After writing 3 twenty to twenty-five page papers, grading 55 exams, teaching my new puppy everything, packing her up and driving thirteen hours, I am finally in Miami! I am spending the holidays here and I am very happy. I eat, I sleep, I read, I shop and then I start all over again. I cannot ask for a better break.

Today, I have eaten tamales, avocados, chicken salad and biscuits.... so really just a heavy mix of both Cuban and American dishes. Really, it can be named "Florida fare". I love the use of limes in both Cuban and Floridian cuisines.

Outside of running around and chauffering my grandma, I have been hanging out with my cousin, Sara. It is nice to get back together with her and talk. We have always had a strained relationship because our mothers HATE each other. It can get pretty ugly between the two of them to be completely honest.

My cousin Joshua comes in on Monday and we will be having our family Christmas dinner on the 24th. On the 25th, extended family and anyone we name "family" who really isn't quite so will be coming over.

It should be super fun and I am looking forward to it.



I found a book written by my Uncle Carlos's mother Ines Segura Bustamante. Uncle Carlos's father is famous anti-Castro leader, Tony de Varona. Carlos fought in the Bay of Pigs and was eventually jailed as a result of his involvement in Cuba. Before Carlos was jailed, Castro's government posted wanted signs of Carlos all over the city.

When I was in Cuba, I saw signs and photos of his father in "El Museo de la Revoluccion" describing his father as an enemy of the state. It was very weird to know that I knew Carlos and I would never be able to tell Carlos about seeing his father in Cuban museums.

The more I learn about my family, the more interested in Cuban history I become. My family was involved at every level in government before the Revolution. Sanguily, Heredia, Saladrigas, Valdespino.... you name it, we were involved. I believe my second book will document Cuban history as seen and experienced by one family..... i.e. los Valdespinos/Saladrigas.

I want to see Sweeney Todd.

When I do, I will write about what I think.