16:00
We began the plenary session of the German brigade. Our topics included the discussion of a dossier by the Tricontinental Institute about the Bandung Spirit, especially in relation to what we've learned about internationalism at the ELAM today and BRICS. We wanted to be done 18:00, but ended up finishing half an hour later.
Internationalism to me means understanding decolonial movements globally to be an opposition to imperialism from within the “belly of the beast”, which may lead to conditions that no longer hinder decolonial movements, makes them possible, or optimally supports them. In order to gain that knowledge, I am willing to throw away everything I know or believe in, if it means ridding myself of a deeply rooted thought structure dictated by western chauvinism. To support such movements, without turning to the fallacies of white saviorism or lecturing, should be everyone's goal.
18:24
We had pretty good lunch. Even with unlimited bread this time (not much rationing anymore)! I made an Olive Garden joke, but nobody got it, except the Americans.
21:51
I just finished a Salsa course, we danced for ~1.5 hours. I got pretty okay at it at the end, proud of myself.
Currently sitting at the bar at the center of the camp, not to drink something, but because the WiFi router is located here. Best connection everywhere, and I really gotta upload some images and videos! The electricity and WiFi went out inbetween, but about half an hour ago, mid salsa course, it came back.
22:59
As I'm finishing writing and fleshing out my documentation for today and yesterday, the music playing for the salsa dancing circle next to me accidentally turned to Gangnam Style, and... they... just continued. Dancing Salsa. To Gangnam Style. Truly big things are happening at the CIJAM.
00:05
I'm fully done with writing everything and catching up on some messages. Thank you for reading ❤️🇨🇺
00:17
While posting the results of this day on Mastodon, the power and hence internet went off. As the (no longer just Salsa) dancing crowd was angered by their music suddenly stopping, in complete darkness except for the loud chirping, they began shouting “Cuba Si! Bloqueo no!”.
CIJAM, Cuba (GMT-4)
Monday, 28th of April 2025
----END OF DAY 4 OF THE CUBA BRIGADE----