Cuba
Malecón Nights
"For centuries, Cuba's greatest resource has been its people."- Pico Iyer
Just arrived home from Cuba. It's a fascinatingly complex country full of vibrancy, diversity and paradox. Yes there is extreme poverty. Yes there has been suppression of enterprise and freedoms we often take for granted. Yes there has been a violent history and sense of isolationism in a globalizing world...but it is by no means static. It is a dynamic place full of life, incredible stories of hardship and triumph..of pride yet contempt...and of extreme cultural wealth but material destitution. It would take lifetimes to tackle the myriad stories played out. I was given a snapshot and did my best to sit and talk with people, engage in everyday opportunities and observe. I will be sharing my photos and stories that I hope spark curiosity and provide a humble glimpse into a place that has been so obscured, romanticized and feared in our imaginative narratives here in the U.S. I provide no definitive truths...I had my camera, my notepad, open mind and infinite curiosity.
Pictured: The Malecón in Havana, a broad seawall stretching for 5 miles constructed by the U.S. beginning in 1901 to protect from the high tides but in reality, it became a vibrant and soulful place for all Habaneros to socialize, fish, play music, drink, debate dance, play chess, people watch, be openly romantic and get some relative peace from the bustle of urban life. A quintessential heartbeat of Havana. It's pulse is palpable.. an authentic theater of the human experience. At sunset, it's particularly active with people sitting on the wall enjoying the ethereal light as the ocean takes on a beautiful violet hue, and old buildings lit by antiquated yellow lights collide with the newer glitzy blue tones and high rises in the wealthier Vedado barrio. Take a seat and stay awhile. No wifi here...just humans being human. A true gem.
