The Cuba Travel Blog

Well I’ve reached Cuba safe and sound, and I’ve decided to undertake an experiment, writing a travel blog, with daily observations and hopefully at least one decent photo. Whether or not this works depends on my self discipline, the availability … Continue reading

Monday, November 15, 2010 in Cuba Travel Blog

Faded Grandeur

The end of my first full day in Cuba has left me feeling a little sad. You often hear the phrase “faded grandeur”, but never have I been anywhere where it’s so markedly and consistently appropriate as here. This is … Continue reading

Tuesday, November 16, 2010 in Cuba Travel Blog

Shaun of the Dead

Yesterday we went to visit the Necropolis Colon, Cuba’s largest cemetery (and effectively their national cemetery). It’s an interesting place, and I think I may have generated a couple of atmospheric shots, probably best in black and white. While I … Continue reading

Wednesday, November 17, 2010 in Cuba Travel Blog

Just In Case You Thought I Wasn’t Photographing Any Cars

Lots of pictures of cars, so it’s difficult to choose a favourite at the moment. Here’s one which worked, showing the Capitolio (a copy of America’s Capitol) reflected in the bonnet of a nearby taxi of ancient vintage. The foyer … Continue reading

Going Guerilla

After a long and slightly boring drive through Western Cuba, we’ve moved to Vinales, a wonderful valley between two ranges of low, rounded mountains known as “Los Organos”, because Spanish sailors thought the eroded limestone looked like church organs. Vinales … Continue reading

Thursday, November 18, 2010 in Cuba Travel Blog

Bolting Horse Cart

I wanted to use the shot of the old guy with the cigar to illustrate my main post, but this was arguably yesterday’s shot of the day. The buggy had just become trapped on the edge of a building while … Continue reading

Cool Cab

This doesn’t need much explanation. Forgive the slight camera shake, but a 1950s Ford Consul does vibrate a bit. Who cares! Continue reading

Mixed Fortunes

The update I wrote at about 7am yesterday turned out to be incorrect – the mist in Vinales Valley suddenly cleared, and we got some very good shots in the early morning light, with wisps of mist still visible. I’ll … Continue reading

Friday, November 19, 2010 in Cuba Travel Blog, Personal News

Valley View

Another shot from yesterday: the view from my hotel balcony at the Hotel Los Jazzmines, a panorama stitched from 5 shots. Scary fact: the TIF file generated by the stitching software was 148MB. That’s the downside of steadily growing image … Continue reading

Normal Service Will Be Resumed As Soon As Possible

After Vinales internet connectivity became more and more of a challenge. The Hotel Jagua in Cienfuegos was elegant and well-equipped, but very poorly stocked and staffed. One of the things they were out of were the tickets for computer use. … Continue reading

Monday, November 22, 2010 in Cuba Travel Blog

A Diffraction of Photographers

I’ve found the right collective noun for photographers: it has to be a “diffraction”, because they do have a tendency to spread out from a point. Like setting a group of small dogs loose in a wood full of squirrels… … Continue reading

Economic Anomalies

It’s odd what economic anomalies are thrown up by a struggling economy. Before I came to Cuba I was told that I should bring soap as a gift/tip, so I’ve spent months systematically stealing hotel soap. However, the only people … Continue reading

Wednesday, November 24, 2010 in Cuba Travel Blog