Final Reflections

The pool at the Riviera--I'll be swimming here!

I've had a really good time in this class, it was great getting to meet and talk with other students who are going abroad and I learned a lot about Cuba. When I heard that NYU had a photography program I knew I had to apply not only because of my interest in photography but because when else would I have the opportunity to go to Cuba? Apart from the Revolution, I admit that I knew very little about Cuban culture and history before taking this class. 

The blog assignments forced me to do a lot of research that I otherwise might have done at the last minute, if at all. I especially liked the book assignments, because they gave me tan excuse to do some non-school related reading. Reading "Havana: an Autobiography" was very helpful since I now feel like I have a basic knowledge of the history of the country that I will be living in for four months, plus it was fun to read! Watching Soy Cuba also got me even more excited to go to Cuba. After researching the Riviera, I realized that it was the hotel where they filmed the scenes of tourists swimming at the hotel pool, which is pretty cool. The island looks so beautiful in black and white, I can't even imagine what the film would have looked like had it shown all the colors of Havana.The map assignment was also great. Although I need to walk around to really figure out where I'm going, I did find places that I want to check out in my spare time.

As far as the questions that the class raised about traveling in general; I think that questioning my role as tourist and American is very important, especially when traveling to a country outside of the Western world. Although I felt a little burdened by the amount of reading we initially had, I enjoyed the articles that I read. Initially I felt a little saddened by the idea that it's impossible to have an "authentic" experience when traveling to a foreign country, but I've realized that I'm okay with this concept. I know my travels will be an amazing experience, and I can't help that I will see Havana from an American point of view.

All in all, I AM SO EXCITED TO GO TO CUBA! Especially after enduring this rain. I can't wait to be on the beach!