Culture

Postcards: Ryder Stevens in Cuba

Stepping through the time warp

Posted by Acclaim

Parked car in Viñales

Locals going about their day, Viñales

Rainy day in Viñales

Boy showing me his prized cockfighting champion in Viñales

Two boys playing in the street, Trinidad

Dog catches afternoon sun, Trinidad

Men waiting, Trinidad

Havana from up high

Streets of Havana

Main drag, Havana

Sliding doors, Havana

Driving by the sea, Havana

School, Havana

School Bus, Havana

Man walking, Havana

Midday light, Havana

Red car & crossing, Havana

Cuban local, Havana

Lonely red car, Havana

White car & orange jacket, Havana

Orange chair, Havana

With the likes of Major Lazer and The Rolling Stones gracing Cuban shores for the first time ever, it’s clear to see that the lifting of trade embargoes for the Caribbean island is about to have a major effect on its tourism opportunities. Sydney filmmaker and photographer Ryder Stevens recently made the trip himself, amidst his many travels, and found himself in the middle of a different era.

“Travelling through Cuba was an incredible and enriching experience. From the rainy, verdant tobacco fields of Viñales, to the pastel markings and cobblestone tiled Trinidad, to finally the animated streets of Havana; you realise that the communist country of Cuba is truly a time warp. The island’s colonial architecture and people are so incredibly colourful and exert a certain vitality and vigour. For that reason Cuba should be on everyone’s itinerary.”

Check out scenes from the Cuban streets in the gallery above.