Photo Essay Spring 2017: Cuba

In March of 2015, President Obama and his administration made waves with their announcement to ease the travel restrictions on Cuba. For decades, the small island only 90 miles off of the coast of Florida had been nearly off-limits to Americans and the American dollar. Private citizens who wished to travel to the nation had to follow strict guidelines with their schedules. Contact between Cubans and Americans was very limited.

It has been a year since Obama altered the embargo, and Cuba has experienced a boom of American visitors. This spring, I traveled to Cuba to take in the sights and learn about the nation.  Much of what we learn through news articles or textbooks is true - old cars are abundant and the food is delicious. Communism in Cuba, however, is much more nuanced than it has been presented. Moreover, Cuban politics are increasingly complex.

This series of pictures documents daily life in Cuba; the subjects in the pictures range from the m
majestic Capital building to children playing soccer in Trinidad, Cuba.

To read more about the embargo, visit: https://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/16/us/politics/white-house-cuba-restrictions.html?_r=0

A red 'classic car' in front of the Capital building.

Views from La Guarida, Havana's most famous restaurant, at night.

The facade of Hotel Raquel, located in La Habana Vieja.

A group of students laugh as a mime performs on the streets of La Habana Vieja.

A glimpse into the inner parts of one of Havana's art museums.

From inside the bell tower in Trinidad, Cuba. The plaza below has been named Cuba's most beautiful.

Children play soccer in Trinidad, Havana,

"Vas bien Fidel".