IN PHOTO: Solidarity in Bags

The image is just the conclusion, the end of the episode. But when the man's bag tore and the potatoes rolled on the asphalt, not a single passer-remained indifferent.

As if responding to a warning never given, they ran from everywhere in solidarity to collect the potatoes, which, fleeing, were rolling down the hill and with them "the good fortune" they represent these days and the time spent in the long line.

It was a seemingly inconsequential scene, one more moment in the puzzle of this difficult yearend. But I couldn’t escape the memory of another similar situation I witnessed in a hotel lobby in another country.

There, a newcomer’s suitcase burst opened, and its contents, including underwear, fell in full view of the others guests staying there. Not a single one seemed to notice the incident, and didn’t move a muscle to help the poor lady who, kneeling collected her belongings in the midst of the helplessness and shame.

The man, who by now will surely have already enjoyed mashed potato, thanked everyone and carried on his way home with the "precious" merchandise, probably without realizing that what took place, for all the inhabitants of this Island is something very common, in many places worldwide it’s something unthinkable.

Translated by Amilkal Labañino / CubaSí Translation Staff