“I was born in Trinidad, and my parents lived in the country. I have two girls. One is 24, and the other is seven. I gave birth to the youngest when I was 46, but it was beautiful. I am starting over, and she keeps me young. When I was a little girl, I wanted to make outfits and be an artist. My oldest daughter lives in Miami Beach and makes programs for Univision. She is creative and the result of my dreams. I am so proud of her.

I opened this restaurant six years ago with my oldest daughter’s father. He is now in Miami, too. There were some changes, and I have been running this restaurant for the last six months by myself. It is difficult to have a business in Cuba, and it takes a lot of time to buy a few things here and a few things there to make the dishes. We have very few kinds of meat, so I have to be creative. I am a strong woman. Working hard is the only way to survive and succeed in Cuba.

I started speaking English six months ago to take better care of my customers. I practice every day with the people who come to my restaurant—they are my tutors.

My husband is working in the U.S. because there are better opportunities for him. I want to visit, but I don’t want to move. My restaurant is on the water and has one of the most beautiful views in the world. It is my art, and there is magic in making my clients happy.  My mother is also here and I take care of her. This is my life that I don’t want to leave. I want the world to come here and visit me.”

Lia

Trinidad, Cuba

(These stories are from my trip to Cuba in early January.)