Café cubanoEarly on in its history, Cuba with its warm climate and paradise-like beauty, attracted people of all nationalities and beliefs…and it became a melting pot.
If Cuba has one face, it is the face of an entrepenuer. You can see this whether you are in present day Cuba or in other countries where we have made our homes.
I hope you enjoy this story of coming of age in the empresarial world.
2023-09-2614 minCuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 79 - Reviving Cuban Memories - Reviviendo recuerdos cubanosThis composite story is set in the town of Remedios, central Cuba, and represents a few men presently living there. The story illustrates the entrepreneurial spirit alive on the island – and is a vignette that could be true in any Cuban town.
Esta historia compuesta se desarrolla en la ciudad de
Remedios, en el centro de Cuba, y representa a unos hombres que actualmente viven allí. La historia ilustra el espíritu emprendedor vivo en la isla, y es una viñeta que podría ser cierta en cualquier ciudad cubana.
...2023-09-1213 minCuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 78 - Love at First Sight - Amor a primera vistaAcross this month, we are reading anecdotes and stories about four-legged animal friends.
In the last episode, we had Buzzwinkle and Perico, and today I bring you Lomberto Perez Plasencias’ Lucero.
The story is set in the neighborhood of Llamazares in the town of Pinar del Rio, and it illustrates the magical relationship between a boy and his horse.
A lo largo de este mes, estamos leyendo anécdotas e
historias sobre amigos animales de cuatro patas. En el último episodio, tuvimos a Buzzwinkle y Perico, y hoy les traigo Luce...2023-08-2912 min
Cuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 77 - Buzzwinkle and PericoHello and welcome to a short microburst episode on the Green Plantain – Episode 77.
This episode is an anecdote about Buzz Winkle and Perico, two four legged animals loved by their towns.
#TheGreenPlantainpodcast #TheCubanStoriesProjectpodcast #Realcubanstories #cubanstories #Cuba #Cubanosporelmundo #susanasbooks #buzzwinkle #anchoragealaska #untostonanyone
2023-08-1502 minCuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 76 - ¿Puedo aprender a caminar sin ti?En esta microráfaga en español les presento una vivencia del primer año vivido en los Estados Unidos.
El relato es parte del capitulo ¿Puedo aprender a caminar sin ti? del libro El vuelo del tocororo, co-escrito con mi amiga Betty Viamontes.2023-08-0105 min
Cuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories - Episode 75 - My Clay Vase - Mi jarrón de barroThis is the story of a young girl in love with the idea of a flower on her nightstand.
Esta es la historia de una joven enamorada de la idea de una flor en su mesita de noche.
2023-07-1806 minCuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 73 - Cubans Serenade in Chianti - Cubanos serenan en ChiantiToday’s story is unique because of the memories the magic of a serenade, can bring.
El relato de hoy es único debido a los recuerdos que trae
de la magia de una serenata, no solo para mí sino para otros en este fantástico
viaje.
2023-07-0411 min
Cuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 74 - Cuban Stories Celebrates 3 Years on the AirCuban Stories on the Green Plantain podcast is celebrating this month of July 2023, its third year on the air.
Thank you for listening!!
Susana2023-07-0302 minCuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 72 - A Declaration of Love - Una declaracion de amorA Declaration of Love is set in the summer of 1939 - It’s my parent’s love story which provides a flavor of Cuban traditions during an era of global transitions. But Orlando doesn’t have room for the news today or the problems of the world; Martha is the only thing on his mind.
Don´t miss it!
An episode in two languages. First narrated in English and then in
Spanish. The Spanish part begins halfway through the recording.
Una declaración de amor está ambientada en el verano de 1...2023-06-2018 minCuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 71 - A Jukebox Love - Amor de victrolaThe story goes that on a sunny afternoon, Emelia, Aileen’s mother, her sister, and their friend Carmen decided to go to La Bodega de Gorgonio. Her mom and her siblings were farm girls or guajiritas, and they always escorted each other when they went uptown.
As soon as they entered la bodega, a young man named Isidro Lorenzo was putting a nickel into the victrola - the jukebox, and the tune playing was, “Como Fue” by Benny Moré.
Would Emelia and Vivo fall in love?
Don´t miss it!
An episode i...2023-06-0618 minCuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 70 - José Martí - The Brave - El valienteThis episode is a historical account based on a talk given by retired judge Emiliano J. Salcines at the Tampa History Museum.
The last episode (number 69) serves as a backdrop to this episode because it brings us a view of Camaguey, Habana, Key West, and Tampa.
All I knew, after attending the talk about José Martí given by retired Judge Salcines, was that I wanted to release an episode close to May 19th to align with the 128th anniversary of José Martí’s death at the Battle of Dos Rios, in the Province of Camagüey. 2023-05-2319 minCuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 69 - Through the Window of Time - A través de la ventana del tiempoThis episode is a historical account based on family oral tradition and genealogy research. Through the Window of Time brings us a view of Camaguey, Habana, Key West, and Tampa and how the lives of a family became intertwined within these cities and the American continent.
