Introduction

A wizened abuela (grandmother) looks down at the street life from the third floor balcony of her dilapidated apartment building amidst washing lines and Roman columns in a scene of crumbling elegance that is repeated countlessly across this unique city.

In the growing twilight a small group of old men play dominoes in the street – it's just too hot to be inside. Two woman lean against a doorway chatting, while a 1950's chevvy slowly manoeuvres around the many potholes that ensure that cars move as languidly as people.

In Havana Vieja (Old Havana) the majestic Catedral de San Cristobal de la Havana reminds all of the city's long colonial history. While in Centro the grandeur of La Capitolio and Hotel Inglaterra ooze confidence and authority.

And then there's the Malecon.