Havana - Decaying Splendour

I just returned from a quick four day trip to Havana,  my first time back since two previous visits  to Cuba about twelve and fourteen years ago.  Apart from several renovations to some important buildings and public squares in Old Havana, not much has really changed.  The predicted new era with the recent death of Fidel and Obama's push to normalize relations with the U.S. has been stifled  with the Trump presidency.  

Although there are many new private joint-ventures,  especially with regards to restaurants and hotels, the city still seems frozen in time with its old American cars of the 50's and Russian cars of the 70's. Its absence of neon signs and advertising is another reminder of a city still on the edge of the modern world.  I had not forgotten the unique character of this tropical capital with its stunning (and crumbling) colonial architecture nor the vibrant and rich culture of Cubans.   Here are some photos from my digital archive as well as  some that I took on this trip to put together a quick little portrait of  'La Habana'.

2004  (maybe playing for a Cuban baseball team now?)

El Malecon, the avenue along the waterfront, is slowly getting renovated with a few
 upscale restaurants and some awesome public art.

Wifi hot spots in public places (accessed with a pre-paid card) are giving Cubans much more internet
access than even just a few years ago. 

Hotel Nacional

Edificio Bacardi

Local artists selling their work on Paseo Prado.

Rumba, son, salsa, bolero, Afro-cubano, habanero...  so many styles and rhythms in Cuba's rich musical heritage. 

Coloured black & white photo I made from a great art deco apartment building.

Much more street art now. 

Wider streets and detached houses of Vedado

siempre revolución

home of the mojito and daiquiri 

2006

2018