escape! Magazine – July 2019

(Marcin) #1
CUBA

bottom right
The National Capitol
Building of Cuba in Havana

top right
A busker in Trinidad,
Central Cuba

centre
Old Havana is a hub for
hotels, and iconic colourful
convertible taxis catering to
tourists

the 60s. Anything considered “modern” (not
from the 60s) can cost upwards of USD 15,000
(RM 60,000).
Driving an old taxi in Cuba is about as
profitable as it gets for a local. One driver
I encountered in Vinales told me he is a
certified lawyer, but driving a taxi earns so
much more. Professionals get paid peanuts by
the state.
With the rise of the tourism market,
people have found that these cars don’t
only just bring them places, they help make
money. A walk into the heart of Havana is
like a time machine. You will see hot pink
and baby blue convertibles everywhere, often
with Western tourists at the back. That may be
the symbiotic relationship between locals and
tourists, drivers make money while tourists get
to experience something truly unique. Perhaps
slowly Cuba will find more ways to integrate
into the international market.


ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
There are huge hotels in the centre of Havana,
and smaller ones in cities like Cienfuegos

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