In February 2000 I donned my tourist cap, slung a Domke bag over my shoulder and travelled to Cuba. I'd been curious about the place for decades. I finally decided to scratch the itch.

I spent 10 days in Cuba, mostly Havana but also the historic town of Trinidad. Cubans I met were friendly, more so when they learned I was a norteamericano. In the cities there was talk in the streets and live music in many cafes. The place is poor but the economy is improving. Tourism from Europe and Canada is helping. Classic architecture in disrepair is slowly, surely, being rehabilitated. The embargo and Elian are on everyone's mind, but as a friend said, Cuba is still the Carribean.

Photo © Neal Ulevich 2000. All rights reserved.