I was in Cuba in 1987. It was indescribable. Indescribably poor, indescribably colourful, indescribably happy. How much I would have liked to have looked at it again at a later date, analysed the changes... It didn't work out in this case. People who were there recently say: I would have recognised everything ;-)) The only place in the world that celebrates stagnation...
To be honest, I did have a basic idea about their culture — or let’s say, their way of living and the economy. But when you shared your firsthand experience of Cuba, and mentioned how even those who’ve been there still say the same things, I ended up Googling and actually digging quite deep. I think I can agree with you now. But along with that, I also learned so many other things… these sanctions — they really damage a country in so many ways. What kind of law is that, really?
That said, I believe the people themselves are partly responsible for these circumstances too. Why do they embrace stagnation? Why?
But then again, maybe they’re truly content with what they have. And after all, happiness is often a matter of perspective — as you always say. For some, joy comes from sitting in a limousine, while others find it riding their bike.
It's a question of mentality whether I'm prepared to remain cheerful and optimistic, even though problems are overwhelming me, there are shortages everywhere and freedom is not really emphasised. And some nations have something over us in this respect: they live better, even if they are much worse off.