It also illustrates the mobility between towns and countries in the 19th and 20th centuries and the result of opportunities gained during peace and war. We can see an example of this undertaking in the descendants of two families, traced to the 1500s and their arrival in Cuba.
2023-05-0918 minCuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 68 - Forty-two steps - Cuarenta y dos escalonesTraveling with her second bag strapped to the handle, Maria’s large suitcase was top-heavy.
She fought 75 pounds of luggage with every step she took, especially when
the wheels got stuck between uneven pavement or tipped one way or another. But,
more often than not, the suitcase won.
Viajando con su segunda bolsa atada al asa, la maleta grande de María era pesada. Luchó
contra 75 libras de equipaje con cada paso que daba, especialmente cuando las
ruedas se atascaban entre el pavimento irregular o se inclinaban de una manera
u otra. Pero, la mayoría de l...2023-04-2512 min
Cuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 67 - Once a upon a time - Había una vezA memory for childhood steeped in the fragrance of coffee.2023-04-1107 min
Cuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 66 - Don't Make me Into Burro Jerky - No me hagan tasajo de burroThis is a story from the Book Perico- The Fabulous Burro written by Arnaldo Artiles Quintana who presently resides in Santa Clara. And, the story is told from Perico's point of view. The tasajo mentioned was usually a type of Jerky made from horse meat....could these people really want to turn Perico into tasajo de Burro.
Este relato es parte de un cuento titulado El Juicio a Los Secuestradores que Querían Convertirme en Tasajo del libro Perico - El fabuloso burro, escrito por Arnaldo Artiles Quintana que actualmente reside en Santa Clara. El cuento esta e...2023-03-2814 min
Cuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 65 – Spring is for Flowers, not a Blazing fire - La primavera es para las flores, no para un fuegoAt age 91, my mom, Martina, lived in the historic neighborhood Ybor City in Tampa, independedly and surrounded by Cuban heritage. Everyday, on her way to the grocery store she passed Jose Marti's bust, at the Cuban Club a spot where our he came to raise funds for the liberation of Cuba from Spanish colonial rule. For her, this day would not be an ordinary day, as you will hear.
A los 91 años, mi madre, Martina, vivía en el histórico barrio de Ybor City en Tampa, independientemente y rodeada de herencia cubana. Todos los días...2023-03-1420 minCuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 64 – The Chicken, a Napkin and the Blade – Un pollo, una servilleta y un cuchilloLuisa's character, in episode 64 of The Green Plantain, is a composite of several women presently living in Cuba. The story explores the emotions they tackle everyday living in a totalitarian regime, away from family and friends. This episode is dedicated to them.
El personaje de Luisa, en el episodio 64 del Green Plantain, es un compuesto de varias mujeres que viven actualmente en Cuba. La historia explora las emociones que ellas abordan en la vida cotidiana viviendo en un régimen totalitario, lejos de familiares y amistades. Este podcast esta dedicado a ellas.2023-02-2816 min
Cuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 63 - In love... maybe since forever? - Enamorados ¿desde casi siempre?As young adults, Mayra and Gene went their way. College and living away from Elizabeth, New Jersey, took them to meet other people and find love. But, were these loves the lasting type?
Although they found each other attractive in many ways, they saw each other as childhood friends and didn’t believe the other felt the same way. Would they find love in each other’s arms?
Como jóvenes, Mayra y Gene siguieron su camino. La universidad y vivir lejos de Elizabeth, New Jersey, los llevó a conocer a otras personas y encontrar el amo...2023-02-1414 min
Cuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 62 - Four Cubans in Italia - Cuatro cubanos en ItaliaLate last year, I visited Italy with cousins Maria, Gene, and his wife Mayra – mio cugini. This story is a tiny part of a great adventure and will take you to Carrara and Marina di Carrara and the experience of four Cubans sitting under a lemon tree in the Tuscan breeze.
A finales del año pasado, visité Italia con mis primos María, Gene y su esposa Mayra – mio cugini. Esta historia es una pequeña parte de una gran aventura y los llevará a Carrara y Marina di Carrara y la experiencia de cuatro cubanos sentados b...2023-01-3114 min
Cuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 61 - Healing our Daughters and Sons - Sanando a nuestros hijosMartha's journey was wrought with changes even before she arrived in Miami. She lived in Mexico and Ecuador where she saw poverty and trauma across all age groups, first hand. It is an understatement to say that she, like many of us who came to the States in the 60s, was deeply affected by cultural changes. We faced the unspoken trauma of being uprooted from our country of birth, trying on a different culture for size, and growing up without losing ourselves.
