Photos by Nike

Photo Feature by Nike

HAVANA TIMES – Every morning I go out into the streets looking for things to put together the day’s meals. Along the way, I come across people and situations that deserve to be seen by you, my Havana Times readers.

The daily life of Cubans in every town, city, and province has its own peculiarities, and this is a seaside town with very particular customs—a fishing community, as people like to call it.

For example, I saw a young woman with her daughter offering a bouquet of flowers to the deity Yemaya, the queen of the sea, while asking for health and prosperity for her family. There was also a man eating what he had found in the trash. It was his breakfast, judging by the time of day—or perhaps the only meal he would have that day.

In the same area, I approached some children who were playing by making circles and spirals with small stones they had collected and arranged. One of the circles had sticks placed on it in the shape of a pyramid. I asked them, “What are the sticks for?” They replied, “For cooking.” Children imitate what they see their parents doing, cooking with firewood.

I continue on my way and arrive at a house holding a garage sale, something they only allow on weekends. They sell all kinds of items, almost like a general store. I noticed some rechargeable lamps being sold in US dollars. The young woman running the sale kindly told me that they sell very well because of these endless blackouts.

For some time now, signs have been appearing around Havana that have caught my attention, and I wanted to show them to you. They say, “You Need to Be Happy.” Something the average Cuban, who struggles day after day, could certainly use.

I pass by the bakery that sell the rationed bread rolls and hear a man saying how bad the bread is. It turns out the bakers are having a hard time because they have to bake it with firewood. To tell the truth, the bread really does look awful.

As I near my home, three children run up to me and say, “Ma’am, don’t go past the corner—they’re shooting over there!”

I ask them, “What do you mean, shooting?”

They reply, “Yes, the US Americans have arrived!”

Then they burst out laughing and add, “No, it’s just some electrical wires that fell down.”

I hope this gives you at least some idea of what everyday life is like for Cubans.

See more photo features here on Havana Times.