What’s next for Cuba?
Classic cars roll past in La Habana
With the recent news that the United States has started to renew relations with Cuba came as a thunderous sigh of relief for many, and a bag of mixed emotions for others. The immediate concerns and benefits are clear – on both sides. The introduction of inexpensive (and accessible) consumer goods could help many Cubans enter the modern world while providing yet another economic partner for the US. Eventually, there will be thousands of US tourists roaming the centuries old streets, bringing with them money. In a perfect world, this economic boost will go towards making a far more prosperous local population. Of course there are many areas that need to be addressed, including human rights, infrastructure and the policies of both countries.
Although there is great excitement for an amicable Cuba – United States relationship; time will tell if this is just a dream or will become a reality.
Where do I stand? Of course I’m happy for the Cuban people. They deserve a shot at economic prosperity and improved freedoms. However, I would be lying if I wasn’t a little sad, knowing that the unique streets and lack of modern “conveniences” are going to one day be replaced – one might assume – with advertising, familiar brands and the desire to have the next best thing. Things eventually change – and this must be true for Cuba as well.
La Habana skyline at dusk
Mike Pratt Photography Blog 
I once thought it might be the way to riches to go there to buy and put into storage as many of those beautiful cars as possible, wait for the embargo to end, and then sell them for big $$$ in Hollywood. The snag was that if you wanted to sell a car in Cuba the customer was your choice, so long as your choice was the government. Obviously Castro or one of his ministers had the same idea.
Cheers for commenting, Bill! Each tim I visit, I’m always on a quest to find different cars to photograph. Of course, there is no shortage of subjects to choose from! I’ve found a few rare ones that would fetch a high price in Canada.
Love those old cars Mike. Canadians have been vacationing in Cuba for a very long time. We haven’t changed Cuba and we’re like Americans, sorta, well maybe America Lite… :)
Diana xo
Thanks Diana! I suppose the biggest dilemma I can see would be the influx of tourists that might cause issue with an already “well worn” infrastructure. 90 miles is a short distance to come if you’re living in the souther States. Hopefully some thought will be placed into revitalizing the airports and public transport systems. Cheers :)
I share your perspectives, Mike. There are so often pros and cons. I guess we’ll have to see how traditional and grounded in their roots the Cubans are. Maybe they’ll want to hold on to some of their heritage and simpler way of life. Good to see you back online.
Thank you Eric!
I suppose it’s a matter of what they want to retain. The lure and appeal of modernity and material possessions is strong, especially when those things have been withheld for so many years. Time will tell.
Some things do not change. An apple tastes like an apple right? Have a super weekend Mike. :)
True enough, Nomzi! I’ll keep visiting and documenting the changes – whatever those might be :)
Do you get the chance to travel there often? I have never been. What an exciting project Mike. Do keep us posted. :)
Usually once a year. It’ll be interesting to see what has changed (or not) at the end of this year. I’ll be sure to take plenty of photos!
Super. :)
I’m totally sharing your point of view. As always there a pros and cons. Let’s hope it will be a good balance of both sides.
I absolutely agree! Everyone in the world deserves a chance to thrive and be more than what they’re told to be. I’m hopeful daily life will improve while the history and beauty of the culture remains relatively intact :)
Single shot of the street, but so exotic style with this car !! Thank you
Thank you Pat! There are so many great opportunities for photography in Cuba :)
Gorgeous, my beautiful friend! :)
Thank you always, dear Allison! :)
I certainly do wonder what’s coming next for Cuba.
My wife and I are seriously considering making our first ever trip there by April. I’m hoping to make a photography project out of it. Nothing oriented toward tourism or reportage. More so toward street and a little landscape. My aim is to take an early NG approach; show the social aspects while avoiding the political impact, but like NG I’m having a tough time seeing just how I’ll be able to pull that off.
It will be too early, I’m sure, to adequately be able to show the pending changes that the country is about to go through but I remain somewhat optimistic about the approach if we go.
Any recommendations?
I see Cuba on a yearly basis – and comparing, for example, the 2013 & 2014 trips is interesting. This time around, I did notice more mobile phone usage as well as newer Korean and Japanese vehicles on the roads. Many different photo projects could be done, from small to large. For landscape photography, there are many beautiful areas – although I haven’t done a great deal of that in Cuba. I’ve mostly focused on street photography / portraiture and architecture. Daily life type of stuff. As for recommendations, there are many outgoing people in Cuba who will treat you like their best friend after a few minutes. If you really want to know about life in Cuba, definitely go off the beaten track a bit – get out of the main tourist areas and wander the back streets or visit some of the smaller villages and towns.
You’ll never be without something to photograph in Cuba! There are many stories to be told.