Impressions of Cuba

Descending onto the narrow streets of old Havana and the thick and humid air, which clings to your clothes, your hands and your faces it draws you into the city. Along one of the many cobbled streets lit only by muted rays of light, the entire life of the city is on display. A red and white rotating logo of a barbershop, men, walking around, sitting and playing dominoes and sharing stories of the day, a bottle of rum, and a few laughs. Stores are peering out of makeshift openings of old buildings—just one street in a line of crumbling ruins—washed clothes hanging from iron rails and balconies.

Buildings whose entire top floor has collapsed are looming in the distance. Walls are stained and cracked, their paintwork peeling and decayed. Havanna on its own rhythm. A music band around the corner. All smiling as they play. A crowd gathered on low stools and tiny tables full of generously proportioned mojitos. Some are dancing, others singing. Watching the scene is relaxing.

Vintage Chevrolets are approaching, their headlights defy the slowly gathering gloom. They are shiny colorful, and bright. Every inch of metalwork glistens in the evening light—the drivers' puffs on their cigars. Colonial buildings, some with bars, and lushly decorated with plant pots are in the next quarter. Turning around the corner, another band begins to play. The sultry air hangs between notes and reminds of another time. Everything seems to be swaying—locals perched in windows. Even the lazy ceiling fan seems to be on time.

Havana's romantic vintage cars roll through the streets. The cacophony seems endless. The loudness of modern life can be distracting. In Cuba, it's the sound of the 1950s that makes the most noise.

The faded paintwork of buildings and the cobbles of the streets of Havana gently shimmer in the light. Baroque churches, art deco hotels, and the decaying houses all for the avid photographer. Wandering the city streets is a pleasure.

At the edge of Havana's old town, the Museum of the Revolution is a great point to see and watch. This imposing building tells the story of Castro's rise to power. Exhibits are crammed into a few rooms. You will find stories from the glorious life of the revolutionary hero Che Guevara to battle plans of the Revolution.

Another part of Havanna is protected by a wall from the crashing Atlantic surf. With far-reaching sea views, some of the dilapidated houses are most probably the most beautiful in Havana.

Cuba, undoubtedly worth a more prolonged vacancy.