Glimpses of the tribe June 30, 2008
Posted by NettyD in Family, Lifestyle, Sociology.trackback
Growing up in a Cuban family, I’ve experienced all of the identifying characteristics of the culture: traveling in packs, four+ people speaking at the same time, eating lots of heavy food as late in the day as possible, and tons of gossip about each member of the family (present or not).
What makes me the most proud of Cubans, however, is our passion. The same passion that reveals itself when normal people discuss politics comes at the same intensity when Cubans discuss something like buying a pair of shoes. When my non-Cuban friends tell me that I need to tone it down after getting worked up about something small, I always chalk it up to my genes. Still, I could not be more proud to come from a place that cares deeply about everything rather than not having an opinion at all.
Here are some shots from my weekend with my Dad’s side of the family.
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My dad and his sister, my Tia Rose. She’s stoked about learning the treadmill.
With Dad and brother Andrew.
With grandma Lucy. Notice how we’re all looking at different cameras. Even in the digital age, when pictures can be copied and sent easily, Cubans still engage in photo shoots that would make even Annie Liebovitz jealous.
Tia Rose with her daughter Yvonne (my cousin and godmother) and her grandkid Stephanie (my cousin and goddaughter).
Bro and I at a pub in JAX Beach
Andrew and Cousin Matt at JAX Beach. Fun times!
Andrew and Dad’s dog, Zeus.
Oh wow, I remember Stephanie! We stayed at her house when we went down to Miami and Disney World right? Good times!
Lynette! Thanks for this great post! It is great to get a peek into your family! Those pics of your family are so exactly what I expected and they remind me so much of my mom’s side of the family. Our ethnic heritage shapes our lives more than we know. You look so at home in those pics with your family.
I love you and I miss your face!