Over our time in Cuba, the biggest takeaway for us wasn’t the beauty of the countryside or the amazing car museum that is Havana, but the divide between tourists and locals.
On one side, there is the tourists with mojitos and cigars and on the other, Cubans are slowly crawling out from under the trade embargo rock.
Through these photos we have tried to capture this double-sided reality and show you what the real Cuba is like. Little technology, bad food, iconic cars and everyday street life.
Welcome To Life In Cuba
A man in Mantanzas cleaning his pride and joy.
The strange world of the newly placed wifi in Plaza's around Cuba. It seemed the whole city was on its phone in one spot.
Smoko Cuban style
Cowboys still roaming the city streets in Trinidad. While old mate had fun out of meat and left a nice message to go the other store.
Walking the streets of Havana and you get great views of El Capitolio where ever you are
This street art in Trinidad was one of only pieces we saw during our time in Cuba.
Just another 50's car rolling down the streets of Havana
The train system in Cuba is shit. This the public transport option for people in Santa Clara....
What else does one do when they are next to a big Cuba sign. Smoke a Cigar.
Anyone for some fruit? Best way to buy food on the streets of Havana
Sowing the endless fields of tobacco in Vinales
I think I'm an angry cowboy. Truth be told I'm neither.
The beautiful Malecon in Havana giving us another amazing sunset
Watching government workers get on a packed local bus in Havana. No tourists are allowed on these buses.
Some flowers to brighten the day in Havana
Kids looking at their TV in the streets of Trinidad
Even if you have no money, act like you're a king.
Not a bad way to pass the time on your lunch break.
The Cuban flag flying high in the Museum of the Revolution in Havana
The streets of Trinidad away from the nice tourist square
Beautiful Cuban tunes being played on the streets of Havana
The food situation is very bad for the local people of Cuba. People actually lining up to eat some of the worst pasta I've ever eaten.
The 2 staples for any tourist in Cuba. Cigars and Mojitos.
This is all Dominos will have to compete with soon in Cuba. Life will not be the same.
Watching the world go by while smoking a cigar in the back streets of Trinidad
Mariana was very keen to buy one of these books and learn a little more about Fidel through propaganda.
It felt like half of Havana was on the Malecon fishing for their dinner
Getting ready to earn a few CUC on the Malecon in Havana
Another well kept 50's car rolling the streets in Havana.
The 3 Amigos playing for a few dollars every night on Havanas' beautiful Malecon
The final touches of learning how to make a Cuban cigar from scratch.
The tourist trap that is La Bodeguita del Medi. Over priced mojitos and a lot of tourists.
Sitting back at a bar in Havana thinking who knows what.
Blue skies and blue cars. The streets of Trinidad were very entertaining
Kids passing the day by with a few laughs in Havana
The streets of Havana looking down to the Museum of the Revolution
We love to hear your feedback about our photos, so don’ t be scared to leave a comment! If you enjoyed these photos and think your mates might as well, don’t forget to share it on Facebook or Twitter 🙂
A twenty-something x engineer who loves eating strange things, jumping off things, can be a little OCD about most things and loves trying to make his travels as cheap as possible!
4 Comments
Z Court June 9, 2016 at 10:28 pm
Great post! Keep up for good work. I Have back packed around Cuba on 2 occasions. Last winter I had the opportunity to visit the country for 5 weeks by sailboat which was an eye opener to say the least. There are surprises around every corner! Can’t wait to go back
leeeummm June 10, 2016 at 2:53 pm
Sounds like an awesome trip and Im glad you’ve enjoyed Cuba that much 🙂
Great post! Keep up for good work. I
Have back packed around Cuba on 2 occasions. Last winter I had the opportunity to visit the country for 5 weeks by sailboat which was an eye opener to say the least. There are surprises around every corner! Can’t wait to go back
Sounds like an awesome trip and Im glad you’ve enjoyed Cuba that much 🙂
It looks lovely! I spent a lot of time in Latin America and now regret not having made it across to Cuba!
There is still time to get there before it changes!