So, in May of this year I kicked off my study abroad trip to Cuba as a nontraditional student at Arizona State University, and let me tell you, it was a wild ride right from the get-go. Growing up in the 1980s and 1990s, I had vivid images in my head of what Cuba was supposed to look like. Spoiler alert: it was nothing like what I expected. But there was one thing I did know I’d see – classic American cars. In the U.S., they’re a rarity, but in Cuba, they’re practically a way of life! Honestly, I was stoked to see what we consider vintage treasures rolling down the streets, as if they just received a fresh coat of paint. However, I was not prepared for the sheer number of these beauties on the road or how well they were maintained. They’re practically relics, and you can’t help but feel the history pouring out of them.

On our last night, the other students and I enjoyed a classic car tour around Havana. The drivers were like walking history books, spilling tales of Havana’s past and sharing stories of how these cars have been in their families for generations. It was rad! I snagged some epic shots of these vintage rides parked in Plaza de la Revoluci`ón, right by the José Martí Memorial – you know, the spot where Fidel Castro held many of his famous speeches.

Now, let’s get down to brass tacks. I’m all about my images. Forget stock photos and AI-generated nonsense! My blog is a reflection of my vision and experiences, and I’m determined to share the world through my lens. Stock photos? They’re cold and soulless. Here’s an example:

This stock photo, which I grabbed from Adobe Stock, feels so impersonal. Yes, it features a car that resembles the ones I saw, but it’s not from my angle or vibe. It’s like wearing someone else’s underwear – they don’t fit, it’s weird and feels kind of gross.

And then there’s the AI-generated picture I got through NOVA AI. I prompted NOVA with the keywords “create an image of a realistic classic car in Cuba at Revolution Square,” and what I got looks cool but unrealistic, and nowhere near what Revolution Square looks like, as you can see from the other images I provided. The background is wonky, and it’s not even close to capturing what I experienced.

My mission is clear: bring you raw, real content about real places, flavored with that punk rock attitude that burns inside me. Prepare yourself because authenticity rules, and I’m here to keep it real!