Sunday, January 29, 2017

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.

10 thoughtful remarks:

Valerie-Jael said...

I would have liked to visit Cuba if I had had the opportunity, it is a fascinating place. Love all the pictures you have used, whuch give your collage a very Cuban flavour. Thanks for supporting Erika again at AJJ! Have a good week, hugs, Valerie
It's cold, grey and pouring here, so looks like another home day!

froebelsternchen said...

What a fab tribute to cuba! My dad was there last year and I was a bit overwhelmed to be forced to watch all his photos (since they are almost bad )
Your collage is so much better to get an idea of Cuba !
Thank you very much for joining Erika again today!
This month was really interesting for AJJ!
Thank you for all your support!

oxo Susi

chrissie said...

What a brilliant page with the tour of Cuba. We did visit there briefly on our way to Jamaica but we weren't allowed to leave the plane because of reasons no one understood. This is almost 30 years ago when times were different.

Have a great week Elizabeth

Love Chrissie xx

My name is Erika. said...

I like your spread Elizabeth. I think I would like to visit Cube before it gets too touristy. I'm not a beach person but I think it looks like an interesting place. All those old buildings and cars. Looks cool. But then, I have a very long travel wish list. Hope all is well and its been fun busy and not flooded basement busy. Hugs-Erika

Sandra Cox said...

Great piece and informative post. Made me want to visit. Though, unless it's on a cruise we'd be hesitant to leave the country.
YOU have a great one.
Hugs,

Eileen The Artful Crafter said...

Our son and his bride visited Cuba last year shortly after the Obama administration loosened sanctions. Americans can now travel to the country independently, as long as they complete a form declaring the visit an educational journey. They loved the country and culture and brought back wonderful photos. I should add: they did find it educational ;-)

sheila 77 said...

I never liked geography at school as it was massively boring, but I always enjoy your foreign "lessons" Elizabeth, with the great pictures and chatty commentary.
What a pity Bleubeard and Squiggles can't do some commenting for you. It would be fun to see a paw mark in the comments, and we would know who it was from.

Meggymay said...

Another super post to read Elizabeth, not a place I would want to visit, but it does look colourful .
Yvonne xx

pearshapedcrafting said...

This Havanna pages are fabulous! The architecture is amazing!It must ave been fabulous in it's heyday! Chrisx

Jeanie said...

Yeah, Cuba isn't high on my list either but I have to say these pages are terrific, really capturing the color and those great vintage cars!