In "The Best American Travel Writing 2016," author Bill Bryson discusses the perspective of Estrada, who critiques the romanticized view of Cuba as a static, unchanging place. Estrada argues that this mindset is patronizing, reducing the vibrant nation to a mere exhibit rather than recognizing its complexity and aspirations for the future. It positions the island as a museum, devoid of the dynamic changes that shape its identity.
Estrada's comments highlight the importance of viewing Cuba as a living country with its own desires and ambitions, rather than a historical artifact. This perspective calls for a more nuanced understanding of Cuban culture and society, emphasizing that the island deserves acknowledgment of its growth and evolution rather than being confined to nostalgia.