Cuba is a country I have wanted to visit for many years. A country stuck in a time warp and totally lacking in today’s commercialisation. A country of contrasts where crumbling buildings rub shoulders with grand architecture, where people with very little take huge pride in what little they have and seem contented with their lot and a country with spectacular scenery.
When you have been in Havana for a while the words of Greek photographer Nikos Economopoulos make sense.
I was certainly surprised by the lack of traffic and night activity. I had imagined Havana to have a buzzing nightlife with bars open, lights blazing and salsa music and dancing spilling out onto the streets. However, on the drive from the airport at 21.30 the streets were quiet and there was little activity from people or traffic. The reality is that the last few years have been very difficult for the general population with little tourism and a hardline regime which seriously controls supplies of everyday basic groceries and income. The average wage is $25/month and a fully qualified doctor only gets $50/month. There are queues when new supplies come in and everyone has ration books. Tipping is a must and we were generous with that.
We shall be dividing our time between Havana in the north and Trinidad (a World Heritage Site) in the south. I am anticipating some truly awesome photo opportunities. The itinerary includes amongst other things a private photo shoot at the National Ballet and a private audience with Roberto Salas – personal photographer to Fidel Castro.
