With Fidel Castro’s health in steady decline and restrictions being eased between the U.S. and Cuba over the past year, I thought this may be my last opportunity to see Cuba as I wanted to see it, ie. 1950’s Chevrolets, Plymouths and Chryslers, some rusted through, others meticulously maintained and shining proudly under the Cuban sun, rolling through the streets with palm trees and the faded paint of colonial buildings creating the backdrop. I also wanted to hear the Cuban music in the streets, see the propaganda billboards, such as ‘Patria o Muerte’ (Patriotism or Death) replete with Fidel’s visage, the stores for the distribution of rations and to feelthe life of Cuba. I also hoped to spend some time on a Cuban beach, drink Mojitos in Ernest Hemingway’s favourite haunts, smoke a Cuban
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