Havana, Cuba. October 2017 (18 photos)
This is part 14 of my Cuba 2017 photo series.
When possible, I like to take photos from a high vantage point. Previously, I’ve flown in a helicopter with the doors removed over Uluru in Australia, and also over The Remarkables in Queenstown New Zealand but with the doors on. I’ve photographed from the Top of the Rock in NYC. I had wanted to do a doorless helicopter photography flight over NYC but decided against it as there is now a no fly zone over Manhattan because of Trump tower. I did intend to take a helicopter flight over San Francisco but cancelled that when there was a forced change in my schedule.
If you were to fly over Cuba on google maps, you will see the satellite view is blurred. GPS devices are banned and drones are illegal in Cuba, and will be confiscated if you take one into Cuba. A helicopter ride was clearly impossible. So the only other option was to find some high vantage points.
These photos were taken from a private apartment in a building along El Malecon. Not the typical place for a tourist from Australia to get access to.
One can really appreciate the prolific extent of the decay in Havana from this height.
El Capitolio, or the National Capitol Building in Havana, Cuba, was the organization of government in Cuba until after the Cuban Revolution in 1959, and is now home to the Cuban Academy of Sciences. El Capitolio has a size of 681 by 300 ft. Its design is compared to that of the United States Capitol, but is not a replica of it. It was completed in 1929.
That’s Habana Libre on the left. To the right you can see parkland in front of the Hotel Nacional de Cuba. And behind the Nacional is Edificio FOCSA.
One warm evening in October, I visited the Habana Libre, to have dinner, on the 25th floor as I recall. Of course, I took my tripod…
That’s Hotel Nacional de Cuba on the left. And the bright lights on the far right are along El Malecon. Florida is north of us, approximately 300km in the distance.
Another evening I visited the rooftop of the Parque Central Hotel to get some sunset photos.
This is part 14 of my rather prolific Cuba photography series. Well, I do have more than 4000 photos from my trip. But all things must come to an end. One more post about Cuba and this series will end for now. Of course, I may return to it one day but for now a change of topic is coming.
These final photos were taken from the viewing area at the top of the José Martí Memorial, located on the northern side of the Plaza de la Revolución in the Vedado area of Havana. Fidel Castro gave many of his speeches from the podium at the base of this memorial, and the plaza would be jam-packed with people.
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This is part 14 of my Cuba 2017 photo series.
This is part 21 of my photo series of my 2017 trip to the USA, Mexico, Cuba, and Canada.
Etcetera Etcetera Etcetera 
Amazing from the top shots. Each one so different, and there must have been a lot of planning to get a variety of shots – on top of the same buildings from different angles, on different buildings. Lots of up and downs and stairs perhaps 🙂
Was there a particular reason why drones are banned? Very interesting to read that satellite imagery of the place is blurred.
Thanks. The owner of the apartment which I photographed from was incredibly generous to grant me unlimited access to the apartment for photography. Great 360 degree views. Fortunately there was a lift. 🙂
I presume the Cuban Government would explain it all as National interest and security. No satellite imagery, aerial views or GPS. Also internet access for the populace is still restricted and monitored. I was careful what I did when I had my own limited internet access.
That is one amazing apartment owner and it looks like there were many vantage points to shoot from.
If there is no GPS and limited access I suppose you had to look at maps to get around or let the locals show you the way around 🙂
I use the maps.me app and downloaded all relevant maps for offline viewing before I arrived there. I also dowloaded and printed specific maps off websites as appropriate. Mostly my phone was on aeroplane mode for most of the time I was in Cuba.
Yes, it was one of those apartments/buildings where the lift opens directly into the apartment. Choose the wrong floor, and you walk right into the wrong apartment.
Offline is probably one of the best ways to travel – you do your research beforehand and get to focus on observing and in your case, taking the shots 🙂
Hehe, walking in someone’s apartment would be intruding on privacy but always lovely to have a look at someone’s home and see what makes it a home.
Being a sticky beak is fun. 🙂
Nicely done.
Thank you.
Amazing pics. I love the night ones and the park. As for the rest, they are beautiful too. Havana is really something special. You mentioned decay and that’s the first word I thought of too. Are you acquainted with the photos of urban decay of the photographer Seph Lawless? I love his abandoned churches, hotels, houses and amusement parks. The only difference is that nobody lives there any more.
You got it in one. In Havana, people still live in these buildings until they collapse. I even had dinner in one of them, which was being used as a private restaurant. No roof over my table, because it had already fallen in.
Thank you. I hadn’t heard of Seth before. I took a look. His work has a lot of raw emotion.
