The Real Cuba

Cuba has a scent all its own - old car exhaust, burning oil and food all mixed up together. 

Its the first cue that you have reached the Havana shoreline - a unique and rich scent.

Also conspicuous as you reach Cuban water is the complete absence of boats.  There is no commercial fishing or recreational boating in Cuba - the only boats are the ones that arrive from somewhere else.  Often described as a country that time forgot Cuba's prized city Havana shows the wear.  Lacking the supplies to fix whats broken and maintain whats not - Havana surely does look forgotten.  Yet, underneath it all the splendor of Havana shines through.

The stained glass is broken and panes are missing.  The shutters show wear and the concrete and plaster need work.  But how beautiful those buildings must have been.  Almost all the buildings have balconies, beautiful scroll work and columns.  Some of the buildings have already been restored and are stunning as I am sure the rest will be in time.

 2011 brought change to Cuba.  With Raul in charge some private enterprise is now allowed.  Taking full advantage of the opportunity individuals set up little stores in the entryway to their homes.  Tourists can now purchase all the Che paraphernalia they could possibly want.

As you can see Havana's infrastructure is in serious need of attention.  Wires are running everywhere - sidewalks are crumbling and the streets have holes.

 

Contrasted with the urban decay is the art. Havana is home to a bustling art community and some artists prefer the street as their canvas. 

Cigars are about as Cuban as you can get and everyone smokes them.  Even Grandmas!

The Malecon

 
And of course, the Malecon is iconic Cuba.  It is true that folks gather there at all times. 
In the afternoon fishing or running and in the evening just hanging out.  The scenic road skirts the coast and on a windy day the waves break on the seawall drenching the folks on the Malecon.  They never seem to mind though - could be they want to feel the ocean.  Cuba is intoxicating and we are so happy to have had the opportunity to see Cuba as it exists now - before the influence of Cuba's large northern neighbor shows.