Dear Cuba– where you have been all this time?
Being ignored by the US of America,
Your government made the Cuban people suffer,
By blaming every single problem on their embargo,
And tryin’ to keep dem people dumb and poor,
While the rest of the world is willing to trade with you.

^<anonymous>

Yep, the quitessential picture of the street with dilapidated buildings and the classic 1950 American car is right there. In fact, you’ll see it so often that it gets old and boring after a couple of days. Yet, La Habana is alive, despite its buildings in all states of despair. Of course, there is tourist town Havana, which is located in La Habana Vieja, where everything is shiny, on the border of being a gentrified neighborhood. It also comes with higher (read: first world) prices in restaurants and souvenir shops. And who wants that…?
The more interesting part is Centro Habana where its inhabitants life a very open life. Some double their houses as hole-in-the-wall supermarkets where you can find your basic products.
But don’t arrive without your suitcase, as there no grocery stores, drug stores, or convenience stores here. Everything is bought at open (farmers) markets or at state store, the latter being accessible only if you have a coupon book.
Yet very grateful to have visited, before the embargo gets lifted and Starbucks stores and McDonalds restaurants are appearing at every corner of the street.

Without much further ado, the photos, as they speak for themselves.