We almost didn't make it to Cuba. After arriving at Cancun airport we were told our names for not on the list of passengers for the flight. The fact that we had the confirmation email and reservation number didn't appear to make any difference. Their computer said we weren't on the flight so we weren't going to fly. It was all a bit strange, they seemed to think we'd just accept it and leave. After 5 or 10 minutes of Spanglish they got the message that we felt it was their problem and that they needed to sort it out. 20 minutes before the flight was due to leave they said we could fly. We just had to make it through security and get to the boarding gate. This itself was an adventure especially when their machine mistakenly found traces of explosives on Seamus's bag but we made it.
Once we arrived in Havana airport we had some questions as to why we were there and what we were doing, then passport control, then more questions. Then when we were waiting for our luggage another official came over and asked the same questions then he took our passports. He returned 5 minutes later and said once we got our luggage we had to go with him for interviews. He watched us while we watched for our luggage then he returned our passports and told us to enjoy our time in Cuba. No interview required, pity because at this stage we were looking forward to the interview.
The taxi journey from the airport to the center of Havana was surreal. Its difficult to describe but looking out the window it felt like we'd had gone back in time or were on the set of an 1950's movie. I had read lots about Cuba before coming here so I knew what to expect but it still didn't prepare me for this. Its difficult to explain and also difficult to capture on camera.
I think its the mixture of the old american cars from the 1950's, old Russian built Ladas from the 1970's and 1980's, horse drawn carriages, old bicycles, lots of people just hanging around, some playing dominos, some just watching the world go by, old decayed buildings, roads and footpaths all in serious need of repair, propeganda murals combined with the complete lack of advertising, the lack of shops, restaurants and businesses. All of this together gives an erie weird yet calm feeling.
Once we arrived in Havana airport we had some questions as to why we were there and what we were doing, then passport control, then more questions. Then when we were waiting for our luggage another official came over and asked the same questions then he took our passports. He returned 5 minutes later and said once we got our luggage we had to go with him for interviews. He watched us while we watched for our luggage then he returned our passports and told us to enjoy our time in Cuba. No interview required, pity because at this stage we were looking forward to the interview.
The taxi journey from the airport to the center of Havana was surreal. Its difficult to describe but looking out the window it felt like we'd had gone back in time or were on the set of an 1950's movie. I had read lots about Cuba before coming here so I knew what to expect but it still didn't prepare me for this. Its difficult to explain and also difficult to capture on camera.
I think its the mixture of the old american cars from the 1950's, old Russian built Ladas from the 1970's and 1980's, horse drawn carriages, old bicycles, lots of people just hanging around, some playing dominos, some just watching the world go by, old decayed buildings, roads and footpaths all in serious need of repair, propeganda murals combined with the complete lack of advertising, the lack of shops, restaurants and businesses. All of this together gives an erie weird yet calm feeling.
good photos, like the B+W touch!
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