Great thread, and some pictures that stir the heart and senses.
I like the fact that the same person (Robbie) posted pictures from both perspectives. Having been to Cuba numerous times I've seen both the beauty and the squalor depicted above. But on the other hand, we've seen the same in North America, haven't we? One of the main differences is in my opinion, Cubans are prouder of what they have and have a better sense of family than the average North American
How many here have spent any time reading the comments below in the first link? Especially post # 5.
I've said it before and will say it again, how many people condemn Castro (and maybe rightly so) but Batista, who was as bad or worse, was a "Friend" of the US and was supported?? Read a little history and see how corrupt in the middle to late 50s with the influx of US money. Who / what will prevent that again?
On the other hand, read post # 91. There is a real synopsis of how life really is. He might not even be Cuban, I dunno, but I know for a fact from my visits there and the friends I've made that at least most of what he says is true. "They smile, but they're not happy." Probably very true, but sure as there's shit in a dead cat, they're a very proud people, and I have a hell of a lot of respect for that.