I know I've been home for more than two months, but the obsession still hasn't faded. I think about the place every day, in so many contexts. It's a place that is just so different from anywhere else in the world, and though I understand it a little bit after having been there three months, there are still so many phenomena that are hard to understand.
In addition, having had numerous experiences in foreign countries, and with foreigners here, it makes me wonder if Americans are too cynical and emotionally stunted, though we would not want to think it of ourselves. I was watching Grey's Anatomy the other day (Season 3, Episode 23) and came across this quote: "The true dream is being able to dream at all". First, thinking about it, I thought about how it more so personified Americans, as opposed to Cubans (because, in all honesty, we have better chances to dream here, because theoretically we can reach out and take more advantages if we are inclined to do so). But then I thought about how Cubans still dream- dreams that are far out and seem crazy, because there is such a small chance of the dream becoming reality- and yet they dream it and hope for it, despite all odds. Their dreams aren't hemmed in or made smaller by conforming with reality, which is often how I feel many Americans live their lives. I think too often we are scared to see the true heights which can be reached.
