Visiting Cuba in November of 2014 was a peak experience for me. Traveling with an accomplished group of photographers was thrilling and daunting. It increased the pressure I had placed on myself to make one meaningful image.
As it happened, we had the privilege to visit a country on the cusp of great change. Just a week after our return, the Obama administration announced the path to normalization of relations. Already, travelers familiar with the island nation are reporting stark change. I can only hope there will be benefit for all the peoples of this country. They are resilient, resourceful, and optimistic. But they are tired and they have suffered, needlessly, for too long. I’ve recounted a bit more of the story in my self-published Four Days in Havana. You can see it under the Books & Prints link.
Returning to Cuba in the spring of 2017 was a jolt. There was so much change! Seeing shiny chic cafés on every corner in Old Havana and the variety of food available was astounding. I had the feeling that many of the entrepreneurs biding their time in Miami and other enclaves had returned to say “Yes, now is our time!”. Sadly, with the current administrations policies, the openness and vibrancy I saw has been dampened considerably. But the resilience of the people remains. I’m looking forward to a return.
