Color and Cuba go hand in hand like two peas in a pod. There is so much color in Cuba, a rush of bright happy colors no less, that it’s not surprising how much happier one can feel while here.
The exuberance in color is simply staggering.
Everyone talks about the classic cars of Cuba. But my utmost delight to document, all throughout the island, were not the cars – stunning in both color and make, of course – but the doors, the unbelievably beautiful doors, each of a different style and color but not one that could be deemed as ugly. Whether old or new, each single one was exquisite. The same went for the windows, of intricate motifs, statures and shapes. Pair all of these up with monumental columns, elaborate arches and romantic balconies, and you’ll have yourself an architectural paradise. Ah, bliss.
And this is where dress up came into play. In fact, everywhere I went, I blended in perfectly. The mix of colonial architecture, blue skies and brightly painted walls and doors made for a photography dream, one I would love to engage in again and again; and again. I would never tire. Few people asked (ok, most of you) if I color coordinated my outfits everywhere I went on this trip. The answer is no. I just packed my most summery outfits that either had a 1950s flair to them, or would fit for any Caribbean island. I basically went for vivid colors, polka dot dresses and flowery tops. At least this is what I envisioned I would want to wear in Cuba.
And in regards to style and travel fashion, I won’t lie. I felt most inspired in Cuba.
In Old Havana’s Plaza Vieja
The faded glamour, the old plazas, the colorful art, all made me feel at home and content, 100% in my element.
Besides Old Havana, which has been restored in recent years to its previous splendor, Camagüey was the one that in the end captured my heart. Home to a large community of artists and a seemingly endless row of colored buildings and winding streets, this city and capital of the province bearing the same name, was the perfect destination for my travel fashion explorations.
Camagüey – everywhere I looked I saw bright colors
The houses in Camagüey, both old and new, are gorgeus! This was my favorite
The colors of Cuba, and in particular, of Camagüey
Looking for Fidel …
Fidel, are you home?
On the winding streets of Camagüey
Twirling in Plaza de San Juan de Dios, also in Camagüey
At Castillo de los Moros, Santiago de Cuba
Polka dots were my favorite to wear in Cuba, as I did on one of my favorite nights in Havana. But little did I expect at Morro Castle, a fortress guarding the entrance to Havana Bay, to find these unexpected bright blue grids gracing the windows of such an ancient structure.
But as I learnt along the way, Cuba is nothing less but a constant dose of unexpected. And the colors of Cuba were just a small part of it.
Photos by Josie Webb, © 2014
All other photos are my own.
Disclaimer: These photos have not been edited from their original form, which gives you an idea of the power of color that Cuba really exhibits. I would like to thank Josie Webb for being not only a wonderful travel companion, but for pulling out her camera for impromptu photo shoots in 90 degree weather, in the mid-day burning sun.
