Cuba - on the street, Photo#3

Photo#3
Once again this photo was taken in Old Havana but a little further away from the main tourist streets that have had their buildings and streets refurbished.

Although the refurbished streets were gorgeous archtitecturally, there was something about the areas that hadn't been 'touristified', as I called it, that was significantly more real to me and no less beautiful. Knowing that eventually these streets are bound to be 'done up' over time made me appreciate them even more.

As you would expect Greg and I had a number of discussions about how the architectural dilapidation that we found so charming is in reality probably a rough way to live. We also pondered how once the 'touristication' takes hold, where will the people living there go, as we assumed it would mean the further infiltration by hotels and the like and increases in rent costs etc.

Idealistically, although the tourist contribution to the economy is significant, it is a shame that changes are made to accommodate the comfort of vacationers before the residents.

Yes, I am being a little socialist and idealist.. Blame Che if you will!