Cuba

Story & Photography by Lacee Lay

Stepping off the plane was like stepping back in time. My friend and I traveled to Cuba by way of Mexico several years ago. The country is beautiful and for the most part, untouched. Signs and propaganda of government and its former leaders still fill the streets, businesses, and town squares. But those aren’t the only signs of socialism; old cars are the main mode of transportation and phone booths occupy most street corners. When we arrived we were greeted at the airport by Tony, our Airbnb host. Tony and Maru’s place was located in Central Havana. Having limited information about Cuba, our expectations were low. But we quickly caught on, falling into the rhythm of the unique country and beautiful people. Cuba is a little smaller than the state of Florida and travel was easier than we had anticipated. In the city, we were able to explore old and new Havana on foot. Dancing, singing, and music were always filling the streets. The buildings and cars are full of color and the sea-side avenue, Malecon was busy with fisherman and locals. Revolution Square was bathed with Cuban flags, draped over buildings featuring Che Guevara and Fidel Castro. We visited the Cristo de La Habana, that sits across the bay overlooking the city. Our afternoons always included cafe con leches and our evenings were spent eating home-cooked meals made by Tony and Maru and learning more about everyday life in Havana. One afternoon we took a taxi to the city of Viñales, three hours outside of Havana. Our driver drove an orange 1950’s Chevrolet. He proudly shared that the car had been in his family for three generations and had served that time as their main source of income. Viñales is a beautiful mountainous town and also one of Cuba’s tobacco regions. We stopped by one of the farms where we were able to walk the grounds and see how Cuban cigars were made. The government provides all the equipment, seeds, and irrigation needed to tend the farms. Then they take 90% of the profits. Cuba is a country that feels like it’s been left behind in a lot of ways but in other ways, it is the perfect mix of old and new. Life is slower there and no one can deny that it is a complicated place. But one thing shines brightest: the people. They are proud of their country and proud to be Cuban.