Cuba, been there? I have questions

Bob Michaels

Bob Michaels

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I am going to Cuba on a "humanitarian" two week mission in late October / early November. This is considered a legitimate trip by US Government.

Autos: the trip info says we will photograph old cars. Everyone does that, so no interest to me. I want to photograph the mechanics in the garages that maintain those cars. I am thinking of carrying a tune up kit (plugs, points, condenser) for a early model US auto. Questions: which are more prevalent? Ford / Chevrolet / Chrysler Corp? V-8 or straight 6?

Medical: as a "humanitarian" trip, we are supposed to bring medicine. Everyone brings aspirin, great stuff but a bit lame. I have access to any pharmaceuticals or medical supplies. I am thinking penicillin, suture needles, real anesthesia, things like that. I would like to photograph inside hospitals. Does this sound possible?

Film: I will be the only one on the trip shooting film. And it will be b&w. I carry enough film so I never have to worry about running out. So I should have leftover when I depart. Any ideas on finding a worthy Cuban photographer to leave my extra film with?

b&w chemistry: If I bring some chemistry down there, would it be appreciated by some Cuban photographer?

Weight is a real premium as I can only bring 44 pounds / 20 kilos on the charter flight. So weight is at least as important as purchase price in the US. Any suggestions what to bring that would be appreciated by the locals?
 
Film: You might be remiss without bringing at least a little colour film. I haven't been but I know that much. Even an Olympus XA loaded with colour film would do and not take up much room in your bag.
 
I was down there in June (09). I met a few photographers. I have to admit, I was quite surprised as they are all shooting digital. I asked them about Russian Zorki's .... ok, are you ready for this? They all agreed they were crap. They were very interested in my M8 and my Widelux. In fact, I have a couple of offers on my Widelux.

I'm sure if you take film and powdered chemistry it will eventually make it's way into useful hands. As far as medicine, it's all appreciated. Even everyday toiletries. We also, took some baseballs and gloves. You'll have not problem passing them along.

As far as clothing, take some extra t-shirts and baseball hats. And another idea is to just leave you clothing in which you're using down there. It will all be appreciated.

Another, idea. There's some really good photographers in Cuba. Make some trades. Film/Chemistry for prints.

Cheers,
Harry.
 
Meds to Cuba, when they have one of the best socialized medical systems in the third world? Stuff for cars when most Cubans cant afford tools? Chemistry when foto paper is virtually non-existent or prohibitively expensive?

I understand and appreciate your desire to help. I applaud you. Having travelled throughout Latin America I would rethink what you plan to donate, even in destitude Cuba. Pencils, small English/Spanish dictionaries, clothing for children, and leave everything else you brought behind, except your personal stuff. Return home with nothing except the clothing on your back and camera(s).

Best Regards, safe trip -- Paul
 
Although Ive personally never been, half of my wife's family is in Cuba and she has traveled there. With all respect to 35mmdelux, I have to strongly disagree with part of what he asserted.

ALL of the things you mentioned will be used there and you will undoubtedly find someone who will be grateful to accept them. My wife's family routinely sends Tylenol, aspirin and such to Cuba. They request it more than anything. They may have socialized medicine but if you get a headache trucking it out to the clinic will probably make it worse! Aspirin and such is an unaffordable luxury there. Car parts are very valuable as well. Even if you don't give them to a mechanic , whomever you give them to can surely bargain and trade them for something they might need. I agree that clothing, toiletries, etc are a good idea.
 
Thanks for all the insightful replies.

35mmDelux: I understand about Cuba's socialized medical system but everyone tells me they have almost no medical supplies. Everyone else brings aspirin which I hear in much appreciated. My thought is to befriend a Cuban doctor and gain access to photograph their medical system. Ditto, the auto parts as I want to photograph those who maintain those old cars. I am trying to help while also gaining access.

Raindog: interesting commentary about Cubans espousing digital. But I would like to trade for some Cuban art.

Pachuco: I looked at the Lighstalkers website. I will have to sign up there since it looks interesting.

Blake/Memphis & CapitalK: Good thoughts. I must say when I try to use two different films, it seems I always have the wrong one loaded in the camera in my hand.

Weight on the flight is a critical problem, so I have to find the best use of my allowance. But I will not waste it bringing too much clothing.
 
Toiletries are in high demand, but bars of soap become heavy fast. I would focus on giving to the children, but thats me. Aspirin, commonsense things can go a long way. But penicillin, anesthesia, may get you busted? How long will you be there to befriend these people? Do you speak Spanish? You want to shoot mechanics? Buy them a six-pack.
 
Bob, sounds like you're in for an interesting trip! I spent three weeks in Cuba in Dec. 2005 - Jan. 2006 and thoroughly enjoyed it.

As for the cars, I can't really help you with specific info, but you'd be surprised what's under the hood on some of them. For example we rode a late 50's Chevy taxi that had a Japanese engine (Toyota?) under the hood. The gear box, drive chain, engine mounts etc. had all been modified so the motor would fit. The Cubans are masters at adapting and modifying parts to keep their cars running, and this particular modified taxi was not unusual or rare according to its owner. It would be fascinating to photograph some of the mechanics at work doing some of these mods.

As for medical, I think whatever medical supplies you take will be appreciated. As others have said, meds are not exactly in good supply there. Just a word regarding your own health while you're there, the Cuban medical system is not for foreigners. Instead, there's a separate network of well equipped tourist medical clinics that are apparently very expensive to use (you'd definitely want to be covered by travel insurance if you end up in one for whatever reason). I saw one in Cienfuegos and it looked very modern, but I didn't require their services during our trip.

