With the economy in such dire straits, Cubans have found other means of income besides their rations. Much like Craigslist, Cubans have created their own version called Revolico (www.revolico.com). According to the New York Times, the cite was created by two 20 year old Cuban men who immigrated to Spain.The creators, (who's names have been witheld to protect their relatives who still live on the island from Cuban authorities) continue to try and evade government censors.
Although Craigslist was indeed the inspiration for Revolico, the creators say Revolico is designed to upload more quickly on the island’s slower connection speeds.
Some of the categories on the site — cars for sale, computers for sale, boys seeking girls, boys seeking boys, for instance — are identical to those on Craigslist, however there are many exchanges that are particular to Cuban culture. These examples include people who are selling their place in the visa line at the Spanish Embassy to someone trying to leave the island. One category even specializes in arranged marriages that are offered to help Cubans find a way to another country.
The new exchange cite reveals a lot about the lives of Cubans and their efforts to survive under such tight contstraints.
Source: New York Times, Revolico.com
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