Cuba is a Canvas with Many Colors.
In early May, I was lucky enough to be part of a historic journey – joining the media aboard the first cruise to travel to Cuba from the United States in nearly 50 years. As part of that experience with Fathom Adonia, I spent four whirlwind days on the island visiting Havana, Cienfuegos and Santiago de Cuba. There is so much to be said about this journey and the overwhelming welcome we received from the Cuban people. It was as if we were visiting a long lost friend or family member. There were hugs, photographs, and tears – and that was just day one. Morning one, really.
During the brief few days I was there, I saw a vibrant and fascinating country, one that touched me in ways no other destination has in a long time. Words don’t begin to do justice to Cuba. A mere four days was really just a tease, not nearly enough to investigate and understand the country’s many layers of complexity or to truly know its people. The images that remain most vivid in my mind – the cars, the colors, the crumbling but hauntingly beautiful architecture, the smiles from strangers and the mountainous countryside covered with mango trees and sugar cane, rolling down to the ocean’s edge, people rushing out of homes or jumping out of cars to wave hello, eager to talk and to be acknowledged; curious eyes giving way to warm smiles and fumbling, but heartfelt exchanges. From small towns to big cities, there was a warmth and excitement that was palpable. The visit was all too brief. But it was enough to be hooked. Cuba is a place one could return again and again, and still not have had your fill.
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Cuba
Four days in Cuba
Havana – Day 1 and 2
Our first views of Havana, Cuba as the ship pulled into port
Arriving in Port in Havana.
Cubans along Malecon waving to the ship as it pulls into port
On the morning of our ship’s arrival, hundreds of Cubans waited outside the port building to greet us.
We spent two very hurried days exploring Havana – not nearly enough time to truly become familiar with the country’s capital and all that it has to offer.
Havana’s historic quarter.
Havana, Cuba
Havana, Cuba
Havana, Cuba
Havana, Cuba
Havana, Cuba
Havana, Cuba
Havana, Cuba
Havana, Cuba
Havana, Cuba
Havana, Cuba
Havana, Cuba
Havana, Cuba
Havana, Cuba
Havana, Cuba – flags
Havana, Cuba
The Cars – Oh My!
The colors! Another classic car in Havana, Cuba
Havana, Cuba – Classic cars everywhere
Havana, Cuba
Havana, Cuba
Havana, Cuba
Driving along the Malecon in Havana, at dusk
Cojimar, Cuba
Cojimar, Cuba
The People
Cienfuegos, Cuba
Cienfuegos, Cuba
Cojimar, Cuba – Watch repairman
Cienfuegos, Cuba
Cienfuegos, Cuba
Cienfuegos, Cuba – dominoes
Cienfuegos, Cuba
Cienfuegos, Cuba
Cienfuegos – Day 3
Cienfuegos, Cuba
Cienfuegos, Cuba
Cienfuegos, Cuba
Cienfuegos, Cuba
Cienfuegos, Cuba
Cienfuegos, Cuba
Cienfuegos, Cuba
Cienfuegos, Cuba
Cienfuegos, Cuba
Santiago de Cuba – Day 4 – Our Departure
It rained, downpoured really, during our final day in Cuba. This unfortunately limited what we were able to see and do. We spent most of the day viewing this intriguing city from inside a bus. Still there were a few dry moments when we were able to explore.
The clouds roll in over Santiago de Cuba
Santiago de Cuba
Santiago de Cuba – Port
Cuba looks fascinating, Mia and no doubt a wealth of information for future articles. “Smiles from strangers” are the best gift you can receive while traveling. Did you see much street art? http://www.fionatrowbridge.com