Cuba holds a special place in my heart, evoking both joy and sorrow. Let’s start with the positive: stepping into Havana feels like walking onto the set of an 80s movie. The moment I arrived, I was captivated by the streets lined with vibrant old cars. As a lover of classic cars, seeing Havana’s eclectic collection was pure excitement for me—each car adding to the Cuban spirit and the lively street culture. You can explore some of my photography of these incredible cars in this gallery: ...... 

But Cuba is so much more than just its vintage charm; the island pulses with life, music, and a unique character. And that character is essential, because the resilience of the Cuban people in the face of hardship is remarkable. 

During my visit, November 2022,  Cuba faced (and still faces) serious challenges, including severe hurricanes and particularly difficult political and social conditions. Under a government with strong centralized control, people are restricted in their freedom of speech. Shelves in the stores are empty, and every Cuban deals with power outages of around 6 to 8 hours daily. Poverty is widespread, and the government seems to be doing little to address these issues. I’ve spoken with people who weep over the hopelessness of the situation, who haven’t seen their (grand)children abroad for years. My story about the classic cars in Cuba also belongs in this list of challenges. Importing new cars is not an option for the average Cuban. While these vintage cars are a charming attraction for tourists, for Cubans, they are a necessity born out of hardship. 

In this gallery, I aim to capture and share the essence of everyday life in Cuba. I hope these images resonate with you and offer a glimpse into the daily experiences of the Cuban people.