This podcast episode delves into two contrasting but pressing issues: Cuba's escalating economic crisis fueled by an outdated model and external pressures, and Odessa's vibrant beach culture that persists despite the shadows of war. By examining Cuba's reliance on unfavorable economic structures and its turn towards Russia and China, alongside the paradoxical resurgence of Odessa's tourism amidst conflict, the discussion highlights the resilience of human spirit in the face of dramatic challenges while raising questions about geopolitical implications and the future of these regions.