Dinner under the stars. How very romantic.
That’s “looking on the bright side of life”. 🙂
Takes my breath away…amazing photos! And of course the song is in my head again now 😉
“Ooh na-na!” Yes, I could have made an entire series based on that title. 🙂
Thanks. It’s an amazing place no matter the angle.
I have to ask! I know you were on top of a hotel but what equipment were you using to capture these stunners? I’m hearing the song and wanting a mojito now.
The first lot from the private apartment were all handheld, some with the camera poking out the window. The Habana Libre Hotel shots were long exposures through glass on a tripod. The Parque Central Hotel photos were taken on a tripod in open air. I used my rangefinder Leica camera – manual focus. 28mm and 50mm prime lenses. I cropped a few of the photos. I didn’t have a zoom lens.
Havana rum is very addictive! 🙂
Thank you for the information and ahhhhhhh rum.
My pleasure. Yes, love that rum. Free flowing and cheap. 🙂
And a 90mm lens. Forgot that because I didn’t use it much. Mostly shot wide in Cuba.
Thanks. I’m trying to figure out what to pack for an upcoming trip and I know I will come across things requiring wide and zoom. Just need to be efficient and light as possible…
I generally find I never use all the gear I take. Sometimes, changing lens is a chore. You just make do with what’s immediately available.
This year I think I will actually take a tripod with me. Trying to figure out how best to really limit what glass to haul around.
That’s the eternal struggle – how much gear to take? It all depends on what you think you’ll mostly be shooting. If I were shooting wildlife in Africa, a 200mm + lens would probably be essential, whereas it would have been an expensive paperweight to me in Cuba.
And that is the struggle I am having with what to pack for the planned trip. There will be tight places and things at a distance. Think, think, think…
Good luck with the decision making. Towards the end of my trip, I couldn’t be bothered changing lenses repeatedly. I mostly shot with a 28mm prime lens then cropped. Modern sensors are great for that. 🙂
That dingy decay mixed with color reminds me a little of Pyongyang, North Korea. The buildings in Havana have a lot more character, though. 4000 photos. I can’t even imagine. What treasure for you.
Both Communist regimes, but the tropical Caribbean and Spanish/African influence is definitely palpable.
Actually, I thought I was rather restrained with my photography. Plenty of camera downtime to soak it in and drink it up. That’s how photogenic Cuba is! 🙂
Amazing photos, as always! I love those high shots. I’m amazed at the amount of devastation and decay but shouldn’t be surprised.
Thank you. It really is as bad as it looks. Building collapses are a weekly occurrence apparently.
Indeed…I was informed the same….s what happens to the folks made homeless? It’s a hard life there
I can’t answer that question. They put up with so much and then to have your home fall apart would be heartbreaking. Since it happens so often, there must be a contingency plan. I didn’t see many homeless living on the streets (just one, I recall).
I imagine they help each other out…they have a strong sense of community
Indeed. Something more advanced economies seem to have lost.
I rather agree…
The paradox of “progress”.
Well, quite….
Sad, not to mention dangerous!
Very.
Love this perspective! We walked into an “apartment” building and nearly fell through the floor. We had to essentially navigate on planks they built.
I went to a couple of paladares (private restaurants) and the state of decay was variable but it’s amazing how they adapt. No roof = open air dining.
True! Dinner on the veranda is always a bonus. Lol
At some restaurants in Sydney, you pay a premium for that. 🙂
I’m sure you do and that they are amazing!
🙂
Another extraordinary series, Draco. Enjoyed the photos from elevated spots, and hearing how you accessed them. You did a wonderful job of highlighting the beauty that is Havana. With this perspective, the bright colors really stand out, and yes, the decay. Your artistry is absolutely delightful. It is really difficult to pick out my favorites, because they are all masterful. But my two favorites are: the twilight photo taken from the restaurant with El Malecon and the waterfront; and the penultimate photo of the Plaza de la Revolucion. I have never seen this site, in person or in photographs, and you sparked my interest. I saw on Wiki that it is their seat of government with two heroes in steel memorials, Che Guevara and Camilo Cienfuegos. Thanks for finding so many ways to get up above and share the view.
Thank you very much for your lovely comment, Jet. There’s something to appreciate everywhere you look in Havana. The colour palette is incredible.
Plaza de la Revolution is a very important place in Havana and I’m happy to have brought it to you. Fidel’s speeches to the masses there were legendary. The portraits on the buildings means this can only be one place in the world. I wonder if Fidel Castro will be similarly immortalised on a building there.
Beautiful. I’d forgotten that from a high point you can see which roofs have collapsed. Some of your photos reminded me of views of Porto from its bridges. I haven’t heard of building collapses there, though.
