Cuba seems like a country that has been left behind by the times. It is sort of like going back in time and landing in different time periods simultaneously. While in the air, observing the landscape, I couldn’t help but feel like I was in Africa, particularly Southern Africa. In fact, it turns I was not the only one who felt the same way. While I was in Trinidad, I met a girl from Gambia who mentioned the same thing! The climate is very similar to Africa’s, at least in this season, the nature, yellow-green grass, brownish-reddish soil in some areas, the trees, the sky, it’s all oh so familiar! . Some the streets and roads share the same characteristics, especially the black and white striped curbs and roundabouts. Some of the rural areas were similar to Africa as well. Considering Zimbabwe for comparison, the rural areas in Cuba have animal drawn carriages/carts, horse drawn to be specific, while in Zim (Zimbabwe) the carriages are cow and donkey drawn. I suppose this should not come as a surprise Cuba was heavily involved in 17 countries across the African continent, including helping some African countries overthrow colonial rule. In fact when Nelson Mandela visited Cuba in 1991, he said, “We come here with a sense of the great debt that is owed the people of Cuba … What other country can point to a record of greater selflessness than Cuba has displayed in its relations to Africa?”
Of course there are some differences that separate Cuba and other African Countries, but the similarities are definitely worth noting, especially for those who have been in Africa.
Another reason why Cuba seems to be stuck in time is due to the number of classic cars (e.g., Ford, Pontiac) from around the 50s that you will find throughout the country. There are some newer cars now though, but they are few and far between. You are also likely to encounter some off brand cars you might have never even heard off. Like for example, what the heck is a Geely? A Lada or even a Peugeot? They are Chinese cars if you hadn’t guessed by now. And then the buildings. Yes, Cuba, especially Havana, has beautiful colonial style buildings that have a 19th Century feel to them. They are absolutely beautiful… and colorful as well. A small number of them appeared to have damage dating back to the revolutionary war but the majority were in decent to pristine condition. The casa particulares I stayed in did not have the latest appliances but they did have running hot water and mini air-conditioning units which was definitely appreciated.
The people in Cuba were warm and friendly, and of course, wherever you go, you have to be on the alert for any bad apples. Nevertheless, overall, Cuba is a safe and welcoming country. One of my taxi drivers told me that the Cuban people do not hate the American people. He emphasized that we are neighbors and that we should make it a priority to have and maintain good relations. I hope that those sentiments will be come to fruition and that Cuba and it’s people will reach their fullest potential.
Please share your thoughts down below!