Heading to Havana

Once again, I'm joining Erika, this month's host at Art Journal Journey whose theme is "Every journal page tells a story."  This is another entry for my 7 Continents altered book.

To be honest, I have no desire to visit Cuba.  It's not even part of a continent, but an island in the Atlantic Ocean.  I guess I should qualify that by saying Cuba is located in the Caribbean where the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Atlantic Ocean meet.

The capital of Cuba is Havana.

Cuba is famous for its tobacco farms and cigars that are hand rolled.  They are no longer illegal in the U.S., although people bringing them back from Cuba may only bring $100.00 in tobacco and alcohol.  I've heard some Cuban cigars are very expensive, so the allowable money probably won't buy that many.

Cuban architecture is quite eclectic, with many styles and qualities.  

Many Cuban buildings remain quite well preserved, despite three revolutionary wars.

Possibly the only thing more colorful than the beautiful architecture

are the classic cars that are kept in pristine condition and beautifully painted.

While the U.S. embargo that took effect in 1961 stopped the flow of new cars, and most parts, a few Cubans now manage to bring in replacement parts when friends or family visit from the U.S.

What surprised me was the travel magazines that send literature to me are now showing Havana as a place to visit.  However, I thought that "tourist travel" was not yet approved.  Only family visits, humanitarian missions, and the sort are allowed.  Apparently the travel magazines don't know that.  They are now pushing Havana as a great place to visit.

This entry was created on a used file folder.  I used images from three different travel magazines for this side, as well as paint chip samples and washi tape.

For this side, I used more washi tape, images from two travel magazines, and a tiny puzzle piece.  I wrote the word "Havana" with my favorite black ink pen.

Thanks for traveling with me to Havana, Cuba and for joining me at Art Journal Journey.  That's my story for today and I'm sticking with it!

I also want to apologize to those of you who have left nice comments and I have not been by to visit.  It's been a bit hectic here for the past three days.  Once I catch up a bit, I'll be by to see what each of you has been working on.