This is a story of hope and dedication.
El viaje de Martha fue...2023-01-1713 minCuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 60 - An Encanto Connection - Una conexión de EncantoHello, and Happy New Year 2023!
Welcome to Episode 60 – An Encanto Connection -- Una conexión de Encanto on The Green Plantain.
So let´s back up to the 2022 Oscars: Encanto wins award for best-animated picture!
"Hurray!" I shouted as my husband looked across the room quizzically.2023-01-0313 minCuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 59 - Between Loss and Love - Entre la pérdida y el amorBetween Loss and Love is the story of a Cuban family and its legacy and it's a Christmas story because it shows us the love of a family and they cherish and live the gift of freedom in these United States and how they pay it forward.
Entre la pérdida y el amor es la historia de una familia cubana y su legado. Es una historia de Navidad porque nos muestra el amor de una familia y cómo aprecian y viven el regalo de la libertad en estos Estados Unidos y ayudan a otros.2022-12-2020 minCuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 58 - The Manzanillo Artist - El artista de ManzanilloWhen most of us remember Cuba, we think of the revolution and old chevys painted in different colors. We think of a Cuba stuck in time and turmoil. This episode highlights the life of a Cuban artist who lives in Manzanillo Cuba and how despite tribulations his love of art doesn't wane.
I invite you to have a listen about this tender and inspiring family man and artist.
Cuando la mayoría de nosotros recordamos Cuba, pensamos en la revolución y en los viejos chevys pintados en diferentes colores. Pensamos en una Cuba atrapada en el tiempo y la ag...2022-12-0510 min
Cuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 21 - Bobby Socks and Love - Calcetines Bobby y AmorBobby Socks and Love/Calcetines Bobby y Amor is the story of young love with a happy ending. When she visited Santa Clara, Cuba, in 1956, she was still wearing poodle skirts and bobby socks, and stole his heart.2022-12-0324 minCuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories - Episode 57 - In the Shadow of a Thanksgiving - A la sombra de un Día de Acción de GraciasIn November, here in the States, we reserve a day to express our thanks for the opportunity to live in a free country – Thanksgiving Day. In years past, I have shared Cuban Thanksgiving stories, those funny ones that remind us of our first days in exile.
But, this year, I can't bring myself to do so, hearing about the exacerbated oppression in Cuba that pushes many to think of the unthinkable and launch themselves or their children on treacherous journeys seeking asylum.
In the Shadow of a Thanksgiving gives us a pause to recognize their tr...2022-11-2212 min
Cuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 35 - Of Kings and CamelsA dual-language episode. First narrated in English and then in Spanish. The Spanish portion starts midway in the recording. In this story, the Green Plantain brings you a Mary Bertha Exposito´s childhood memory of celebrating Three King Day – El Dia de los Reyes Magos in Ciego de Ávila, Cuba, prior to Castro´s revolution. I know you will love this little story. ------- Un episodio en dos idiomas. Primero narrado en inglés y luego en español. La parte española comienza a mitad de camino en la grabación. En esta historia, el Green Plantain les trae un r...2022-11-2115 min
Cuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 31 - Can you say Gobble Gobble?Thanksgiving Day is around the corner, and I thought you might like to hear about two Cuban families and their Thanksgiving traditions. This episode and the next explore our Cuban additions to this important American family holiday. What a coincidence that both stories begin in the year 1964! Episode 31 tells my family story. Stay tuned for Episode 32 - A Cuban Thanksgiving story.2022-11-2115 minCuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 2 - The Beginning of the EndThis episode features the story of Betty Viamontes' family during the Mariel boatlift in 1980 - the story of their 90-mile journey to the United States. It's Chapter 1 - The Beginning of the End, from her book, "Waiting on Zapote Street: Love and Loss in Castro's Cuba."2022-11-2116 min
Cuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 2 - The Beginning of the End - The Green PlantainThis episode features the story of Betty Viamontes' family during the Mariel boatlift in 1980 - the story of their 90-mile journey to the United States. It's Chapter 1 - The Beginning of the End, from her book, "Waiting on Zapote Street: Love and Loss in Castro's Cuba."
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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/susana-mueller/message
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/susana-mueller/support2022-11-2016 min
Cuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 32 - A Cuban Thanksgiving StoryA dual-language episode. First narrated in English and then in Spanish. The Spanish portion starts midway in the recording.
As mentioned in the previous episode, Thanksgiving Day is around the corner. So what better way to share our immigrant experiences of adopting a holiday we never celebrated in Cuba?
Margarita, Natalia, and Dr. Florencio Nadal Jr. share with us a story that reflects the Cuban spirit in exile. The episode includes so many aspects previously included in other Green Plantain podcasts, but never in one where it gives a complete portrait of the family tribulations and successes. Experiences ranging from...2022-11-2021 min
Cuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 38 - Everlasting Love - Amor EternoWhat does a boy from Güines and a girl from Bejucal have in common? How did their lives crisscross in Cuba and in Tampa?
