Caribbean Communism and Cuban Jazz

Cubans are getting double-whammied. The US government blockades Cuba with the embargo and by punishing other countries that trade with Cuba, then the Cuban government blockades its own people with loads of red-tape bureaucracy and strict rules regulating business. It was cool to see all of the old Spanish architecture, hear all the amazing live music, and meet so many exciting and excited people. It was disheartening to see the economical effects the US' embargo has had. It seems so unfair that a huge wealthy nation that is by no means guilt-free from dirty dealings in the world would be allowed to inflict such a harsh and heavy extended blow against a small island country for so long. The reasons behind the embargo are gray, iffy, hypocritical, and politician/big business-backed and motivated, and we continue to mercilessly enforce restrictions that place a giant burden on the backs of the Cuban nation, causing extreme hurt and damage to many innocent people on that beautiful Caribbean island.

Here are some of the photos from the adventure: