Havana, Cuba, November 2007


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1) The old cars were a study in auto design evolution but a matter of survival to the Cubans. They used these dinosaurs as transportation and for income. Rebuilt innumerous times, the wheels were often too large or small or didn’t line up in the wheel-wells. They were a testimony to human ingenuity. 2) The streets of Old Havana were rare empty and, despite the lack of goods, there were always shoppers. 3) Many of the old cars were just shells without engine or interior. They were apparently restoration projects for the owners.

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4) I was amazed by the lack of goods in the shops. Here they seem to sell only a green drink, a few sandwiches and cigarettes. Most shops I noticed were equally focused. 5) When I walked into Bar Silvia, a few streets from my hotel, I asked for a cerveza (beer). The barman replied, “Solo rum,” (Only rum). So I had a glass for about $0.25 US and enjoyed the mild night air while I watched the coming and going of the locals. The only other thing he sold was cigarettes. Nobody gave me more than a passing glance. 6) The last photo is of a cola vendor. You bring your bottle and get it filled there. Obviously it wasn’t Coke or Pepsi.

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