If you heard last year's episode titled "Can you say Gobble – Gobble?" you already know about Maggie and her family. I invite you to hear the love story of two fine and upstanding citizens in the Tampa Bay Area. Thank you for listening.2022-11-1217 min
Cuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 36 - From Cuba to Puerto RicoA dual-language episode. First narrated in English and then in Spanish. The Spanish portion starts midway in the recording.
With this episode, we continue exploring how Three Kings Day was celebrated before Castro's revolution and the evolution of the celebration for Fernando Leyva and his family.
I hope you enjoy learning about the Leyva family.2022-11-1215 min
Cuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 56 - Un aguila aterroriza a HialeahLos episodios tipo Microráfagas son conversaciones cortas con mi familia y amistades y no son editadas.
Aquí comparto una conversación con mi primo Manolito en Hialeah sobre un aguila al ataque.
Prepárense para ser incorporados en momentos cómicos pero un poco serios. Uno nunca sabe lo que nos puede caer de lo alto.2022-11-0811 minCuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 55 - The Cry - El llantoLegends are part of the imagination of a town and Santo Cristo De La Salud, known as La Salud, is no different. It is a town bursting with legends and traditions which have been passed down from generation to generation, that now form an integral part of its culture.
Even currently, many know the legend of how and why the town acquired the name of Cristo De La Salud. Steeped in the legend is a mystery shared on this podcast.
2022-10-2514 minCuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 54 - The Cursed Farm - La finca malditaDon Julio Villarreal was born in 1865 in the town of Quivican, part of the Havana Province and now better known as the Mayabeque province.
He married Genara Milian in Santo Cristo De La Salud in 1902 and raised nine children on La Finca Arango. He bought a farm – a finca, in Santo Cristo De La Salud and named it La Julia. La Julia was his pride and joy. During the day it was a gorgeous sight to behold but at night...well, I will let you find out for yourselves...2022-10-1114 min
Cuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 53 - The Marathon MessengerIn this episode I'm sharing a conversation with my husband Jon. The conversation took place in the car as we were leaving a gas station called Marathon.
What started as a comical response regarding who owns the gas stations called by that name, it ended with a very interesting short factoid. I hope you enjoy it.2022-09-2704 min
Cuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 52 - Las mediasEste episodio video en español nos trae una recordanza de la niñez de la anfitriona de este podcast – Susana.
El cuento se desarrolla en San Felipe, Venezuela, y pinta una mañana dominical en familia, la interacción entre madre e hija, y el recuerdo de un padre.
«¿Qué recuerdos nos atrapan dentro de una imagen como telarañas? ¿Recordamos el día en que se tomó la foto, así como las circunstancias? ¿Recordamos los olores y los sonidos que nos despertaron o lo que desayunamos? ¿Podemos extrapolar de una imagen en blanco y negro, qué col...2022-09-1307 min
Cuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 51 - Sobre pollos y gallinasBienvenidos al episodio 51 titulado:Sobre pollos y gallinas. Una microrafaga en español.
Aqui comparto una conversación con Mary-Bertha, tan querida como una hermana, y Manuel un amigo, tan querido como familia.
La conversación transcurrió combinando mi visita con Mary en persona en Hialeah, Florida, con una por video con Manuel en Madison, Wisconsin.
A menudo me pregunto como nuestras tradiciones han pasado de familia en familia y han sido exportadas a otros lares.
Nos oirán compartir vivencias familiares de nuestra niñes y adolescencia, durante la estancia en Ven...2022-08-3014 min
Cuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 50 - My Acting Career at the Caridad TheaterEl Burro Perico is a loved donkey who lived in Santa Clara, Cuba in the mid 1900s. In this episode you will hear about his debut as an actor at the Caridad theater, in Santa Clara.2022-08-1604 minCuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 49 - The Well with the Black Hand - El pozo de la mano negraThis dual language episode brings us a 100 year old spooky Cuban legend in the form of a childhood memory, as written by Aileen Vega, producer and host of CubanFamilyRoots, a Spotify podcast.
The story is set near the town of Santo Cristo De La Salud. and la Finca Arango, in the province of la Habana.
Este episodio en dos idiomas nos trae una leyenda cubana escalofriante de 100 años en forma de un recuerdo de la infancia, escrita por Aileen Vega, productora y anfitriona de CubanFamilyRoots, un podcast de Spotify.
La historia se d...2022-08-0215 min
Cuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 48 - The Old WestThis video podcast, a microburst from The Green Plantain, is published as a celebration of the second podcast anniversary.
