Bob Michaels
nobody special
I returned last week from my most recent trip to Cuba. Different from the first 11, this one was to the eastern part of the island. While Cuba is small, not even the size of England, it is 745 miles or 1,200 Km from one end to the other with differing cultures. Santiago de Cuba differs from Havana like San Francisco differs from New York city.
Also very different, I had a traveling companion on this trip, a Cuban originally from the east but now living in Havana who proved invaluable in arranging transportation as we went to places where there is no formal transportation. We traveled by negotiated private car, trucks, a jeep, and buses where tourists are not allowed. We visited Holguin, Gibara, Guaro, Baracoa, and Santiago de Cuba.
We spent 3 days with my friend's family in the small remote community of Guaro. That was a unique experience all by itself. You can read the 1,500 word story here. The included photos were shot in digital color as I wanted to differentiate them from my normal work. I initially approached this as a photo story but realized it worked better as text with accompanying photos.
I carried my normal 2X of the amount of Tri-X, or 25 rolls, I thought I would shoot. I shot 15. I carried 21mm, 28mm and 50mm lenses but my normal 28mm never left my ZI for the whole trip. I did bring a small flash which proved invaluable the one time I used it.
I pass on probably 95% of the photos that others would make as I realize the photos would be an "either/or" and I already have something better. Of the 500+ exposures I made, I have what may be 4 keepers. That is about normal for me. Despite being with someone 99% of the time, all the keepers were made in the other 1% except for the one shot that included my friend.
Some of these 4 keepers have been posted in some of the w/nw topic specific threads but here they are together: (all of these and others are on my website)
street party in Guaro, a small community in eastern Cuba
fisherman repairing net in Gibra on the NE Cuba coast. This town was devestated by hurricane Ike in 2008 and damaged by Sandy in 2012.
Santeria Babalawo or priest guiding one of his goddaughters in connecting with her personal Orisha or spirit.
waiting for the ferrobus in Guaro. The writing on the wall translates "more production and efficiency defending socialism". The only jobs in Guaro were at the sugar mill which was closed and used for repair parts about 40 years ago.
Also very different, I had a traveling companion on this trip, a Cuban originally from the east but now living in Havana who proved invaluable in arranging transportation as we went to places where there is no formal transportation. We traveled by negotiated private car, trucks, a jeep, and buses where tourists are not allowed. We visited Holguin, Gibara, Guaro, Baracoa, and Santiago de Cuba.
We spent 3 days with my friend's family in the small remote community of Guaro. That was a unique experience all by itself. You can read the 1,500 word story here. The included photos were shot in digital color as I wanted to differentiate them from my normal work. I initially approached this as a photo story but realized it worked better as text with accompanying photos.
I carried my normal 2X of the amount of Tri-X, or 25 rolls, I thought I would shoot. I shot 15. I carried 21mm, 28mm and 50mm lenses but my normal 28mm never left my ZI for the whole trip. I did bring a small flash which proved invaluable the one time I used it.
I pass on probably 95% of the photos that others would make as I realize the photos would be an "either/or" and I already have something better. Of the 500+ exposures I made, I have what may be 4 keepers. That is about normal for me. Despite being with someone 99% of the time, all the keepers were made in the other 1% except for the one shot that included my friend.
Some of these 4 keepers have been posted in some of the w/nw topic specific threads but here they are together: (all of these and others are on my website)
street party in Guaro, a small community in eastern Cuba
fisherman repairing net in Gibra on the NE Cuba coast. This town was devestated by hurricane Ike in 2008 and damaged by Sandy in 2012.
Santeria Babalawo or priest guiding one of his goddaughters in connecting with her personal Orisha or spirit.
waiting for the ferrobus in Guaro. The writing on the wall translates "more production and efficiency defending socialism". The only jobs in Guaro were at the sugar mill which was closed and used for repair parts about 40 years ago.
Michalm
Well-known
Very nice work as usual , i wish i could visit Cuba one day and i think i would be tempted to shoot in color. Please post some more photos.
gb hill
Veteran
Nice work with photo's & text Bob. Always enjoy your photo documenteries, especially your work in Cuba.
macfiend
Established
Wonderful photos Bob. Cuba is such a magical place. I would love to see more 
helen.HH
To Light & Love ...
