passed away is still stunning people. we expected it. they planned for it but even for cubans i know who wish for this, now this happened there is a great sense of uncertainty. what happens next? of course fidel castro is no longer the president. he does not wield much power but he is a large symbol and of course the most famous cuban alive has passed away and somebody who had such an impact both positive and negative on so many people's lives is no long more and i think people will be reflecting, wondering and perhaps trying to provoke the government here which welds quite a bit of authority over this island and does not take provocations lightly. certainly in the days to come i expect to see more police on the street and more soldiers on the street and the beginnings of a plan to commemorate this man's life who had such a great impact, not only on the island of cuba but of course the united