This is a true story read from the book Now I Swim, in English, a book about overcoming personal fears. In this video episode on Spotify, you will hear about my vacation out west and my short relationship with a rogue horse, and how I applied my meditational teachings to enjoy the moment. I hope you like it!2022-07-1906 min
Cuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories : Episode 47 - The House with the Rosemary BushThis is a true story of how living in the moment takes you to places you never imagined.
No-one knew I went hiking at the mountain preserve so I began to descend. Where there are rabbits and birds, there must be scorpions and snakes, too.
Esta es una historia real de cómo el vivir en el momento te lleva a lugares que nunca imaginaste. Nadie sabía que iba de excursión a la reserva de la montaña, así que comencé a descender. pendando: donde hay conejos y pájaros, también debe haber es...2022-07-0512 minCuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 46 - A Professor and her Bongo - Una profesora y su bongóI'm honored to bring you the second episode covering the life of a dearly loved Cuban anthropologist and professor - Dr. Mercedes Cros-Sandoval.
Embedded in this story is a highly controversial topic for Cubans regarding religion and race. This episode is released with deep respect to all our listeners, understanding that family ethos and mores form a child’s identity – and yes, sometimes, like in the case of a Cuba – the government has played a gigantic role.
Este es el segundo episodio de dos cubriendo la vida de un antropóloga y profesora cubana muy querida...2022-06-2126 minCuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 44 - The AnthropologistThis is the first episode of two, which covers the story of a dearly loved Cuban anthropologist and professor. Her name is Dr. Mercedes Cros Sandoval. She is an expert in Afro-Cuban culture and has been at the cutting edge of these studies. She is witty and tends to raise a firestorm with her passionate discourse.
Este es el primer episodio de dos que cubrirá la historia de una antropóloga y profesora cubana muy querida. Su nombre es Dra. Mercedes Cros Sandoval. Es experta en cultura afrocubana y ha estado a la vanguardia de estos estudios. Es...2022-06-0716 minCuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 43 - A Scorching Miami Night - Una Noche en MiamiA Scorching Miami Night is a story featured in the book titled Flight of the Tocororo that speaks to what it felt like for a teenager to be stuck in an old hotel room in Miami on very hot July night.
Una Noche en Miami es una historia que aparece en el libro titulado El vuelo del tocororo que habla como se sintió una adolescente al estar 'atrapada' en un viejo hotel en Miami en una calurosa noche de julio.2022-05-2413 minCuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 42 - A Mother Never Gives UpA dual-language episode. First narrated in English and then in Spanish. The Spanish portion starts midway in the recording.
This episode celebrates all mothers. I hope you enjoy it.
I would like to tell you the story of a mother who has never given up supporting the cause for Cuba. Her name is Marina Vollmer, a Cuban of German and Spanish descent.
This story begins in January of 1960, after the triumph of Fidel Castro’s revolution.
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Un episodio en dos idiomas. Primero narrado en inglés y luego en esp...2022-05-1017 minCuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 41 - Cuban through GastronomyCuban through Gastronomy is the story of Jami Erriquez, a chef who went to Poland and volunteered to work with the World Central Kitchen to help feed Ukranian refugees. She was stationed in Przemyśl near the Medyka border crossing between Poland and Ukraine.
A dual-language episode. First narrated in English and then in Spanish. The Spanish portion starts midway in the recording.
#TheGreenPlantainpodcast #TheCubanStoriesProjectpodcast #Cubanstories#hispanos #latinos #family #Cuba #Ukraine #Gastronomy #USA #Foodforthesoul #Cubanosporelmundo #Ucrania #Chefs #volunteerchefs #Worldcentralkitchen #startupcuba #startupcuba #cubanosenpolonia #cubanosenucrania2022-04-2612 min
Cuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 40 - Remembering the Bay of Pigs Invasion and Assault Brigade 2506We want to honor the men who gave their best to try to liberate Cuba from Castro and honor their families, too. I'm speaking of Assault Brigade 2506, who left on their mission from Guatemala and Nicaragua – some on ships and others by plane on April 17, 1961.
This story begins in 1959 when Fidel Castro was interviewed on the Ed Sullivan Show in January, a few days after President Fulgencio Batista was overthrown.
Hear about Captain Lino Fernandez Viamonte, Arturo Gonzalez Fernandez, Alberto Armando Rodriguez, and the brave men of Assault Brigade 2506.
And also about men like Grayston Lynch and James Donovan who he...2022-04-1222 min
Cuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 39 - A Hairy Escape - Un Escape ArriesgadoA dual-language episode. First narrated in English and then in Spanish. The Spanish portion starts midway in the recording.
This story comes from Fernando Leyva’s book titled Consejos para mis nietos, and it is set around 1961 and 1962. It tells his story of escaping a lifelong commitment to Cuban military service – which would have been from ages 15 to 60.
