I never doubted that I would find a husband—not just because I am a

beautiful cockroach, but because I, Martina, am a Cuban cockroach. We Cubans are a proud

bunch—there’s some truth in the stereotype—but really, what’s not to love?

Granted Cubans are a bit noisy at times. We enjoy the mouth-watering

food and drink of our culture. We have a tendency to wile away the hours

at a domino table. But if you heard our fascinating stories, ate our delectable food,

sipped our heavenly café cubano, or rejoiced in victory at dominos, you would surely

understand!

In the mornings, we drink café cubano with warm milk, accompanied by

Cuban bread that has been toasted and slathered with butter. We cal this

café con leche y pan con mantequilla.

At lunch, we prefer the colada, which is a large cup of café cubano. It is served with

many small glasses so that we may share with our friends.

After dinner, we drink either regular café cubano (which we like to make VERY sweet), or corta-

dito style, which just means we add a few spoonfuls of milk.

No matter how it is prepared, drinking café cubano is a social activity. Once the coffee is poured,

you can’t stop Tio Chicho from telling stories about fishing in Cuba, or Abuela from nagging

someone about when she will get married.

Most Cubans believe that you can’t pay proper attention to conversation if you are

distracted by hunger. Meals are often served with frijoles negros con arroz,

(black beans and rice) AND a side order of sayings and stories. I learned to cook as a

young cucarachita, not because of culinary interest, but because of my insatiable

love of tales and gossip.

Everyone knows that you hear all the most delicioso stories in the kitchen. But if you’re not

helping with the meal, you must leave—so I learned to help. At first, my mother and aunts were

cautious about the topics they discussed while I was around. When I entered the kitchen, I often

heard one of them say, “¡Hay Morros en la costa!” which literally means there are Moors on the

coast. This always made me wonder “Who are the Moors and why does it matter what coast they

are on?” It’s like an American saying “Little pitchers have big ears.”

A Taste of Martina ’ s Cuba

The older I got, the more I was allowed to hear. That’s when I learned that

Cubans have sayings for every situation— and the sayings seldom seem

to make much sense. That is, until the right situation presents itself.

The most important advice I ever received was from my Abuela, who told me I had to spill

coffee on my suitor’s shoes. As bizarre as this advice sounded, it paid off in the end.

I would like to pass some of this infinite wisdom on to you, so here are some common

Cuban sayings to help you out:

• Si eres como azúcar, las hormigas te comerán.

If you make yourself like sugar, the ants will eat you.

• A un enemigo que huye, construir un puente de plata.

For a fleeing enemy, build a silver bridge.

• Dime con quien andas, y te dire que eres.

Tell me who you walk with, and I will tell you who you are.

• El que solo se rie, de sus maldades se acuerdan.

He who laughs alone is remembering his own mischief.

As Abuela frequently reminds me, there is always time for a little friendly advice. I must admit

that these sayings may take awhile to decipher. At times, this little cucarachita scratched her

head in confusion, trying to understand. But one thing is instantly clear. Cuban culture is one of

beauty, tradition and flavor!