In The Shadow Of The Capitolio

The staging is finally gone. Removed for the celebration of the 500th anniversary of Havana. Removed after extensive refurbishing to the building that was was modeled after the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. Removed after gold leaf was applied to the dome. That’s correct, GOLD!

 

In the city that’s the capital of the country, where many people do not have running water in their living space, where many struggle to find and buy food, where many cannot earn enough money to support their families, the symbol of wealth and greed worldwide towers over them. GOLD

 

Gold towers over piles of trash on street corners.

 

Gold towers over puddles of standing water where the mosquitoes that carry the Dengue virus breed.

 

Gold towers over crumbling buildings where people live in fear of the next collapse.

 

Gold towers over people who’s government promised them a better life.

 

 

Rock-Ola

I found this Jukebox in my new favorite restaurant/bar, Chago Habana, on San Lazaro. No, it was not working.

Good food, very reasonable prices, and the best drinks in Havana.

 

Lamplighter – Oscar

In Trinidad, Cuba, outside Cafe Don Pepe, Oscar takes it upon himself to switch on the street light every evening.

Cafe Don Pepe is at the park, near the Convento de San Francisco de Asis. Stop in and have a turquino.

2018 IPC Images and Scores

Photographic Open Category

 

 

Artist Category

 

 

The Town Square – Holguin

Parque Calixto Garcia is the largest park in the center of Holguin.

The four streets that surround the park house stores, restaurants and taxis. As expected, it is the center of activity, day or night.

 

 

Living Off The Land

Part 2

After visiting with the grandfather, we walked another 100 meters to the house of Yoel.

 

Yoel is 39 years old and is separated from his wife, but he still has strong feelings for her. I suspect they will reunite.

We were invited into his humble home.

After days in Havana, I was struck by the quiet solitude. No traffic. No Music. No one yelling for a friend on the third floor. Very peaceful. What a great place to relax and think.

 

The kitchen area.

A simple bench.

Part 3:  https://wp.me/p4fUlX-Ip

 

Colina Lenin

In the Havana municipality of Regla is the hill of Lenin. At 25 meters, the hill is the highest point within several kilometers. Great views of La Habana can be had from the summit.

On this site is a bronze sculpture of Lenin’s face created by the Cuban artist Thelma Marin. Surrounding the bronze sculpture are twelve white human figures, symbolizing solidarity with the October Revolution in Russia

 

Where They Live – Bube

Bube is 40 years old and lives with her husband. They have one daughter. All three sleep in one bedroom. They cook with gas and have a bathroom, but no running water.

 

Oscar

My dear friend Oscar can be found near the Convento de San Francisco de Asis in Trinidad, Cuba.
He’s a gentle man with a friendly smile who lives out-of-town. Every day this seventy-four year old loads coconuts and bananas onto his wheelbarrow and pushes them into town to “his” spot in the street.
His spot is at a park near the tall tower in town. Here he sells coconuts to tourists. He’ll select one for you and expertly chop the top off by wielding his machete. When just a hint of the white coconut meat is revealed, he will cut it away and insert a straw so that you can drink the milk. When finished with the drink, return the coconut to Oscar and he will again wield his tools to split the fruit and cut out the fresh white meat for you to eat.
He doesn’t like to complain, but after you get to know him he’ll tell you that arthritis in his hands and tendonitis in his arms make it difficult for him to do his job.
If you see Oscar, slip him a CUC for me. Or better yet, buy a coconut.

 

El Tenedor

El Tenedor is a family owned restaurant and hostal.

Stop in for dinner or drinks, watch the sunset, and listen to the live music on the terrace. I believe it to be the highest rooftop dining in Trinidad, Cuba. The food is good, as is the service. It’s all family here.
You’ll pass the kitchen on the way to the dining area and the terrace.
Stop and greet the chef, Emilio. He may offer to prepare a special dish for you on your next visit.
Say hello to Ava and her daughter Katiuska. You’ll feel like a part of the family. Be careful though, twelve-year-old Daniela will try to charm you out of some gum.

Don’t let the term hostal keep you from going. (it’s a Cuban classification). You will not find any difference between the rooms here and a Casa Particular. Both rooms have their own locks and are air-conditioned with private bath.