Join us to listen to the story of how a 14 year old boy who had never traveled outside of Cuba, made a hairy trip which took him through different countries to finally land in Puerto Rico with five US dollars in his pock2022-03-2918 min
Cuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 37 - My Red RoseA dual-language episode. First narrated in English and then in Spanish. The Spanish portion starts midway in the recording.
Are you ready to start the month of love with a beautiful and inspiring story?
Today's Green Plantain episode is dedicated to eternal love.
In sixty years of marriage, this couple endured living their first years in a communist Cuba, emigrated to the United States, acclimated to a different way of living, and a new language.
What kept this couple together through thick and thin? What makes their love worthy of emulating?
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Un episodio en dos idiomas. Primero narrado en...2022-02-0115 min
Cuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 34 - A Cuban Christmas StoryA dual-language episode. First narrated in English and then in Spanish. The Spanish portion starts midway in the recording. In this story, the Green Plantain brings you a four-generation family Christmas story which begins with a backstory set in Cuba and the arrival of Cruz and Eusebio Herrera and their four children to the U.S. through the Mariel Boatlift. What was Christmas like on the island? How did they celebrate? What traditions have changed or remained in the United States? We hope you like this episode as much as I enjoyed writing about this familión, and Marilyn M...2021-12-2118 min
Cuban Stories on The Green PlantainThe Cuban Stories: Episode 33 - The Last Musketeer ChristmasA dual-language episode. First narrated in English and then in Spanish. The Spanish portion starts midway in the recording.
Now that Thanksgiving is over, it’s time to look forward to the end of the year festivities.
This month always brings a slue of memories, but it wasn’t until yesterday when I was preparing the next episode that I connected some of the dots in a new way. Specifically the last Christmas the Three Jimenez Musketeers spent together, a moment when everything felt perfect.
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Ahora que el Día de Acción de Gracias ha terminado, es hora de espera...2021-12-0712 min
Cuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 30 - No Oranges for You!My sister Gloria, loved her adventures. In this episode you will hear how she got me to agree to go work at an orange packing house in Homestead, Florida. The adventure was not what we expected.
I hope you enjoy this story.2021-10-1926 min
Cuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 29 - Oh, so many MariasSometimes we think we know our family history and then we are surprised through technology.
Intrigued? Listen to our incredible journey and friendship. Dos Cubanitas in the USA tied by a long-time family bond.2021-10-0516 min
Cuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 28 - Brothers, a Pedro Pan StoryWe welcome Betty Viamontes, a friend and author of the award Winning novel, Waiting on Zapote Street. Once again she has brought a gripping story to the pages of her latest book, Brothers: A Pedro Pan Story. In this episode, you will hear her reading from Chapter 15 - La Pecera, in English and Spanish.
Thank you Betty!2021-09-0720 min
Cuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 27 - Searching for our Cuban RootsThis episode is a shout out to Aileen Vega, a Cubanita who is a fellow podcaster. Like me, she loves geneology and researching our Cuban roots.
She is the producer and host of CubanFamilyRoots and is the Director of Corporate Training and Continuing Education at Middlesex College in Edison New Jersey.
Because of our love for geneology, we connected through social media, topic specific groups, and have become each other's fan.
Her podcasts cover interesting topics like genetic geneology and how to navigate the technical gen platforms. One of my favorite podcasts covers the Irish in Cuba.
In this episode...2021-08-2435 min
Cuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 26 - El Ché - an Anti-HeroThis episode is a personal opinion piece and an SOS cry for my Cuba.
Since July 2021, the world has seen videos and pictures of the force unleashed by the Communist regime on its population, the men and women who burst into the streets claiming justice. People who are hungry and are dying in a country where infrastructure has collapsed, and the government's response is to use violence against their own.
We have also seen videos of how young men are forcibly dragged from their homes and drafted into a militia to knockout and contain their own.
This ferocity hurts my...2021-08-1012 min
Cuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 25 - A Cuban Patriot Against TyrannyToday’s episode is doubly special because we celebrate the first anniversary of the launch of this podcast series and share the story of Tomas and Luis Puig, father and son.
This is a story of tangents, parallels, and possibilities.
For me, it’s a Cuban-American story, an immigrant story that echoes so many others. So why is this story different?
It’s different because it illustrates a historical view of Cuba during the first years of the Castro regime. For example, did you know that about 2000 Cuban CIA operatives worked to topple the government?
A Cuban Patriot Against Tyranny is a s...2021-07-2716 min
Cuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 24 - Pepín - The Most Loved Hispanic ChefThere are people in the world who make instant connections with others. You know what I'm talking about, you start conversing, and the sound of their voice is so familiar that you connect at an almost microscopic level, even over a cell phone. So stay tuned to hear about the renowned Chef Pepín, the most loved Hispanic chef.2021-07-1310 min
Cuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 23 - Now I Swim - Ahora yo NadoIn the last episode, you heard about my unexpected anxiety attack and how I discovered I had fear of water and heights.