Very Engaging Word & Visual... Well Done !
Love shots 2 & 3 posted here
Love shots 2 & 3 posted here
FrankS
Registered User
Enjoyed your informative essay, Michael.
MCTuomey
Veteran
excellent keepers - thanks for taking the time to share your experience. especially like the priest and devotee image. i was talking recently with a local museum administrator who has visited cuba several times (through mexico) - she spoke glowingly of the art and music.
fotomeow
name under my name
nice little write up Bob, am envious of your organization skills
(I went to Cuba last year for 3+ weeks, but can't seem to put something together!)
Its hard for most Americans to fathom how lucky we are in the US with opportunities,
and your write up poignantly, though indirectly, addresses this.
(I went to Cuba last year for 3+ weeks, but can't seem to put something together!)
Its hard for most Americans to fathom how lucky we are in the US with opportunities,
and your write up poignantly, though indirectly, addresses this.
Bob Michaels
nobody special
Thanks everyone. For those who said they wanted to see more, www.BobMichaels.org has what I think are my top 40 photos from my different trips. I really must edit that down as I truly believe no one really wants to see more than 30 photos, even they are a result of 250 rolls of film shot over 160 days total photographing in Cuba.
BTW, the next exhibit of my Cuba work is at the gallery for the Center for the Study of Southern Culture at the Univ. of Mississippi. That is January 7 through late February.
BTW, the next exhibit of my Cuba work is at the gallery for the Center for the Study of Southern Culture at the Univ. of Mississippi. That is January 7 through late February.
jultou
Established
Thanks for sharing, the pictures are great and represent well the Cuban Culture. I like the proximity of the subject.
Your 3 days documentary in Guaro is interresting too.
I went to Holguin and Santiago de Cuba last spring - as you say it differ compared to Havana. I wish to spend more time in Santiago de Cuba one day, there a lot of history and culture there.
Your 3 days documentary in Guaro is interresting too.
I went to Holguin and Santiago de Cuba last spring - as you say it differ compared to Havana. I wish to spend more time in Santiago de Cuba one day, there a lot of history and culture there.
robklurfield
eclipse
Bob, more great work.
Bill58
Native Texan
Awesome images, Bob. I think Cuba should be preserved as it is, as a theme park for the failure of Communism.
btgc
Veteran
Interesting, what Cubans reusing wash water think in this regard. What they would choose had they a chance.
raytoei@gmail.com
Veteran
very nice... any chance to visit Guantanamo ?
jultou
Established
That is a point of view. Other would say that it represent the success of embargo.
Comparing Cuba to other Caribean countries and Latin America, we can argue that they have what is missing to many other: education and health.
Comparing Cuba to other Caribean countries and Latin America, we can argue that they have what is missing to many other: education and health.
Bob Michaels
nobody special
I was in Guantanamo province. But the US Navy base at Guantanamo bay is not accessible from Cuba. One must change planes in Miami to get there.
Bob Michaels
nobody special
Many do no realize there are now 12 (twelve!) flights per day from Miami direct to Havana. One can also fly Miami to 4 other Cuban cities.
Many also do not realize that Cuba is the US #7 export market as the US sells Cuba 25% of the food they consume.
agfa100
Well-known
Really nice write up on Cuba, glad to see someone who wants to go out and meet people! I have too many friends that only want to stay in at least 3 star hotels, they would never think of doing something like you did. It's nice to really enjoy life and other people.
wbill
wbill
kshapero
South Florida Man
My father in law went there many times and living in South FL I know many Cubans. Sad they live very backwards due to being in a dictatorship, but then I am sad we live among so many malls and fast food joints. Wish one day we could live more simply but in freedom. What a combo. Oh and your photos rock, Bob. Kudos.
Biggles
My cup runneth amok.
Interesting article, interesting pictures, and the rest of the stuff on your site was worth the prolonged detour from my normal programming, too.