The best of all possible worlds
Cuba has free medical services and education and strong cultural traditions including: old cars; music; dance; and painting. No one was obviously undernourished and crime rates are said to be very low; although most houses have barred windows or shutters and the hotels have night and day security. Unlike Mexico there is not an obvious or overwhelming police presence in the streets.
There is a general air of happiness amongst the people with many smiling faces and it is apparent that many, like Candide, do indeed believe that they live in the best of all possible worlds.
Life's a party
We were there during May Day. We did not go to the parade but watched it for a while on TV. Millions marched. It was quite amazing; a mile long procession at hundreds of people wide; representing collectives from across the country. They were harangued with speeches against capitalism and in favour of the great socialist experiment that is Cuba.
May Day
The amazing thing is that most of the TV stations receivable originate in the US, just 90 miles to the south; so you would think that the difference in material standard of living would be palpable.