These are from a trip to Havana, Cuba, in December, 2016 with a small group of photographers from the US. We were not your run-of-the-mill tourists. We stayed at a "casa particular", a kind of Bed and Breakfast. We spent the days and some evenings, strolling the streets of Havana, photographing the friendly people, colonial architecture, and the Cuban's daily living. The streets are narrow, the people are warm, and the experience was without compare. I hope you will enjoy my photos. Larry Hartlaub
The fisherman came down the harbor at sunset. He looks very tired, most likely out at sunrise - makes for a long day.
Taken from the sidewalk. One door looks colonial, the other modern. Such a sight is regularly seen - old/new juxtaposition.
I do not recall seeing any pickup trucks in Havana. But many bicycle work carts are evident. Most times, the working hang around a construction site waiting to be hired - carry debris, pick up sacks of concrete mix, anything to make some dinar.
While not so common a sight, it is not unusual to see some wall art, often in support of the common folk, and the Cuban government. Likely, anything criticizing the gov't would be immediately removed.
The center of Cuban government, taken from atop Hotel Saratoga. I used a 17mm tilt-shift lens, in order to keep the Capital in focus but the rest out of focus.
What would a trip to Cuba be without some photos of the old, well maintained cars. Many, as this photo show, are used as cabs.
This beautiful statue in front of an old church, caught my eye. Must be very old - perhaps a likeness of a Colonial lady who obviously made an impression on the sculptor.
This painting of a young Fidel Castro graces the outside patio of the Hotel Nacional, a beautiful 1930 hotel for the well-to-do who can afford it (not us tho - we just had lunch there).
A typical scene in old Havana. Street vendors, kids playing, a couple of old cars, people strolling or going to or from work. Notice the painted bldgs and narrow streets.
I imagine this is an original door to a colonial house. Although some upgrades are seen, there remain (at least for now) many of these old doors that show so much character and weathering. So, what is on the other side?
Amateur boxing is pretty big in Havana. We stopped at a small boxing gymnasium to watch several men, and some women, sparring and being coached. The boxer on the left is very talented and has competed internationally. He was able to easily dodge the jab from the less experienced boxer.
Came across this cigar smoking fellow with his dogs. They would back at us as we walked by - and, of course, stopped to take some photos.
This ancient fort sits at the mouth of the Havana port. Now, about the only "fighting" it sees are the tourists who may be arguing among themselves.
Sunsets are so colorful, and the clouds are spectacular. You can see the old canons and the lighthouse (which is still in working order).
The Christopher Columbus Cemetery, Havana, Cuba, is incredibly beautifulIt is almost a 1/2 mile in length and width - filled with many fantastic carved statues (of angels, saints, cherubs), osariums, pantheons, chapels and mausoleums dedicated to families and various organizations. Many of the interred are famous Cubans (from revolutions, wars, ravaging fires, artists, and government leaders).
Noteworthy is that Fidel Castro (died in late 2016) is not interred here. His ashes have been placed in the "birthplace of the Cuban Revolution - Santiago de Cuba" located in another part of the island.
This Havana, Cuba, cemetery has fabulous statuary commemorating so many persons and families. This is just one of many.
The wrought-iron fences are beautifully detailed ,often with dates, names of departed, flowers and intricate designs.
Beautiful iron gate that has not seen refurbishing in many decades. An old tattered cloth hangs as testament to forgotten thoughts.
Symbolism is front and center in this Havana cemetery. Perhaps the departed was a teacher or author, or simply loved books.
Not unusual are burial area devoted to groups, such as electricians as seen here, or other works, charitable organizations or to memorialize certain events - such as horrific fires that killed many.