SUNDAY, March 25 - 5:30 PM (from producer Michelle Lacamoire) "Con miedo no se puede vivir, y con miedo no hay libertad" (translation: You can't live in fear, with fear there is no freedom.)
I've seen their images on TV. Dozens of ladies dressed in white, marching silently in the streets of Cuba. I've also seen images of these same ladies being arrested, harassed, beaten and physically kept from getting out into the streets in protest.
PHOTOS: The Ladies in White
Today, a much more peaceful picture outside Saint Rita Church from Havana's Miramar neighborhood, in the flesh. The woman I've seen speak so passionately for the rights of political prisoners and all Cubans, standing right in front of me, sharing her battle with the foreign press. I was beside myself.
"We are here...while political prisoners exist, there will be Ladies in White visiting Saint Rita Church praying for freedom for Cuba, freedom for political prisoners, and for human rights ... and we will walk in the streets of Cuba for the rights of these men," said Berta Soler, the head of the Ladies in White.
So fearless, and so in control of this particular moment, Soler preached to reporters about their fight for change in Cuba as police officers watched on from a distance. She explains she wants just one minute with Pope Benedict XVI in hopes of sharing her concerns about the people of Cuba.
The meeting, like today's march, is a risk. The women risk their lives every time they march in unison. But it's a risk she said she is always willing to take.
"The love for our family, the love for our country, is stronger than a jail cell."
I was penetrated by her words just then. These women have such love for their country, a strong desire to see it at its highest potential.
And with that, the women entered the church for Sunday mass and headed out to march.
Two uniformed lines...the women holding gladiolas...silence. Only the hustle of the reporters chasing after them could be heard, and the honks from passing cars opposing the media coverage. No violence, no arrests. Just peace.
I was so honored to be alongside these women. They have taught me so much about being fearless and standing up for what you believe in. May they press on in peace, and may they live to see it reign.
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SATURDAY, March 24 - 5:02 PM (from producer Michelle Lacamoire) Today, we took a trip out to Old and Central Havana. It's been gorgeous weather--clear blue skies and nice ocean breeze. Jen, Bill our photographer, and I left early for the popular tourist thoroughfare, Calle Obispo.
This narrow stretch of Central Havana is a hot spot for tourists and locals alike. Here you can buy jewelry, appliances, toiletries, and the classic tourist gifts and knick knacks.
Pretty much all the businesses are government owned. But there are many privately owned shops that are popping up, one of several reforms made recently by the Cuban government allowing Cubans to take part in private enterprise. It's a step up, but there are many more steps to go.
As always, we attract quite a crowd and plenty of stares with our press passes and equipment. Many gave us long looks as they passed us filming; others joked about getting on camera and becoming famous in the States; others didn't even flinch.
We spoke with some store owners about having their own businesses. Clearly, they are happy to own something that is theirs, if only a portion of it.
We spoke with some of Cuba's youth about their hopes and aspirations. One 18-year-old told us he's never traveled outside the country and wasn't anticipating the Pope's visit because he wasn't religious. There was sadness in his eyes and almost a sense of having given up on having any aspirations.
As Jen and Bill filmed, I stood back and watched the people go by about their business: the little old lady whose back curved from so many years of hard labor, walking along with her "java" or plastic bag; the little girl rushing to a dance recital at the hands of her mother; the young couple walking hand and hand, wearing the brand names popular in the U.S; the waiters and waitresses standing outside tourist restaurants waiting to make their tips for the day; then, the long line of people waiting to get into the cellphone store to make a purchase perhaps; the crowd of locals standing in the hot sun to catch a packed bus.
Life is hard here. But it's truth, I think, is so tragic and so beautiful at the same time.
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FRIDAY, March 23 - 6:12 PM - (from producer Michelle Lacamoire) My mom was sent to live in the U.S. with relatives when she was 14 years old. The eldest of 9, the idea was to bring each child over one by one, and then her parents. The year was 1957. Two years later, Cuba changed forever, and my mother was left behind on this side of the Florida Straits.
I grew up without my aunt and uncles and my grandparents. But, I did grow up hearing stories of my mom and her siblings, what they were like, what life was like for a family of 11 who was so poor.
When the U.S. made it possible for Cuban-Americans to travel to Cuba, I jumped at the opportunity. I yearned to see what I grew up hearing about, longed to meet the family I have only learned about through old photos and stories. I've traveled here several times, and for me, it's not about politics.
I understand the sentiment that my U.S. dollar will help benefit the Cuban government, but how can I deny a right to visit my family? To hug and kiss them after so many years apart? I've seen what Cuba is really like. I can't say I know all of its harsh realities, but I am well aware of them. I'll keep coming back as long as they let me, because for me, it's not about politics. It's about family.
FRIDAY, MARCH 23 - 11:28 AM - (from Calvin Hughes) - We just wrapped up our meeting with Cuban government officials to talk about our "boundaries," but apparently, there aren't as many as we thought. We did request several interviews, including one with Raul Castro, Fidel Castro and Elian Gonzalez, and were promptly told to get in line. There are more than 800 journalists here from all over the world and each has put in the same interview requests. We did talk about the possible discussions with Cuban officials about Alan Gross, a political prisoner, and was told the situation is "complicated."
