The Forbidden Land of Havana, Cuba

Forbidden to independent travelers from the Untied States, people from other countries can travel to Cuba without any restrictions. The only sanctioned travel from the US is with a people to people visa with an approved travel group. I went with Road Scholar and they arranged a perfect photography tour for us!!

Our Road Scholar program, "Inside Cuba's Art Revolution - Meeting the Artists and People of Cuba" did just that. I have a new found appreciation for the people and art of Cuba, art that they create and use everywhere, not just in a gallery. Cubans love and appreciate their art, music, painting, dancing and it's evident everywhere you look. I loved this trip and I love Cuba!!!

My friend, Essdras M. Suarez, a very fine photojournalist and teacher, and I put the trip together and we had the best group of photographers and Cuban tour guide anyone could ask for!! Viviane could answer any questions about Cuba or our daily activities in flawless English, she had an unlimited amount of patience, knowhow and humor with our group of 14 excited photographers. She kept us entertained and informed. We were all so happy to be there getting our fill of the amazing visual delights at every turn. What fun we had, many memories to savor and a beautiful country to visit!!

So now the challenge is to decide which of my 3000 images are going to see the light of day. I've processed a few, and here they are. The plan is to post more as I 'develop' them.

Our first evening in Havana, Cuba. Panning for motion with my camera, slow shutter speed.

Near our hotel.

Plaza de la Revolucion. And yes, there are these wonderful older cars everywhere! Jim, one of our photographers, knew the make and year of each one.

Our hotel, the famous Hotel National de Cuba, a popular place since the early 1900's for many celebrities and heads of state. We had 12 presidents from Latin America countries staying there with us.

 Hotel National de Cuba boasted a glamorous interior, too.

Photo of the brochure in our room... 

In case you think we were deprived :-)