I don't know about you, but I have always had a rather romanticised and idyllic preconception on what Cuba would be like. I don't know if it is because of this that I was left slightly disappointed after my trip to Havana. Don't get me wrong, the old cars were beautiful, the architecture stunning and there was lots of great music around, but I just felt that it was slightly contrived.
Walk away from the tourist areas and all that greets you are derelict buildings with façades held up by a few pieces of wood which the locals deem to call scaffolding. Walking from the Old Town to La Plaza de la Révolucion there is the wonderful image of what life is really like in Havana, beggars and all. "Shops" were the front rooms of people houses, rubbish litters the streets with open sewage channels dug out of the road. You don't see this on the organised tours in a pink 1950s Cadillac.
The locals almost seem tired and weary of the tourists and there is a mistrust which comes across almost as arrogance and unwelcomeness, though I don't think that this is the case. They are all just very poor and tired people. There are very few traffic lights and it feels like all funding stopped at the time of the revolution.
Some may read this and think or say that I have no experience of visiting poor countries and seeing people and what was I expecting, which are all valid questions, but I have been to places much poorer than Havana and found them to be wonderful and inspiring places despite the poverty. Maybe I just wasn't prepared for it here.
Right, after that rather harsh start to Havana, let's look at the positives!
Havana is a beautiful snapshot into what life was like there during the 1920s, 30s and 40s. The architecture of the buildings is really stunning and the courtyards are wonderfully hidden from the main streets. There is no denying the atmosphere and history that you can feel - almost like stepping into one of the films that perhaps inspired my romantic view of this city. One particular courtyard that was open to the public and was an interesting amalgamation of the sculpture and works of art of a local artist. Casa de Carmen Montilla is a peaceful detour and worthy of a brief visit.
The skyline of Havana is picturesque, particularly when seen from the statue of Christ of Havana on the other side of the bay. The Capitolio clearly stands out across the bay, the white dome standing out in stark contrast to the blue skies. The same can be said of the Christ of Havana statue itself, also worthy of a visit. It was lovely to sail out of the bay of Havana, past the Christ of Havana and the fort.
Listening to other people speaking of their experience of Havana, as well as looking through my lovely photos, it left me thinking that perhaps I simply did the wrong tour of the city or essentially had the wrong expectation. I would definitely not hesitate to go back and experience more of what the city and the country can offer.
Yorumlar