Song of the post:
Having still not properly seen La Habana yet, we chose to spend the day walking around the city. However, before we set out, we had one last stroll around the grand Nacional. Unfortunately, Kristin and I had to leave it for our new casa (Sergio and Miriam’s place was booked up for the next couple of days).
A glorious view of El Malecon from the window of our hotel room.
The grounds of the Nacional.
The Nacional's patio that had a view of El Malecon.
One last look at a hotel that will forever hold a special part in my heart.
We started our walk at the place I was most excited to see, because of its political significance: the U.S. Diplomatic Mission, which is located in Vedado across from the Nacional. In 2006, Castro erected huge flag poles with 138 black flags, each centered with a white star, that were aimed to block an electronic sign beaming messages from the facade. It is basically Castro’s way of giving the middle finger to the U.S. while still “respecting” the idea of freedom of speech. Cubans say the flags symbolize the people who have died as the result of violent acts against Cuba by Americans since its 1959 Revolution.
A view of the Mission and the notorious flags.
Another view of the Mission and the notorious flags.
A close-up of Castro's flags.
And of course there were more propaganda signs nearby, just in case the flags were not a clear enough message.
Bush + ? = Hitler. Only in Cuba!
Because it was incredibly hot with 100% humidity, we decided to indulge by taking a taxi into downtown La Habana. I love the following photos that I captured from out of the window along the way.
Once downtown, we simply got lost in the colorful and rhythmic city. . .
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by dohop, David Gunnarsson, Andrea Maria Perullo, Helen Cross, Andrea Maria Perullo and others. Andrea Maria Perullo said: **NEW POST** Here's how Fidel Castro gives the middle finger to the US in Cuba: http://bit.ly/90fII8 [...]
I can’t even remember the other casa we stayed in, but wasn’t it semi-creepy? As in our hosts didn’t really have much to say to us? And what about the bag of goodies whose owner we had to find that I brought down from the Spanish university? That was all totally shady!
Amazing pictures, per usual. I find the one with the statue of liberty particularly funny!
Keep it up, Andi!
Looks like an amazingly beautiful place…minus the Hitler reference. HA!
Thank you for sharing!
Oh my gosh I had somehow never seen those flags — wow! And those are some billboards. What a trip.
Bush and Hitler, now that is funny.
Love all your Cuba stories
those are some insanely gorgeous photos! looks like blogging is not your only talent.
Another great Cuba adventure day, fun post Andi!
Love your photos! Propaganda signs around the world are hilarious, aren’t they?
I wanna know who the “?” is in the Bush/Hitler thing…
I love these photos, you’re an amazing photographer
what do you add to bsuh to get hitler? great photos
I totally enjoy your walking down the memory lane on this trip! It has been the place we want to visit for a while.
Really love the out the window pics. I’ve also found this is a great way to take pictures. And wow, those flags are hilarious. I finally subscribed to your blog and realized I am way behind on these cuba posts. B well, Phil
PS is our twitter war over or what?
I am constantly amazed by all your Cuba posts, I want to get there some day and I think you should be my guide!
Ahhhhhh Cuba looks amazing!
Those flag shots are stunning.
Wow, the anti America propaganda there is quite hilarious. I like that Liberty and Bush + ? = Hitler pieces
Beautifully written!
[...] decided to spend some time walking along El Malecon, but first returned to the Mission to check out the new flags the government had displayed for the [...]
What an awesome post!
You’re the best blogger around!
GORGEOUS!
I love Cuba!
Viva Cubaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!
talented writing!!!