In addition to the lack of funds and the sea salt spray, there’s the early hurricanes. There’s no let up. I’m surprised so many of the buildings still stand.
The hurricanes are something we don’t have to deal with in Mumbai.
Fortunately!
Great perspective on Havana. How you managed to flap your wings, hover and take such amazing photographs is just beyond understanding! Bravo.
Thanks. I’m very experienced at multitasking. 🙂
Splendid coverage. I have never seen Havana from this perspective and am absolutely enchanted by it. Bravo.
I’m glad you could enjoy the views. It was quite a sight, especially with a cocktail in hand. 🙂
😄 Cheers to that 🥂
🙂
The decay really is amazing, Lignum. I love the shots from up high and I’ve really enjoyed seeing a bit of Cuba with you. Looking forward to wherever you take us next.
janet
Thank you, Janet. I’ll do one more on Cuba, then remember I mentioned I took a short trip back in February? 🙂 Hint, hint.
Marvellous images, Draco!
Thank you very much, Sue.
😊
Wonderful. You really have the feeling you got an overview of the city.
Thank you very much. 🙂
These are awesome shots. Really enjoy your tours from the ground and now up to the above. What a treat for viewers!!
Did you fly with the helicopter on your back, Dragon? 🙂
Thanks very much, Amy. Havana is fascinating from ant angle. Dragons have wings – I use them every now and then. 🙂
🐲🐉
🙂
Your images are outstanding! But you’re right that the aerial viewpoint does show the extent of decay — I had no idea the run-down conditions went on for miles like that! We can only hope that the increase in tourism and capital helps to revitalize these beautiful old buildings and raise the standard of living for the average Cuban.
Thank you. The extent of the dilapidation is immense. I truly hope for an improvement in conditions for the people, although that will mean changing the uniqueness of Havana as it is today.
I’ve thought the same thing about the efforts to “restore” Venice: Part of the charm lies in the general state of disrepair. But when building collapses occur routinely, it literally becomes a life-and-death situation for the residents. Better to give up a bit of character in that case than to risk lives. Of course, this is just an academic musing because I can’t imagine the amount of money it would take to fix up the entire city …
You’re right. Cities are for the living. And that means evolution/change/adaptation with time, or perish.
You found some wonderful vantage points to capture some amazing scenes.
Havana is so photogenic. I loved every moment there.
Fantastic. I love the El malecon ones best,but brilliant range and contrast.
Thank you very much.
Even thought you didn’t (well couldn’t) get helicopter views; these are amazing.
Thanks. A helicopter ride would have been a real treat if that were possible.
Great perspectives, Draco. Made me feel like some UFO exploring concrete coral reefs on a new planet. Cool! Are those blue water tanks on the roofs? Meg
Thanks, Meg. Yes, water tanks. More than I’ve ever seen in the city of Sydney.
Your photos are stunning!
Thank you very much. 🙂
What a different perspective you have given us. Some parts look almost like a war zone. And those night shots and sunset are outstanding. I’ll be sad when you finish this series it has been so enjoyable. But I’m looking forward to whatever else you have in store for us.
It’s definitely “other-worldly” from above. The decay and erosion does give it a war zone look.
Thanks. But it’s time for a change. I may return to this series sporadically. 😉
Such a fantastic perspective of a beautiful city, Lignum!
I especially love the night photographs and the first photograph of the rooftops.
Truly very beautiful.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Thank you, Lisa. The extent of the decay is unfathomable. Yet beautiful and fascinating. This perspective is eye-opening.
Have a great weekend ahead.
I was struck by the colors in that very first image, and yes, the decay in the one that you mentioned. Very much enjoyed this series
Thank you. Cuba provided me greater photographic inspiration than I could have imagined before arriving there.
Beautiful series! I would keep scrolling if there were more images. I especially enjoyed the sunset images
Thank you very much. It’s an amazing place.
I’d love to return
Me too. 🙂
Hey Mr Draco … I nearly missed this post! Wonderful images as always .. I have to get to Cuba! The shots taken from high vantage points are amazing. Sad to see the decay though ..
Cuba is very enchanting, regardless of the viewpoint but the high shots really bring home the message about the conditions. Mojitos, mango juice, lobster, photography. Cuba awaits you. 🙂
Loved your bird’s eye view, really had me feeling like I was flying through the city.
Thanks. I’m glad you enjoyed this view. Sorry for the late reply but I’ve been overseas for 2 months and wasn’t monitoring my emails. I’m now recovering from the jet lag and trying to catch up with emails.