Ah, I love Traces of the Past... my leitmotif, I think (but that’s another story). Anyway, without further ado, here are two images from downtown Havana, a place that is almost entirely made up of crumbling pieces of it’s Colonial past…. a photographer’s dream, but a tragedy for its inhabitants. I have been told that around 100 buildings collapse every year in this city, leaving many homeless.
Typical street in downtown Havana
Splendid examples of a Colonial heritage
See Paula’s site for more traces..
It does indeed appear that Havana will just fall down one day. Just as well they don’t have earthquakes…
Best wishes, Pete.
I agree: fabulous for photos, not for living or for posterity.
janet
Absolutely
These could be pen & ink drawings. Beautiful photos, Sue.
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Thanks, Allan!
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Yes, that’s an irony, what is beneficial to photographers is detrimental to residents. This is a precious share, Sue. I am so glad you could join.
Thank you, Paula!
Great post, Sue. They really are good subjects for black and white.
Thank you, Pat – glad you like these
I love the architecture here and hope to one day visit before these buildings no longer exist. Thanks for the post. Love it.
Thank you, Emilio – you should try to get there soonish….
You surpass your unsurpassable self with these two. That prospect along the street is superb, with all those tiny figures going about their lives. And the second one chants your name – so many modes of decay.
Oh, Meg, if ever I feel down about my photography, I know who to turn to! Thank you for such glowing comments! I do like the idea of that second image chanting my name, but the first is the one that says Downtown Havana to me….
There is neglect and there is decay, these look like the latter. I hate to think what the inside is like.
Oh it’s all decay….60 years of neglect have seen to that
Time to turn them around do you think, or are they past saving. That is of course if there is the money to do anything.
It will be interesting to see what the future brings for Cuba….but I worry for the average Cuban, with very little money, and when outsiders come in, will they be bringing money for the infrastructure?
Oh, but I did forget to say that some of the buildings in the tourist area are being rebuilt, but retaining the old facades. But that’s for the tourists…..
oh my… so many buildings collapse! I didn’t know that. I was under impression (saw some documentary once) that gouvernement invests into refurbishing in order to save the heritage and attract tourists. so, you say that’s done just in some parts?
Well, that seems to be what I was seeing and hearing….
Nice B&W study of these buildings
Thanks, Robert!
I could easily have these on my walls, Sue…
Oh ho!
Wow, great job again … even if I’m not really into B&W .. you have created something very interesting.
Thank you, Vivi…..I was in my element in Havana, all adrenaline
I bet you where. *laughing
You know me too well….
Bit by bit … maybe!!! I’m sure there is a lot more to know about you.
😎