30 January 2016 ~ Faces in Havana

Listening to: Quinn Sullivan ~ Mr. Gloom (Getting There)

During one of our guided walks through Havana, we had the opportunity to meet and interact with locals.

This woman was dressed in a traditional outfit and greeting guests for lunch at the restaurant.

This etched mural represented a gathering for a big event, and a pre-revolutionary time.

An interesting barmaid statuette.

Lots of wares for sale at a local shop.

Hot a fresh sugar bread!

Need a hat?

19 January 2016 ~ Taller Experimental de Grafica

Listening to:  Mavis Staples ~ High Note

Founded in 1962 by mural artist Orlando Suarez with the support of Che Guevara, who was the minister of industry at the time, this studio/workshop is still thriving today.

This is considered one of the most important graphic arts establishments, preserving the old printmaking techniques and churning out some of the most significant works of graphic art in Havana. Many visual artists, poets, writers, and musicians are attracted to the TEG for the flavor of art that is produced there as well as the unique gathering of artists who work and study there. 

Grabado (printmaking) is a very important traditional art form. The handmade quality and aesthetic value along with the fresh smell of ink and the high quality paper (things that are rare in Cuba) make Grabado very sought after. It is a form of art where a relative freedom of expression and spirit somehow finds its way.

There is also a small gallery . It sells original etchings, lithographs, woodcuts and collagraphs that are made at the TEG.

16 Jan 2016 ~ Plaza de la Catedral

Listening to: Brothers Osbourne ~ Dirt Rich (Pawn Shop)

Along the Malecon (Seafront) in Havana, there is a Neptune statue. It was installed in 1838, and along with 2 other statues, points to the islands growing interest in international Neoclassicism and and a rupture with the proceeding Baroque style.

El Cristo de La Habana is located on the other side of the bay. It was commissioned in 1952 by Marta Batista, wife of the dictator. Jilma Madera is the sculptor and the statue was erected in 1958. Fifteen days after the statue's inauguration, Fidel Castro entered Havana in the Cuban Revolution, and on that day the statue was struck by lightening and the head was destroyed, but subsequently repaired.

It's approximately 66 feet high and weighs almost 320 tons.

I don't recall the name of the building but I liked the statue.

Dominated by two unequal towers, the Catedral de San Cristobal was designed by Italian architect Francesco Borromini. Completed in 1787 it is one of the oldest cathedrals in the Americas. The remains of Columbus were brought here from Santo Domingo in 1795 and interred until 1898, when they were moved to Seville Cathedral in Spain. 

The gentleman posing is a professional street artist. He requests 1 cuc (or $1) for each photo. Not a bad way to make a living, as in the 10 minutes we were in the square he made $15!

9 January 2016 ~ Classic Cars

Listening to:  Yardbirds  ~ Wish I Would (Five Live Yardbirds, 1964)

Classic cars in Cuba have been the subject of several news and documentaries recently. But to see them up close and personal...WOW. I did get to ride in one on our last night to the restaurant. They have horns, and sometimes stall.

These are taken from Havana, Trinidad and Cienfuegos.

2 January 2016 ~ Hotel Parque Central, Havana

Listening to:  Jesse and Joy ~ Running Out

Next stop, Hotel Parque Central, which would be "home" for 3 nights in Havana.

The room was vary nice (and much more modern than I had anticipated).

My room overlooked the inner courtyard.

After dinner a few of us went to the rooftop bar for a night cap. Here we had a magnificent view of the National Gallery.