Havana - hooves and wheels
AJAYA'S CRUISE
Phil & Nikki Hoskins
Thu 2 Jun 2011 14:46
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In a country as poor as Cuba routine transport we take for
granted in our own country assumes the status of luxury travel as the
ownership of a car is the exception rather than the norm. Walking around
Havana you would hardly believe this, but the majority of Cubans have to get by
with lifts along the roadside, or in the provinces brave the appalling public
transport system which means jumping into the back of lorries or onto old
Russian made buses. The farmers are nearly always on horseback and this is
understandable when you consider the terrain!
Cuba is also well known for its large quantity of
40's and 50's American cars which can be found the length and breadth
of the country still getting their owners around (just). Most of the
old petrol V8 engines have been replaced by diesels so they don't quite sound
right, but they still look the part and many are in stunning condition, others
look as though they have been prised from the scrapheap to do another few years
service, often as private taxis. Not being up on 40's and 50's AmCars and with
many badges no longer apparent we were left (well Phil was) guessing what they
were, although Tom had good knowledge of many of the models Phil asked him
about. The interiors are a surprise - most have no door trims, carpet or
headlinings are long gone and the leather seats in poor condition. Few
speedometers register anything that indicates the vehicle is actually moving but
there's always a radio to pump out music at full volume. Here are some pics
of many cars as well as other forms of transport - mostly taken in
Havana district.....
                                   and on to the
Arts..........
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