CUBA-GETTING AROUND

Most of us are aware of Cuban's unique ability to keep 1950's american cars running, particularluy Chevy's. The following pictures will not only show you some of these automotive miracles, but also the many different modes of transportation Cubans have implemented as part their austere creativity

Invariably, 1950's American cars are followed by a plume of exhaust fumes that can choke the most hardy of us mortals 

Horse powered wagons are everywhere; this one runs down my old neighborhood Marianao, a suburb of Havana. Most animals in Cuba, whether beasts of burden or stray cats and dogs appear malnourished and ill. 

This Ford truck, probably 1940's vintage is kept in an unusual protected carport.

The dead are transported in these rather well maintained covered pickups. Notice the colorful flower mats that cover the top of the truck where the coffins travel 

Transtur, the Cuban tour agency, carries tourists, mostly European and Canadian across Cuba. A well preserved Triumph is parked in the shade

As we approcahed this scene on foot, the guy who was riding the bicycle repeatedly and frustratingly tried to accomodate his bicycle on the motorcycle, so he could hitch a ride on the motorbike 

Even station wagons are still running

Pedal powered taxis are everywhere in Habana Vieja

This motorbike looked like it was on its last leg (tire) but stioll running!

Major violent crime is non-existent in Cuba, but petty crimes like pick pockets, are common in Habana Vieja and Centro Habana where many tourists congregate. The government has established a special police force to cover these areas as a deterent. This "Patrulla" (patrol) had just nabbed someone (notice the back seat is occupied) as we walked by

Many Ladas (Russian cars left over from before the collapse of the Soviet Union) are still running and many of them serve as taxis

Coco taxis: a motrocycle with a funny looking dome that provides some protection to the passagers. Notice the driver (center) is required to wear a helmet

Chinese-made Viazul buses are the main method of transportation between the major cities and towns in Cuba. They are comfortable and have a bathroom, but the ride is not as smooth as in American buses. This is the one that took us to Trinidad for 27 CUC's (about $30) one way. We received a 5% discount for buying our round trip tickets, but even though there is a sign advertising the discount, you are only entitled to it if you ask for it.

Vegetable vendor in Trinidad uses a tricycle-type method of transporting his goods

The main method of transportation for Cubans to-from work are these trucks (camiones), which have benches for people to sit while they travel. When the benches are full, people stand and hang on for dear life