Today’s episode illustrates a happy ending and that I’m no longer an “afraid of water” statistic. The entire story is available on Amazon in a book titled “Now I Swim - Ahora yo Nado.” Now I Swim - Ahora yo Nado is a celebration of my 17th swim anniversary!2021-06-0115 min
Cuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 22 - Fear of Water - Miedo al AguaWith this episode I’m sharing a very personal story, the first of two episodes. This episode gives you a glimpse of what it’s like to have an unexpected anxiety attack and discover you have a debilitating fear of water.
Gallup polls have been conducted to take the pulse of how many people carry this fear. They all agree that about 60% of Americans have a fear of deep water, and 45% have a fear of water over their heads. What if you were born without having access to a body of water? What if you’ve tried to swim, but though...2021-05-1815 min
Cuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban stories: Episode 20 - Green Life Rhythm - Un Ritmo de Vida VerdeIn line with the theme of love, this Green Plantain episode features two men, their friendship, and their passion for their land - Cuba. One is an entrepreneur who owns a taxi service company in Santa Clara, and the other is a biologist who farms in the Escambray mountains.
Meet Rolando Gonzalez a biologist who leases a finca - a farm in the Escambray mountains in Cuba. Learn about his local biosphere.2021-04-2017 min
Cuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 19 - A Man of StatureIn line with the theme of love for community, you will hear the story of a Cubanito who gave his all to the community he lived in - San Felipe, Venezuela. This episode highlights how one man can change the course of many lives.2021-04-0615 min
Cuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 18 - Playing with FireThe city of Caracas, Venezuela, and the Village of Plandome, New York State have a man in common - un Cubanito. This week's episode of the Green Plantain features Alfredo (Al) Díaz and his love for community.2021-03-2429 min
Cuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 17 - Martina y Maximo - Two Peas in a PodIn line with the theme of love, today you will hear the story of a sister and a brother - Martina y Maximo - their bond, commitment and admiration which stood the test of time - the epitome of brotherly love. Martina y Maximo were born in Manajanabo, Cuba, and like many, their lives took roots in other countries - his in Venezuela and hers in the United States.2021-03-1017 min
Cuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 16 - Jon and SueAt the request of family members, and in line with this month's theme of love, I am sharing Jon and Sue's love story - our story.
Jon was born and raised in Wisconsin, and after returning from the Vietnam War, he settled in the Miami area. I was born in Cuba, and spent my early exile years between Venezuela and the United States. Two different cultures and two different worlds merged.
I present you Jon and Sue, a copyrighted story in English and Spanish within this episode - I hope you find it romantic!2021-02-2417 min
Cuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 15 - The DreamerToday I would like to introduce you to Meylin Ruiz, a fifth-generation Cuban who lives in Santa Clara, Cuba, and works in Information Technology at the medical center. She gifts the world her smile and sweet disposition. In fact, her laugh is contagious. Meylin is not just an IT professional. She is not just a young Cuban woman. She is a poet and a dreamer. She is the Cuba of today.
I present you The Dreamer, a copyrighted story that includes Meylin’s poetry, in English and Spanish within this episode - I hope you find it lovely!2021-02-1015 min
Cuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 14 - MemoriesThis podcast is a copyrighted excerpt from the book, Cuban Exile Memories, Journeys of Courage and Resilience in the Pursuit of Freedom, written by Talek Nantes. Talek has always harbored a passion for her heritage and all things Cuban and her book is a compilation of stories from family and friends. We hope you find the following three memories interesting, and who knows, if you are an immigrant, you may even find it resonates with your personal exile experience.2021-01-2619 min
Cuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 13 - Sapi Sapi (Sapee-Sapee)Sapi-Sapi [Sæpee-Sæpee], a story written by Margarita and her sister Elsa, the Calleja sisters, is a childhood memory from their hometown Victoria de las Tunas, now known as Las Tunas, located in north-eastern Cuba. Sapi-Sapi is the story of an impoverished foreigner and how he became part of the fabric of their hometown. An endearing story.2021-01-1321 min
Cuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 12 - Green Arms Like SnakesToday’s feature is a historic story titled Green Arms like Snakes, as told to me by Cousin Teresa Fuentes-Sardiñas of how they survived the Battle of Santa Clara, Cuba at the end of 1958.
This battle was crucial to Fidel Castro and on the morning of December 29th, Ché Guevara (El Ché) delivered his assault on the city. Sta. Clara became a battleground as B-26 bombers of the Cuban Air Force fought the rebeldes - the rebels, from the air and on land with tanks and guns.
