Cuba, a Tale of Two Countries
Ask someone about their experience in Cuba. The answer is split. One the one hand, you'll have someone say (like me), that it's by far the best place in the Caribbean. That's a statement I feel aligns with my outlook on the world. On the other hand, someone will tell you that they'll never go back and it was a terrible experience. Their statement likely reflects the outlook they have on the world. One thing I can almost guarantee you is that when someone had a bad experience, it's almost always a cruise ship guest.
The arrived in Havana, got off the boat and was shuffled into big busses. They then experienced a program the government put together. That program is called "People to People" and it's what Americans had to initially follow before "Support of the Cuban People". So after they're shuffled around, given a show in each location, made a turn down an alley and used a restroom with no toilet seat or paper they had enough. That person will never go back to Cuba. They won't because like sheep, the program kept them contained and limited access.
Now let me tell you the other side of the story. Cuba has too many reasons to list in this article on why to go. I'll keep it to the top 5 or so.
The arrived in Havana, got off the boat and was shuffled into big busses. They then experienced a program the government put together. That program is called "People to People" and it's what Americans had to initially follow before "Support of the Cuban People". So after they're shuffled around, given a show in each location, made a turn down an alley and used a restroom with no toilet seat or paper they had enough. That person will never go back to Cuba. They won't because like sheep, the program kept them contained and limited access.
Now let me tell you the other side of the story. Cuba has too many reasons to list in this article on why to go. I'll keep it to the top 5 or so.
The Triumph of the Revolution
This is what we call the Cuban Revolution, and it's a fascinating story. Both sides to this day with differing recollections and accusations. If you decide to spend time in the Museum of Revolution or the many places in Santiago de Cuba, you might find that the truth is somewhere in between. It's quite a story and for history buffs this one is recent, raw and ongoing. The results of the revolution can be seen everywhere in one form or another. It's worth reading about and seeing it first hand.
​Resistance to U.S. Influence
Cuba has been in a bubble of sorts for over 60 years. I don't know a place in the world doesn't have modern U.S. corporate or government influence. Travel anywhere, you see it all around. Those of you who've been to Europe, Asia, Australia and Central/South American know what I mean. In Cuba you can see like a razor sharp knife cut where the ties between countries ended. In 1961 relations formally ended and it shows. Cuba is full of Americana from the 1950's. Like nowhere on earth does it exist like it does in Havana. The architectural styles, neon signs, cars, and more it screams of the era, but no further. From that point forward the relationship with the former Soviet Union grew, and so did the influence. It's a contrast between the height of American style and the cold political death star fist that was the Soviet Union.
Through our eyes it's frozen in time, and I know no other place like it. It's truly unique, and truly Cuban.
Architecture and Photography
Many of Cuba's significant public squares have now been restored, along with the buildings that surround them. It wasn't long ago it looked like the wreck of the Hesperus. The Capitol building, the Grand Teatro de la Habana and many others have been revitalized and are wonderful exhibitions of architecture in their own right. Each building from a different era throughout the history of Cuba. One can stand in a building from the 1950's and directly next door, a structure that hails from the 17th century. Some are in fine shape and some a wreck. It's a photographers dream if they have any interest in historical architecture.
Think of it this way. If the roles were reversed, and Havana was New York, many if not most of these buildings would have been destroyed long ago to make way for high rises and apartment buildings. By visiting Cuba, you can see how much of our artistic and engineering heritage we've lost, but it's all right here to see before your eyes. The countryside is beautiful here as well, and worthy of mentioning, but the in the cities you walk through the long past of a place fought over for centuries.
Think of it this way. If the roles were reversed, and Havana was New York, many if not most of these buildings would have been destroyed long ago to make way for high rises and apartment buildings. By visiting Cuba, you can see how much of our artistic and engineering heritage we've lost, but it's all right here to see before your eyes. The countryside is beautiful here as well, and worthy of mentioning, but the in the cities you walk through the long past of a place fought over for centuries.
The Cuban People
Lets not forget the people! No way. In all my experiences I've found the Cuban people to be extremely kind, generous, resourceful, smart and beautiful. Their way of life is much different than ours. From my observations happiness comes from gatherings, a game of chess in the street, a shared bottle of rum, or in the children's eyes while they play marbles in the streets. It reminds me of the important things in life, and this is one takeaway from Cuba that I'm grateful to have been a part.
