Havana Cuba. October 2017 (17 photos)
This is part 13 of my Cuba 2017 photo series.
It’s not a cliché. When I told people I was going to Havana, “Havana? Cool!” was a common response.
“Look!”
Cuba has an ambience not readily experienced elsewhere.
“Thunderbird”
There are several reasons for this but one must certainly be the classic vintage cars that are all over Havana and Cuba.
Riding in the bus from Jose Marti International Airport, there’s a lot of tropical scenery. But when you see your first classic car, then you truly realise you’re in Cuba.
“Plymouth”
“Chevrolet”
I’m not particularly a car enthusiast but all those cars from the 1950’s gave me a sense of nostalgia and put a smile on my face. Similar cars feature in some of my very early family photos when I was an infant.
“Mercury”
“Pontiac”
The view from my hotel room.
Havanans love their cars. It’s a very important factor in the tourism industry. Owners who use their cars for tourism generally earn more than most others in Cuba. Of course, the better the condition and the bigger the wow factor, the more customers.
“Too cool for school”
Since I’m keenly interested in photography, there was something rather special organised for me in Havana.
Love Jennifer’s smile!
I had an afternoon of photography with some professional Cuban models and a classic vintage car. How’s that for Havana cool?
“Havana cool with an Oldsmobile”
Quite a crowd gathered around us episodically. We – Jennifer – stopped traffic. 🙂
My guide told me that in Cuba, many are of mixed ancestry. As a result, racism is not prevalent.
How’s that for cool?
…
This is part 13 of my Cuba 2017 photo series.
This is part 19 of my photo series of my 2017 trip to the USA, Mexico, Cuba, and Canada.
Etcetera Etcetera Etcetera 
I love that the old cars are still being used.
It’s a form of living history.
Very cool!
Cheers 🙂
Freaking awesome! That polka dot car though… I’d be all over it!
I had 2 tours – one a lime green convertible and the other a hot pink sedan. Unfortunately I didn’t see the polka dot car until too late!!! 🙂
I’d love to go to Cuba one day. Another box to tick off 🙂 BTW – how do you handle jet lag?
I read an article that US airlines have applied to make more trips each week to Cuba, so I guess the demand is there. Go before it changes too much.
Regarding jet lag, there’s no simple answer. I simply tried my best to sleep on the plane from Sydney to SF. Then I acclimatised in SF before heading to Cuba. But I’m used to not getting enough sleep on a regular basis, so I can sort of push my way through the jet lag. 🙂
What a lovely trip to start my morning, Lignum. Thanks. I love those old, beautiful cars and the decaying elegance of many of the buildings.
janet
My pleasure, Janet. Many of those cars have been lovingly restored and cared for, in stark contrast to the buildings. That’s one of the paradoxes of Cuba.
A cool dragon in cool Havana with cool cars and cool models posting cool photos…the bar has been officially raised in coolville.
Well, I enjoy going with the flow. Cuba has that effect on people.
Cool comment. Thanks. 🙂
How many parts do we get to see??
How many do you want? I’m near the end.
infinity! lol Hope ya had a good weekend!
LOL. Infinity? The good thing for me about posting these photos now, months after the trip, is that it reminds me of the great time I had there. I need to have a mojito now. Or Havana Rum on its own works well, too. 🙂
I have been hoarding my rum for a couple of years – lol.
LOL. I can’t get over how cheap it was there. A bottle is 4x the price in Australia. 😦
I know right?! My other prized souvenirs are two cigar boxes I picked up – use em for Jewelry boxes. love them.
Great souvenirs. Love those handmade crafts.
Loved the Cool theme for Cuba, Draco. Wonderful photos giving us a clear picture of the predominance and marvel of the vintage American cars in Havana. Just as Americans were finally being allowed easier access to Cuba, we got a new president who closed it all down again. Americans can still go there, but not as individual travelers, so I am really glad we got to visit with you as our tour guide, Draco.
Thanks for taking the virtual tour, Jet. Yes, individual access is difficult for american citizens, but when the cuban embargo eases (someday), change will probably come rapidly to Cuba. Many companies specialise in small group tours to Cuba that conform with the rules.
Just delightful. How cool of you to set up a shoot with local models. I’m not particularly a car enthusiast, either, but I think I’d be mesmerized by all those beauties.
Thank you. That models photo shoot got a lot of attention from the locals. Not my usual discrete method of photography. 🙂
There’s something special about those vintage cars. Part nostalgia. Part form. Those guys do a great job keeping those cars running.
A truly unique experience. Your pictures paint stories. They are wonderfully full of life.
It’s my pleasure to bring across this sample of life in Havana. I want to go back.
I simply want to go and then go back…
I hope the second time is successful. You’ll love it.
I know I would. No, no, I know I will. It sounds more likely.
Yes, always look on the bright side of life – it’s what Monty Python would do. :))
Oh yes, though crucified (at times).
🙂
Nice set LD!
Thank you very much, Pat.
Cool’s the word. I love this combination of decay and wonderful cars. The models make it cooler, of course.
