Western Cuban (Havana, Trinidad, Viñales, Cienfuegos)

Cuba: a land of great Contrasts, Cultures, and Changes. Here are some quick impressions from a 2010 Humanitarian Aid Trip to Havana, Piñar del Rios, Cienfuegos, and Trinidad del Cuba.

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Conflicting Histories
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Grand National Masonic Temple
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Mamá, te esperamos en la Modalidad ¡Asiste!
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Lost Souls
Inside Church
Iglesia de la Virgen de la Candelaria de la Popa Turn left on Márquez and walk west one block to Simón Bolívar. To your right, atop the hill, you’ll see the near-derelict Iglesia de la Virgen de la Candelaria de la Popa. It was built in 1726 and is named for the popa (stern) of a ship called the Virgen de la Candelaria that sank off Cartagena. The stern washed ashore near Casilda and a chapel was built. Three patinated bells hang over the door. The only reason to ascend is for the splendid views over the city. The steep ascent is via a path lined with hovels; you’ll be hit up for alms.
Iglesia de la Virgen de la Candelaria de la Popa Turn left on Márquez and walk west one block to Simón Bolívar. To your right, atop the hill, you’ll see the near-derelict Iglesia de la Virgen de la Candelaria de la Popa. It was built in 1726 and is named for the popa (stern) of a ship called the Virgen de la Candelaria that sank off Cartagena. The stern washed ashore near Casilda and a chapel was built. Three patinated bells hang over the door. The only reason to ascend is for the splendid views over the city. The steep ascent is via a path lined with hovels; you’ll be hit up for alms.
"The bar inside,'' he said. "The one that was the private bar of the Bacardi family.'' My friend said he didn't know anybody who goes there. "In fact, most people don't even know it exists.'' Located just inside the terminus of Havana Vieja (old Havana) at Monserrate 261 Edificio Bacardi, the building is to Havana and the Havana skyline what the Chrysler building and the Empire State building are to New York. A marvel of Art Deco architecture, the building, I'm told, has been undergoing a very slow and laborious restoration. Entering the building through the main doors, you take a quick right and then a sharp left up a small flight of stairs. There's a reception desk where a person can direct you (providing someone is working). If not, you'll know you're in the right place when you see a small collection of photographs showing celebrities and members of what I presume are the Bacardi family on the wall. As you climb the stairs and enter the bar, time suddenly comes to a crashing and silent halt. Miguel the young bartender and Rebeca, his mother, preside over this old shrine to the Bacardi rum empire. http://www.cubanet.org/CNews/y00/dec00/04e13.htm By Jay Amberg Bloomberg Lifestyles. Bloomberg.com. Mon, 04 Dec 2000, 12:35pm EST in the year 1920 began the construction of this magnificent architectural jewel, representative of the Art Decó in fashion at that time. The building was designed by the architects Esteban Rodriguez Castells, Rafael Fernandez Ruenes and Jose Menendez. Its construction cost about 400,000 pesos and last 5 years. At that moment, the tip of its main tower was the highest point of Cuba. The famous bat, symbol of the family and logo of the drink brand crowns this tower. The granite used in this construction was imported from Bavaria and Norway. From the latest, the first honeys used in the preparation of the rum. The color of the ceramic flagstones covering the upper floors is bright yellow referring to white and gold rums exported by the famous firm. As a culmination of this building, the upper floors and the tower, both raised in a pyramidal way, are of the exquisite and bright design that combines blue and dun stripes with bright gold panels. The richness of its interior decoration is given mainly by the natural beauty of its marbles, brought from Europe and for the complementation with typical accessories of Art Deco like lamps, ironworks, drawings, etc. In the year 2001 the building was restored thanks to the cooperation with an Italian firm. It maintains in its interior the original decoration in a good shape, as well as, the external part of the building. Today, the building is the headquarter for representative agencies of tour operators among others. The visitor can access to its interior and enjoy the bar located at the mezzanine.
Slave Watchtower Trinidad Sugar Plantation: “Manaca Iznaga” Pedro Iznaga built a sprawling hacienda in the middle of the San Luis Valley with the fortune he made from the slave trade. He erected a 44-meter high watch tower with 184 steps, some 50 meters from the main house, to control the slaves who were more than willing to escape. He would also mark the hour by tolling a bell. The vernacular and industrial-style tower has become a symbol of this legendary region, despite its contrast with the surrounding area. It does in fact allow for a panoramic view of Trinidad.
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Republics
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La Estatua de la República (Statue of the Republic), 3rd largest indoor statue in the world (behind the Great Buddha of Nara and Lincoln Memorial) She is 46 feet tall, weighs 49 tons, and is covered in 22-karat gold leaf. Angelo Zanelli cast the bronze in Rome in three pieces, which were later assembled inside the capitol building. A Creole Cuban, Lily Valty served as the model for the body for Zanelli, and the inspiration for the statue came from Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom.
Fuzzy Truths (Capitolio, Havanna, Cuba)
Fuzzy Truths (Capitolio, Havanna, Cuba)
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La Giraldilla Statue at Fort Castillo de la Real Fuerza
Castillo de la Real Fuerza & La Giraldilla Statue
Castillo de la Real Fuerza & La Giraldilla Statue
Castillo de la Real Fuerza & La Giraldilla Statue
Castillo de la Real Fuerza & La Giraldilla Statue
Bridging Discoveries (Ancient Fort, Cuba)
Castillo de la Real Fuerza & La Giraldilla Statue
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You Never Know
Jose Marti Memorial in the Revolution Square