The effects of Communist rule and the longstanding U.S. trade embargo make for an interesting societal landscape in Cuba — one that’s unfamiliar to many visitors. CNS correspondent Patricia Zapor and I, back from a recent visit to the island, compiled this list of things the pope will and won’t see when he is there.
Won’t See:
The back bumper of a vintage Buick Eight Special in Old Havana. (CNS/Nancy Phelan Wiechec)
- Mobile phones
- New churches
- American cars (post 1950s)
- Commercial advertising
- Good beer selection
- The iPad
- Fast-food joints
- Church schools
- Beef
- Wealthy homes
Will See:
- Phone booths
- Old churches
- Classic cars
- Cigars
- Rum
- Free live music
- Bicycle taxis
- Baseball fans
- Pork and chicken
- Friendly people
