Havana, or La Habana is definitely shabby sheik, ragged, worn down, but is on its way up. The glory days of the old gambling mecca and sugar plantations are evident on so much of the architecture. Yet how does one define glory when it brought on a revolution? Good question.
The older sections of Havana, Viejo and Centro, are crowded and noisy. Music blares from so many windows, people sit in doorways and balconies, boys play soccer or baseball in the street, vendors sing out their wares; it is alive and I love it. Vedado and other neighborhoods are less densely populated, more sedate. Despite all the noise, bustle and, yes, lots of hustle, Havana has the reputation of being a safe city.
Scenes from Habana Viejo:
 |
| What contrast! |
Street scenes from the Centro neighborhood:
Scenes from Vedado:
Of course there are the tourist attractions, restored, made pretty, so many museums, churches, fabulous architecture. Being short of time and money, I missed so much of the grandeur of their interiors.
There are so many 'casas particulares' in Havana, rooms to rent in private homes. Some are very nice, as pictured below, others are a little drab but still clean and comfortable. Furnishings tend to be an interesting mix of 'retro' styles. Breakfast can be purchased and usually comes with plenty of fresh fruit and juices. Ask for milk in your coffee and you will likely get a glass of warmed milk on the side.
 |
| The interior of a rather regal casa |
 |
| ...and the view frmo the balcony. |
Calle de Hamel is a street in Havana Centro that is short in length but long on art. I understand it was a project of sorts but don't know how many artists were involved. Crammed into one block are murals, sculptures, the Little Prince in a tub and an area for children.
Graffiti is not everywhere in Havana but art does exist in many forms. Some is politically motivated, some obviously spontaneous and other work is not so clear.
No comments:
Post a Comment