Since the early 1960's tourism travel to Cuba for American citizens has been extremely difficult or even impossible. The economic blockade imposed by the U.S around 1960 not only affected shipments of goods to the island, but also reduced opportunities for Americans to travel there. It was possible to circumvent this by travelling from a different country other than the U.S. such as Canada or the Bahamas but this did pose risks of a fine or more.
Through the years, the rules changed along with administrations, with travel permitted for religious groups, journalists, academics, or "people to people" trips through travel companies, meaning Cuban tourism had to contain visits to specific sites involving local culture such as musical performances, local artisans, a tobacco factory, etc.
Travel restrictions loosened a bit around 2015, but then tightened again after 2016, prompting me to finally make the move to travel there, Cuba being on my bucket list for many years. I registered with an educational travel group and made the trip in 2017.
While the group did make some required "people-to-people" visits, we still had free time to explore, photograph, and chat with locals. I, as most of the group, brought various "gifts" with us to hand out such as coloring books for children, and soaps, toothbrushes, etc. for adults. I was happy to obtain a few special photographs in exchange for items I had brought with me. Photographing a country caught in a time warp was an extraordinary and exciting experience and I hope to return one day.
I felt lucky to stay in the famous and beautiful Hotel Nacional in Havana. It opened in 1930 and was the hot spot in the early years, hosting Hollywood celebrities, political leaders and some notorious crime figures as well. Music and rum were abundant as well as the beautiful peacocks roaming the premises. Surprisingly, the hotel was designed, financed, and constructed by New York institutions (thank you Wikipedia).
Cars
It is widely known that Cuba has hundreds of vintage cars, mostly dating from the 1950s. They provide an eye-popping look into the methods of upkeep that keep these cars on the road for decades!
People to People
As mandated, my group made the requisite visits for the "people to people" requirement for U.S. tourism in Cuba. Dance groups, senior centers, cigar makers, and artisans were, however, all interesting and provided a look into native culture. Women on Havana streets dressed in colorful clothing selling flowers and other items were surely for tourist admiration but also added an amusing and cheerful touch to those strolling the streets. Photographing locals has always been a particular aspect of my travel experiences.
Travel restrictions loosened a bit around 2015, but then tightened again after 2016, prompting me to finally make the move to travel there, Cuba being on my bucket list for many years. I registered with an educational travel group and made the trip in 2017.
While the group did make some required "people-to-people" visits, we still had free time to explore, photograph, and chat with locals. I, as most of the group, brought various "gifts" with us to hand out such as coloring books for children, and soaps, toothbrushes, etc. for adults. I was happy to obtain a few special photographs in exchange for items I had brought with me. Photographing a country caught in a time warp was an extraordinary and exciting experience and I hope to return one day.
I felt lucky to stay in the famous and beautiful Hotel Nacional in Havana. It opened in 1930 and was the hot spot in the early years, hosting Hollywood celebrities, political leaders and some notorious crime figures as well. Music and rum were abundant as well as the beautiful peacocks roaming the premises. Surprisingly, the hotel was designed, financed, and constructed by New York institutions (thank you Wikipedia).
Daily Life
It is widely known that Cuba has hundreds of vintage cars, mostly dating from the 1950s. They provide an eye-popping look into the methods of upkeep that keep these cars on the road for decades!
Going Around, Publicity, Art and Buildings
People to People
As mandated, my group made the requisite visits for the "people to people" requirement for U.S. tourism in Cuba. Dance groups, senior centers, cigar makers, and artisans were, however, all interesting and provided a look into native culture. Women on Havana streets dressed in colorful clothing selling flowers and other items were surely for tourist admiration but also added an amusing and cheerful touch to those strolling the streets. Photographing locals has always been a particular aspect of my travel experiences.
Loved Myra’s Cuba- she says she travels, hopefully we can expect more such colourful features from her. Her photos and pinturas are awesome !
ReplyDeleteSree
Very good photos. Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteVery interesting travel report and beautiful photos. Very colorful and great portraits.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures of Cuba, Myra.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely gorgeous pictures of Cuba! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteVery beautiful photos
ReplyDeleteThank you Myra for sharing these fascinating pictures of Cuba - it was great that you were able to visit - for many of us in the USA so near, but yet such a distant land. Do share with XUNICEF your next adventures!
ReplyDelete