As for film, local photogs that shoot film will be appreciative of any leftover film you can leave them, though moreso b&w than anything else I'd imagine. One of the family members of a casa particular we stayed at in Vedado, Havana worked for the government as a photog and shot b&w as a hobby, but he wasn't particularly interested in any of my spare slide film as he said it would be expensive and a hassle to get developed.

As for b&w chemistry, will you be able to fly with that? These days regulations regarding liquids are very strict so I'd be surprised if they let you take any on the plane even in checked-in baggage, and certainly not as carry-on baggage. If it was me, I think I'd forego any potential hassle and added weight, and concentrate on taking extra film and medicals rather than b&w chemistry. Your call of course.

Whatever you decide, have a successful and fulfilling trip!
 
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Cuba has trained doctors but lacks supplies. When I went to Cuba in 2006, one of our group was a dentist from Germany and she brought a set of dental instruments. Maybe you could bring small medical instruments?

The health system is state-controlled, it's unlikely you could photograph in a hospital unless it's a scheduled, officially permitted part of your humanitarian trip.

Regarding film and chemicals, a German photographer who has lived there for over 12 years and shoots for Getty said that B&W film would be difficult to process for most people given the lack of chemicals and paper. Colour neg film might be more appreciated. If you'd like his contact please PM me.

Another source of info will be the Cuba section of the Lonely Planet Thorntree travel forums - it's very feisty.

Here's a Youtube clip of how mechanics in Cuba adapt a body panel for a car.
 
I have heard that folks are only allowed to bring 6 rolls of film into Cuba. I have also heard this rule is enforced somewhat arbitrarily. If I were going to Cuba with film, I'd want to find out a lot more about this regulation. Someone on Lightstalkers might, know it's a great resource. I believe that for security reasons Lightstalkers is by invitation only. I am sure that any RFF member who is an LS member would be happy to issue such an invitation, including myself.
 
A pro would knock out 10 rolls daily! What gives? Tell the authorities you're a friend of the "revolucion" and they'll let you in with 100 rolls and hand you a cigar.
 
I've also heard about this rule. Tourists are "encouraged" to buy their film locally. Good if you only like Kodak Gold or Chinese film. If traveling with a group you can divide your film so that no one carries more than 6 rolls.

Pros would be expected to apply for a permit. When I traveled I was told not to bring too much equipment in case they thought I'm a photojournalist and ask to see my permit.
 
When we vacationed in Cuba we were told that at some point in history those 50's American cars were sat on the driveways getting rusty and only came back into regular use when old soviet Lada engines were sent over and retrofitted. most of the 'parts' that are used to patch up the cars are fabricated on the island due to the non-existent import-export and lack of money by the Cubans. i'm sure though that any car parts you can take will be greatly recieved and used in ways you could probably not imagine. Taxi drivers are some of the wealthiest common people on the island due to the fact that their business and small street style stalls are the only capitalism allowed there. i believe that the top cigar rollers in the top cigar factory make the equivalent of $8 a year - you'd probably tip your cabby more than that!

Cubans get their food, housing and medical from the government but rarely have the money for any kind of 'luxury'.
 
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Pablito said:
I have heard that folks are only allowed to bring 6 rolls of film into Cuba.
Click to expand...

I'm glad I didn't know about the film limitation when I went. I took 50 rolls of slide film with me.

Immigration and customs looked pretty laid back to me, so as long as you keep a low profile, take minimal equipment, and don't have expensive cameras hanging off you as you go through immigration, you should be fine.
 
NathanJD said:
When we vacationed in Cuba we were told that at some point in history those 50's American cars were sat on the driveways getting rusty and only came back into regular use when old soviet Lada engines were sent over and retrofitted. most of the 'parts' that are used to patch up the cars are fabricated on the island due to the non-existent import-export and lack of money by the Cubans. i'm sure though that any car parts you can take will be greatly recieved and used in ways you could probably not imagine. Taxi drivers are some of the wealthiest common people on the island due to the fact that their business and small street style stalls are the only capitalism allowed there. i believe that the top cigar rollers in the top cigar factory make the equivalent of $8 a year - you'd probably tip your cabby more than that!

Cubans get their food, housing and medical from the government but rarely have the money for any kind of 'luxury'.
Click to expand...

The figure I heard was the Cuban peso equivalent of $10 a month, but as you mentioned, their food, housing, and medical is provided by the government. Still not a whole lotta money, though ...
 
I went there with lots of film rolls and I was not aware of any lugage being inspected for film when coming in. So take a lot of colour film
Apart from pain-killers, I would sugest you to take small bottles of eye-droplets (whithout cortisone!!) for children - easy to carry and mothers will appreciate it.
In addition to more well-known photographers, spend some time talking to those "one-minute photographers" in the opposite end of the spectrum. You will find them near the major tourist atractions
http://public.fotki.com/BlueWind/fotografo-minutero/
They are professional photographers too, unfortunately they belong to an endangered species. They know about vintage FSU gear and, as most of the people you will find, they excllent conversationalists. Maybe they can use some B&W chemistry - or maybe you can bring some interesting developers recipe..
Have a nice trip
Joao

Some pictures from Cuba
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joaofreitas/sets/72157605772166106/
 
A taxi driver told me that he earned more than his wife, who was a doctor. He also had the advantage of being able to earn convertible pesos which can be used in tourist shops. Cubans usually earn national pesos which can't be used to buy many "luxuries".

If I remember correctly, there was an xray machine after immigration and before baggage collection - I assume they were checking hand luggage for contraband.
 
jonmanjiro said:
The figure I heard was the Cuban peso equivalent of $10 a month, but as you mentioned, their food, housing, and medical is provided by the government. Still not a whole lotta money, though ...
Click to expand...

you're probably right there - it's been some years since i was there and my memory doesn't always serve me too well! i knew it was one or the other but at the same time very small!
 
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