Our Man in Havana

La ciudad de tus sueños

Like any great city, Havana is composed of many great cities in one. A polycentric, multi-temporal beauty, Havana is a decaying and mysterious treasure. Throughout its history as epicenter for the Antillean region–both geographical and political–Havana has had to suffer the passing of various empires. The discovery of the Bahama Channel made San Cristóbal de la Habana a key transhipment point in the commerce between the Old World and the New as it became a key outpost and transfer point for the Spanish empire. The city was a resting place in a sea of pirates, but the pirates had to rest also.

The multiplicity suggested by the various dimensions–temporal, spatial, ethnic, and metaphysical–seems to be a trait that will remain constant in the city and is reflected in its eclectic collection of architecture and blend of music and art. It is a city of parallel dimensions and alternate realities where one can escape or be caught like a prisoner in purgatory. These panoramic views are superficial entry points to a city that needs to be seen up close and touched as it is definitely the most sensual and tactile city that I have come across.

El Malecón

Entre La Habana y el mar […] existe una relación importante y complicada, con momentos terribles, siniestros, y otros momentos (los menos) de alguna felicidad. Abilio Estévez, Inventario secreto de La Habana

El mar: La única frontera

Se ha dicho hasta la saciedad, y siempre habrá que repetirlo: nada hay firme en una isla. Lo verdaderamente firme está en el mar. Todo. Tanto lo bueno como lo malo, todo se desarrolla, por tanto, ‘fuera,’ ‘más allá’ …en La Habana el mar es la única opción, la única frontera…

Abilio Estévez, Inventario secreto de La Habana

Odio el mar

Odio el mar, sólo hermoso cuando gime. José Martí, “Odio el mar”

El naufragio

Siempre creyó percatarse, eso sí, de que permanecer en el muro, frente a la orilla, de cara al horizonte, poseía algo trágico, y se sentía como el único sobreviviente de una serie sucesiva de naufragios. Abilio Estévez, Inventario secreto de La Habana