santiago de cuba: my lens and the humidity

just got into santiago de cuba, and let me tell you, the air here is... thick. like, *you can almost chew it* thick. i just checked the weather and it's a breezy 19 degrees, but the humidity is doing the real work. hope you like that kind of thing-sticky and warm, like a hug from an old friend who doesn't know when to let go.

if you run out of street scenes to capture (good luck, this city is bursting with them), baracoa is only a couple of hours away. the drive? supposedly wild. haven't done it yet, but i'm stocking up on film for that one.

here's a little map of where i've been wandering:


and oh, the light. it’s golden in the late afternoon, hitting the buildings just right. i’ve been shooting non-stop. here are a few shots to give you the vibe:

now, let me tell you what i’ve been hearing. the locals are a chatty bunch, especially after a few rum drinks.

"don’t even bother going to that one spot, the El Morro fortress, right at noon. the sun is like a direct laser beam on your lens. go early, like 7 am. that’s when the light is soft and the crowds are thin."

and then there’s this:

"this little joint, La Bodeguita del Medio, they’ve got live music every night. but the real secret? the food stall just outside. empanadas that will make you question your life choices. i heard that from a guy who claimed he was the ghost of a sugar baron."

i’ve been checking out some spots on tripadvisor, but sometimes the best tips come from the street. this listing for a local food tour is getting mixed reviews, but the pictures look amazing. also, this bar is supposed to be iconic. and for a place to crash, this hostel has good vibes.

honestly, the humidity is messing with my camera gear, but the shots? totally worth it. i’m living on caffeine and hope. if you see someone with a camera and a slightly damp shirt, say hi.

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