Havana Decrepit Elegance. Havana is a dynamic and living Caribbean city of two million souls. Havana was a thriving city during the first half of the 20th century. There were very close ties between the United States and Cuba which resulted in a strong economy and frequent visits of US citizens to what became a Caribbean “Las Vegas” with sunny beaches. This all changed when President Batista was overthrown by Fidel Castro in 1959.
In 1960, relations soured significantly between the US and Cuba and a trade embargo was enacted. Cuba became economically crippled for decades under ineffective Cuban regime economic strategy in conjunction with the embargo.
For over 55 years, Havana has been frozen in time. American cars from the 1950s zoom down the 8 km long Malecón. Buildings are decrepit. Dilapidated. Crumbling facades seemingly unpainted since 1959 dot every street.
To walk through Havana feels like being in an open-air museum. I can imagine there is an incredible desire for the locals to update and renovate their homes, their city. Yet, my fear, is the magic of this capital might dissipate. With the US embargo soon to be lifted, there is a potential tidal wave of money and people that may drown the city. With poor planning and governance, Havana may be carelessly gentrified. Let’s hope the Cuban people are able to protect this unique landmark.
Havana, Decrepit Elegance. Check out the revolution in Havana.
Check out Witnessing Revolution In Cuba and Havana Highlights.
Photos From Chernobyl
Sign up to receive your free copy of Photos From Chernobyl. Over 100 photos from the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone.
Great photos Ric. Actually, the government in Cuba worked hand in hand with American gangsters and regular Cubans never benefited and the money flying around was from drugs, prostitution and gambling. The Bastista government was corrupt and used torture and killing to maintain control while at the same time receiving financial and military aid from the US. That led to the overthrow and Castro coming in power.
I agree with you and hope that Havana rebuilds while retaining its soul, I always say that Havana is a living museum the same as Venice is…
Frank (bbqboy)
I am aware of the very corrupt Batista government and the mafia’ role in the government. I believe the Castro regime devastated the economy over the past 55 years. In the early 90s, for instance, the GDP contracted over 35% in a several year period. I stayed with a family, with a university graduate, who earned $15 a month as an architect. Not at all a living wage.
Check out these two great books on Cuba … one on the Barcadi family, and what happened to private enterprise … Bacardi and the Long Fight for Cuba … and for the mafia … Havana Nocturne.
Definitely agree with you on the economy – but how much of that had to do with sanctions imposed by the US? And then the Soviet Union going bust?
Cubans are some of the most educated people anywhere, given open markets I think Cuba will achieve great things. Will be interesting to watch.
Frank
Agreed, both the embargo and the Soviet Union’s collapse had a lot to do with it. If you read the book about the Barcardi family, you will also see how there is a total disconnect on the realities of how business and the economy works by the Cuban government which had a significant contribution to the nation’s economic health.
I hope for the best for the country, but concerned about the forces of globalization.
Beautiful shots that really just take me back to our very brief visit to Havana a few years ago. I often ask Frank if he ever wants to revisit but he always shakes his head no for various reasons. I loved our time there but I must admit, I’m also not sure if it’s a place I need to visit twice. Like you, I also wish only the best for country and for the people and not giving up hope that one day things will change for the better (and not at a too high of a price).
I would definitely like to visit again. Obviously, a couple of additional challenges when visiting, but I think there is too much to explore!
Come on Frank, one more time!!
[…] Check out the facts you need to know in Cuba and Havana Decrepit Elegance! […]
[…] Also check out my blog posts on Havana Highlights and Havana Decrepit Elegance. […]