My Feelings of Cuba

    We were briefed that Cuba is famous for having a ton of 1950s Chevys, however I did not believe what I was told. There were many times throughout my voyage where I was told one thing about a country, and it turned out that that thing was not as huge as an aspect to their culture as I was led to believe, because people told me stereotypical facts. However, Cuba really does have 1950s Chevys EVERYWHERE! They are the dominant form of vehicle on the roads, and it is a wonderful thing to see. Although the cars most likely have new motors, because they are trying to deal with climate change as well as 60 year old motors and parts, the cars still hold extremely significant historical value.
    Other than the cars, when you drive through Havana, it feels like you are driving through America in the 1950s. But if you look a bit closer, you will see that they have a strong modern American culture as well. Their accent when they speak English is American, not British or Bahamian or Australian, but American. In addition, Cubans use their limited internet sources to download American shows to watch. one of the professors that I met from the University of Havana told me that he downloads House to watch. He also likes to watch some American television shows that come over on some satellite dishes. American music is very popular as well. In contrast though, Cuba has a strong cultural tie to Africa, specifically the Ivory Coast region, which is due to the slave trade. You may see this culture in many of their handicrafts and foods.
    When we arrived in Cuba, we were told that the first day would be pretty much planned because the University of Havana was hosting us for the day. We were only allowed to visit Cuba because we were traveling there for educational purposes, so our field programs and welcoming ceremony were influenced by the University of Havana. Every trip that SAS did had at least one UOH professor and student on it, and we were always escorted around Havana by policemen. They told us that we were escorted to "not worry about traffic," however, there was no traffic. Cuban policemen knew where we were at all times. We also received similar responses for many things, such as, "Cuban people can tell the difference between American people and the American government, so they like Americans and know that it is not their fault for the way America treats them." At first I believed this, but then I heard it from at least three different people. Many other students shared their suspicions as well that we were watched and monitored because that is what Americans do to Cubans. The conflict between the two countries is more complex than it appears on the outside, we just do not know that much about it to know any better.