Photographer’s Journal: Cuba, Farms And Food

Words and Pictures by Barbara Lawrence.

Photo: Barbara Lawrence

Farms and farmers are a part of the Cuban experiment to expand their economy through small business.

The first set of pictures come from a visit to a very small farm. Our group stopped to photograph a  viewpoint. I spotted the farm and walked back down the road.  Farmers were planting seedlings. A fine sight in January after escaping winter up here.

Julio, the one with the big smile and missing teeth, invited me to visit his vegetable garden, yard with pigs and chicks and flowers, and inside his house. The kitchen was modest, as was Julio.

Even as tourists, we didn’t see many vegetables at our meals unless they were canned. Most of the markets had little variety as well. And no meat. But at one Sunday market there were two butchers and a plenty of fruits and vegetables. It was refreshing. We found this market out of the center of Havana near Hemingway’s house.

I assume that this farm and market were all private – something new for Cubans. The importance is not just for the farmers making extra money. The Cuban government can only afford to supply each person with a modest amount of food. 5 lbs rice, 3 lbs sugar, 5 eggs per person each month.

I am  now traveling with a micro-four-thirds camera. Easier to carry around than my Canon DSLR. I mostly used a 12-35 Panasonic Lumix lens.

My secret to photographing strangers – just smile.

Barbara Lawrence – Cuba, farms and food

The Franklin Reporter & Advocate welcome submissions to “Photographer’s Journal” from Franklin Township photographers, or photographers with photos of Franklin township people or places. For consideration, email editor@franklinreporter.com.

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