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I’m not a big city person by-and-large. There are elements that are fascinating and intriguing about them, but I get overstimulated and overwhelmed pretty damn quickly.
But in thinking about this week’s theme, I wanted to step away from the obvious pretty images like sunsets and flowers. Because the theme got me thinking about cities and the ones I’ve experienced that ooze energy and vibrance. Those are the cities that draw me in.
Don’t confuse that with “busy”, though. Noise, motion, and chaos don’t make a city vibrant.
The foundation of urban vibrancy comes from the architecture, colors, public art, and parks. But the element that cinches the feeling of vibrancy is the people. It’s their energy and attitudes that makes or breaks the vibrant vibe.
And the city that stands out to me as vibrant—alive—is Havana.
There are the obvious physical traits of the city that ticks all the boxes. But the people—friendly, energetic, and spirited, even towards us outsiders—made it city I could embrace and explore in-depth without the overwhelm.
The true test is when you’re off the main drags and outside of the tourist-centric areas. Does the vibrancy still hold?
In Havana, it did.
The reality is that—like a lot of big cities—there is poverty in Havana. There are derelict buildings. There are areas with trash in the street. But even in those areas, the sense of place was still vibrant.
I made this image on a random side street on a quiet afternoon. And for me it’s a vignette of Havana. The colorful buildings, the historic architecture, the juxtaposition of the modern and vintage cars, the man walking, the laundry hanging from the balcony—and yes, even some trash piled in a doorway—encapsulates the complexity and reality of this place. A place filled with beautiful, vibrant people.
And the funny thing is that I went into that trip to Cuba intending to enjoy time with friends and not be “on duty” as a photographer. What the hell was I thinking that I could go to Cuba and not be a photographer? Silly me.
Cheers, friends. Stay vibrant.
Bluesky Art Show
This post is inspired by the Bluesky Art Show, a challenge to share artwork surrounding a weekly theme each Saturday.
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