Cuba was once the playground of the Western Hemisphere, with its
beautiful streets, exquisite spanish colonial architecture, and a utopia
of entertainment that was had been the premier destination for the
rich and famous for years. It was also home to
much of Latin-American music, art and culture during the 30s, 40s and 50s.
Today, with its buildings crumbling and the remaining 1950s American cars,
it's as if the country lives among the ghosts of its own past.
As I moved about Havana, through the capital building and
major cultural centers, I couldn't help but feel like I'd been
transported back to the 1950s. While I experienced the splendor
of what once was, I was also struck by what I learned from the eyes, hearts
and minds of the people who live there today. During my month-long stay in
March, 2000, and return visit in November, 2002, I was able to document
quite a bit, which I hope will give you a glimpse into what I saw and
how I experienced it.