Thank you. The models made for a practically unique experience in Havana. It was so fun.
I love those old cars and they look like they’ve lovingly maintained them. I can see why the model shoot stopped traffic. 🙂
It was so much fun to ride in those old cars. A big nostalgia trip. Those 2 models were great. They made my task photographing them so easy.
I love those vintage cars. The one with polka dots really stood out. 🙂 What is your next destination?
Indeed, the polka dot car was very eye catching.In retrospect, I should have found the time to do a quick rid. 🙂 Next trip? – to be revealed at a later date. 🙂
You photos are showing the beauty of these classic cars. Really cool! Love the Chevrolet shots especially.
Wow, Jennifer… Racism is not prevalent, what a cool place.
Thank you, Dragon for another enjoyable tour of Havana. Hope to see more. 🙂
Thanks so much, Amy. Cuba was an eye-opening place. So much beauty in decay and the people know the importance of respecting one another.
I indeed have learned a lot about Cuba, it’s culture, part of the history, people…from your posts and great photos. Now, I know why people think it’s a cool place to visit. 🙂
Thank you for sharing with us, Dragon!
Thank you very much. Amy. I’m glad I can share my love for Cuba through my posts and photos.
You certainly had a great time! Marvellous photos
Absolutely I did. Thank you very much, Sue.
All incredibly cool! 🙂 🙂 I’m not normally remotely into cars but the juxtaposition of these shiny beauties and the decrepit architecture is definitely… cool 🙂 Fantastic shots, Draco!
Thank you, Jo. This living timewarp known as Cuba was absolutely fascinating.
Wonderful place. Nice pictures
Thank you very much.
Absolutely gorgeous! Havana is so photogenic! Those cars! Never took such a beautiful picture as you did but had my share!
And oh my! An actual shoot with local models and old cars?!?! Now, I’m down right jealous! 😉
I don’t think it’s possible to go to Havana and not be tempted to photograph those classic cars. So many colours and models. I had to have a pink one for one of my tours. So fun. 🙂
The models were something completely away from the tourist mode. It was a fantastic experience.
Oh, I do love those old vintage cars! I love that baby T-Bird! 😀
I’d never seen a T-bird before a;though I’ve heard of them. I was happy I got that photo. It’s very cool!
They were one of my favorite cars in the 60s! They remade them again a few years ago and they were nice but not the same! I couldn’t tell from your picture if that was a full-size Thunderbird. They used to make what we lovingly referred to as a baby T-bird in the 60s!
I had to google it. The baby T-bird has 2 seats. Magnifying my photo I am suspicious it’s a 2 seater, but can’t be certain.
It’s all cool…the cars,the colors, the models. Really enjoyed seeing these.
Thank you. Simply having been to Cuba makes me feel “cool”. 🙂
I wonder how often do those vintage car owners find the tip of their car gone. Each of them looks like a prized possession. Very lovely of the couple to pose for you. Well done.
I can’t answer that, but most owners are touting for business and never far from their cars. They’re all in the same business, so I’m guessing they wouldn’t do anything malicious such as stealing a hood ornament. I’m not sure what the law and punishment might be in this Communist country – that might be deterrent enough. Yes, those 2 models were fabulous.
These photographs are just wonderful, Lignum.
I love those old cars so lovingly taken care of.
Have a fantastic week ahead!
Thank you so much, Lisa. All those classic cars were a visual feast. Have a great week ahead.
What good nick these cars are in; loving them so much. Gorgeous photos as usual.
You expect to see them in Havana, but they are absolutely everywhere. Such a nostalgia trip! Thanks.
Lignum, you’ve brought the world of coolness & Cuba to us all with this post. Fantastic images, pretty much what I dream Cuba to be and more.
My pleasure. The cars and dilapidation attract a lot of people to Cuba. The people are the real treasure though.
I noticed when living in Panama racism was less too, likely for the same reason. As for the US, I find that urban New Mexico is generally less concerned with race as there is a fair amount of mixing going on; Indian, Hispanic and Anglo. There still might be hope for the human race. Also, I’d love to go to Cuba if it ever becomes a backpackers go-to location.
Hope springs eternal. Maybe one day it’ll become the reality. I hope you get the chance to go to Cuba.
Very cool dude. But I wonder were there any old dilapidated cars around town? Love your photo session with those stunning models.
Yes, many dilapidated cars naturally. This is Havana. 🙂 The models photo shoot was icing on the cake.
Wow what a collection Mr Draco .. I just love the first car bonnet shot .. And that shot of Jennifer .. fashion stuff. Well done 😄
Thanks, Julie. I just loved the way the light fell on the car in the first photo. Yes, Jennifer was fabulous. I have a whole series of photos to prove it. 🙂
Excellent series.
Thank you.
This is probably the coolest of the Cuba series, but then there could still be cooler surprises to come in the series! 🙂 Thanks for sharing these photos!
Thanks, coolest of the cool. 🙂 It’s how Havana makes you feel.
Too cool, how in the Wild West did you arrange for models??
I had a Guide who had previously been a pro photographer. He organised it for me.
Sweet.
🙂