For three days, the town remained in darkness, terrorized by the sound of gu...2020-12-2921 min
Cuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 11 - The Pedro Pan KidsEpisode 11 is titled The Pedro Pan Kids, and discusses Operación Pedro Pan (also known as Operation Peter Pan) where 14,000 unaccompanied children were sent to exile in the United States to avoid communist indoctrination in Cuba. The episode also includes an excerpt from Chapter 4 of The Pedro Pan Girls, written by Betty Viamontes, author of the award winning book,
The waiting glass-enclosed area at the airport in La Habana was nicknamed the pecera - the fishbowl. This analogy doesn't escape me thinking of the lyrics of a song by Willy Chirino, a Pedro Pan kid, "En la maleta traje un c...2020-12-1531 min
Cuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 10 - History RepeatsToday, I would like you to imagine you were born in Venezuela, and you are a first-generation Cuban-Venezuelan. Growing up, you hear your grandfather tell stories of his Cuba, an island in the Caribbean in turmoil, and you think, “It will never happen here, this is Venezuela. Our land is rich and vast. There is room for everyone. Simon Bolivar fought for our liberty, and we hold it, dear. We are a democracy.”
But friends, you and I know life is fragile, and the passions of men on a quest for change can become a pivotal point in a country’s futu...2020-12-0217 min
Cuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 9 - Across the AtlanticEpisode 9 of The Green Plantain is featuring a multi-generational story titled Across the Atlantic. It's the story of Marta Nadal and one of her granddaughters, Ioanna Nelson.
Today's story is how Marta and her granddaughter Ioanna, who lives in Tbilisi, Georgia, with her parents and siblings, found a way to keep their Cuban roots alive, pulling me in as part of their story.
Ioanna is only eight years old and has written a story that binds her to not just her abuela but also an island in the Caribbean - Our Cuba.2020-11-1714 min
Cuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 8 - I am the Famous Burro PericoIn Episode 6 of The Green Plantain you met the author of Perico - The Fabulous Burro, Arnaldo Artiles Quintana who makes his home in Cuba. In this episode we share an excerpt of the book told in Perico's voice. I hope you have a listen to rekindle a memory or to learn about Perico; a folkloric memory of Cuba. RIP Perico.
A toston anyone?
En el Episodio 6 les presente al autor, Arnaldo Artiles Quintana.
A través de este podcast, compartimos un extracto del libro, contado en la voz de Perico.
Espero que escuchen para reavivar un recuerdo o para a...2020-11-0311 min
Cuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 7 - Guava Ice CreamVenezuela, the country where I was conceived and later became home, on and off. At first it was our country of exile after Fidel Castro and the Cuban revolution, then it was a refuge from life's ups and downs. This episode is about that in-between time when I was just surviving and becoming a woman. This story is included in the book, Like Finding Water in the Desert.
Venezuela, el país donde fui concebida y más tarde se convirtió en mi hogar, de vez en cuando. Al principio fue nuestro primer exilio después de Fidel Castro y la revolución...2020-10-2124 min
Cuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 6 - Arnaldo y PericoToday I’m featuring the story of a man and a donkey who became Sta. Clara’s legend. Arnaldo y Perico, a story of admiration and love.
Last year when I met Arnaldo in Cuba, he told me over una tacita de café about Perico, Sta. Clara’s famous burro. Adding, he had written a book about Perico. Immediately, I fell in love with Perico and the idea of bringing these cuentos - stories, to people living in other parts of the world.
You see, many stories disappear en el Olvido – in forgetfulness, a place where old things are held in stasis...2020-10-0616 min
Cuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 5 - Coffee GroundsThis year marks the sixty-second anniversary of the Battle of Santa (Sta.) Clara, Cuba. Coffee Grounds are the memories of living through this battle at the early age of four.
The Battle of Sta. Clara was a series of events in late December 1958 that led to the capture of my hometown by revolutionaries under the command of Ché Guevara - known as El Ché. The battle was a decisive victory for the rebels fighting against the regime of President Fulgencio Batista.2020-09-2334 min
Cuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 4 - The Santa Clara WinemakersToday's piece is about a family of winemakers. While I can't give away their secret ingredients, I can give you a flavor (no pun intended) of what their life is like.
You will be amazed at their creativity and will to survive on the island.
This copyrighted story is included in English and Spanish within this episode - I hope you enjoy it!2020-09-0918 min
Cuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 3 - The Last Awakening of a Spanish ColonyThis episode is about my maternal grandparents, as told to me by my mother, Martina. A story about love, struggle, and spies during the Cuban War of Independence in the late 1890s. It includes aspects of the friendship between my grandfather Manuel, and El General Machado, who later was elected President of the Republic of Cuba.
And touches on General Valeriano Weyler's reconcentration camps in the same timeframe.2020-08-2723 min
Cuban Stories on The Green PlantainCuban Stories: Episode 1 - The Green PlantainEpisode 1 - The Green Plantain - The Cuban Stories Project Introduction2020-07-2604 min