Expectations run high amid fresh talks between US and Cuba

The revolutionary slogans are faded. Many have been quietly painted over. Fidel Castro has not been seen for over a year, and his brother Raul seems more interested in experimenting with capitalism than in pursuing Marxism.

Yes, Cuba is changing, and at an accelerating pace.

Over the next two days there will be an historic series of negotiations here between Cuba and the United States that will add unstoppable momentum to this process.

The aim of these talks is to normalise diplomatic relations between Havana and Washington, a relationship that has been in deep freeze for over half a century.

Almost everyone I have spoken to in Cuba - from wealthy business people to the poorest farm labourers - describe the breakthrough as welcome.

Expectations are so high that it now seems impossible that the two sides can go back on the deal.

Already the tour buses are flooding into Havana. Charter flights from Miami are full to capacity.

The era of isolation is over. Perhaps the Revolution itself is over.

Pragmatism has won the day.

Of course there are many unanswered questions. Perhaps the biggest is whether Raul Castro can throw open this island's doors while still maintaining one party political control.

Can Cuba do a China - let private enterprise flourish to reinvigorate the economy while keeping true democracy at bay?

There are a small number of Cubans who are critical of the deal.

The brave and lonely dissidents inside Cuba - some of whom are among the 53 activists released from prison under the arrangement - believe the whole diplomatic pact is a mistake by President Obama.

They argue that Washington is rewarding a cruel and intolerant dictatorship and that the only beneficiary is Raul Castro.

But for most of the 11 million Cubans, these are exciting times with rapid and radical change now firmly on the agenda.