Stay tuned.
FRIDAY, MARCH 23 - 10:40 AM - The Local 10 crew in Havana will be sending back pictures all day. Take a look at what they're seeing in this slideshow.
FRIDAY, MARCH 23 - 10:33 AM - (from Calvin Hughes) - The long, arduous journey into Cuba was grueling, but expected. We were warned to anticipate long delays and searches at the airport. I thought this process would take maybe one or two hours. Turns out, retrieving our luggage took three times as long as our flight from Miami which lasted less than an hour. At Jose Marti International Airport in Havana, I was able to take in the moment. Listening and looking around at Cuban families and tourists who couldn't wait to see their families patiently standing in front of the airport. They were three to four rows deep. The reunions were filled with such raw emotion. Everyone cried, hugged and cried some more.
There is a lot more to say but I'm being summoned to a meeting with Cuban officials to inform us about our journalistic "boundaries." Stay tuned.
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THURSDAY, MARCH 22 - 3:27 PM - (from producer Michelle Lacamoire) - The reality of travels to Cuba: It takes 45 minutes from the moment the plane's wheels lift off the ground at MIA and land in Havana, but it takes the entire day to make it happen. Checking in takes four hours. You have to wrap what you take and then form the long line to check in. Then there's the long security checkpoint and then the wait for the plane and the crew. Our flight is delayed. That is nothing new for flights to Cuba. We were supposed to leave at 3pm but it's 3:20pm and the crew has yet to arrive. With all our equipment, I envision us in Havana's airport for a while too. Again, 45 minutes to fly there... an entire day to make it happen.
THURSDAY, MARCH 22 - 2:35 PM - Calvin sent in this video blog before the Local 10 plane took off for Cuba.
THURSDAY, MARCH 22 - 2:03 PM - (from Calvin Hughes) - It's hard to believe the day has arrived. The Local 10 news crew including Rudy, Bill, WPLG News Director Bill Pohovey, Jen and I are hours away from landing in Havana, Cuba to cover the Papal visit. We will be the only local news crew from South Florida to cover this historic event! We understand an entire community will be clinging to our every word. And, within that same community, we will have those who will disagree. Their voices will not be ignored. Unlike Cuba, South Florida exiles are free to express themselves with various outlets. I look forward to reading and hearing their opinions. However in their native land speaking freely comes with a high price so I'll have to read between the lines for the next several days. Listen to what's not being said. And relay the images many in South Florida can't see, smell or touch. What a challenge.
THURSDAY, MARCH 22 - 1:54 PM - (From Jen Herrera) - Sitting at the gate now its finally sinking in that this is happening, we are going to Cuba. This is so exciting professionally, despite the fact that I was in tears this morning kissing my girls good bye.
It's also exciting because I'm going back to the place where my family is from. My father was born in Cuba and came to the United States in 1953, but he went back every summer until 1960. Up until now I have known very little about my father's side of the family. Now I know my grandfather made a huge sacrifice when he left everything he had ever known to give his wife and children a better life in the US. I hear the home where my dad spent many summers is still just outside of Havana... I can't wait to find out!
THURSDAY, MARCH 22 - 1:07 PM - (from Jen Herrera) - Check-in complete. $316 baggage charge, not nearly as bad as we expected considering all of the equipment Can't wait to see how bad it is on the other end. Interesting tidbit; like so many things in Cuba, they don't change the clocks the same time as the rest of us. It's an hour earlier in Cuba until they "spring forward" in a few weeks.
THURSDAY, MARCH 22 - 12:08 PM - As she and the Local 10 crew prepare to leave for Cuba, Jen Herrera put together this special "Behind the Curtain" video to show what a task it is to leave the country
THURSDAY, MARCH 22 - 11:53 AM - (from Jen Herrera) - And so the journey begins. Our crew arrived at Miami International Airport the required four hours before the flight to Cuba. It's always amazing to see the lines of people checking in for the flights to Cuba. So many people traveling for so many reasons. We've met people going to see the Pope. We've met people going for vacation, but mostly we met people going to see family. And they don't go empty-handed. The four-hour check-in is due to the massive amounts of luggage people take to Cuba. Everything is wrapped in green plastic to ensure everything inside the bags on this end makes it to Cuba. We've seen plasma TVs in the luggage. You name it, someone is bringing it for a family member. The long duffel bags loaded with supplies are so common they are called gusanos, or worms, in English. Anything over 44 pounds costs extra. Prices depend on whether it's food or medicine which is cheaper. Gift and clothes cost more. We have 100 pounds of TV equipment and are just waiting to see how much we will be required to spend, but it won't be cheap! More to come.
THURSDAY, MARCH 22 - 11:30 AM - The Local 10 crew travelling to Cuba is now at the airport, waiting to board their plane. There is a lot of anticipation ahead of the trip and the crew sent these photos before they fly off.