Friday, February 12, 2010

Photo-Finish Friday -- Havana From A Rooftop

Morning on the theatre and the top of Capitolo from the terrace of the Havana Plaza.

The Havana Plaza is in Old Havana. It's a few blocks from the sea and a few blocks from one of Ernest Hemingway's favourite bars, La Floridita, where the daiquiri was invented.
Old Havana's streets are narrow, made of cobblestone, uneven, and full the sea crush of humanity.
Small shops dotted along a main street, Obispo, offer sandwiches, water, cigars, and rum. Sad-eyed old women press postcard quality photos of children toward the unwary tourist and beg for money. Health care is free in Cuba. So is education. They play on the sympathies of the foreigner. They had no hope with me and moved on to a fresh target when ignored.
Locals hang their laundry out on small balconies above the street and turn quickly away when a camera is pointed at them.
I understand. I would do the same.

19 comments:

David Cranmer said...

Very majestic looking.

the Bag Lady said...

A lovely picture, cousin!

Leah J. Utas said...

Thank you, David. I was very struck with this building.

Thank you, Cousin.

Anonymous said...

Hi, Leah. Love the picture. Really beautiful. I'm going to put your name in the hat for contest. You can use it on line or if you win, I get you another type of card.
Mary

Leah J. Utas said...

Thanks, Mary. Very kind of you.

Hilary said...

Wonderful shot. I'm going to enjoy hearing about your trip. I always do.

Leah J. Utas said...

Thanks so much, Hilary.

Redbush said...

I never imagined the buildings and streets to look like that. Nice photo! When we went to Tijuana years ago and got the same experience with the locals. We also got good at ignoring.

Leah J. Utas said...

Thanks, Redbush. Ya gotta be a toughbutt to get by.

Thomma Lyn said...

Gorgeous picture. :)

Leah J. Utas said...

Thank you, TL.

Crabby McSlacker said...

Love the picture, and it's great to find out more about Cuba--especially the way you're bringing the texture and nuance of the place to life.

Glad you are back!

Leah J. Utas said...

Crabby, thanks so much.

messymimi said...

You paint a picture I can see with your words; a beautiful contrast to the lovely picture you posted.

I'm looking forward to more.

Leah J. Utas said...

Thanks, Messymimi. Very kind words.

Reb said...

Leah, glad you are back safely. Lovely photo, the architecture is amazing. Can't wait to hear more about the places you saw.

Leah J. Utas said...

Thanks, Reb. I plan to post about it often.

Nancy said...

Wow, thanks for the snapshot of Havana. I will probably never get there so it's nice to know a bit about it.

Leah J. Utas said...

Nancy, you're welcome.