Under The Cuban Sun

Written By Kelley Mullarkey

Photography By Eric Morales

Soaking up salty air, turquoise seas and the hottest temperatures — no journey is a wasted one in Cuba. Our sweet excursions with Fisheye Journeys brought us around the island, from Havana through Trinidad to Viñales exploring secret nooks, salsa dancing in tiny squares and befriending local creatives while shooting the ethical eyewear Dharma Co 2016 summer “Light” collection.

Whether you’re one who likes Art Deco architecture or prefer to uncover a city’s contemporary music and arts scene, Cuban creatives undeniably remain on the cusp of a forthcoming cultural, political and economical shift. You can feel it in the thick air, crawling through the streets and grabbing hold of you commanding attention. It’s easy to get distracted by the classic old cars and colorful buildings, but sinking your teeth into the everyday fabric of Cuban life is where the heart and soul is.

When you venture through Centro Habana — one of the capital’s oldest neighborhoods — the electrifying youth culture is enough to make your full body quake. It’s here that you’ll chat up rising entrepreneurs, talented artists and catch a Sunday afternoon Afro-Cuban rumba. Most prefer to stay in Old Havana but the true essence lives elsewhere in Havana.

Pack on the sunscreen, grab a lime cerveza and lose track of time as you people watch in the park— strike up conversations with fruit vendors and bar owners alike, each one willing to share a bit of their history and story. Cubans afterall have a six sense with a natural ability to make you always feel right at home.

Beat the city glitz and let yourself settle in the rural western town of Viñales. Without a worry you can soundly sleep with doors open and roam the streets late at night with the soft whispers of music carrying through the air. Be patient and you’ll learn the true art and cultural significance of the Cuban cigar.

Sink into the ultimate digital detox while unwinding in the surrounding national park grounds or take a dip in a hidden lake. Fancy a day at an unspoiled beach, let adventure strike and hitch a ride with some locals in the back of a truck.

Forget minimalism and soak in the picture perfect colonial town of Trinidad. Support the local economy and explore local artisan crafts, find out the beliefs of Santeria, a popular religious practice in Cuba, and admire the Spanish colonial architecture.

Just like all the local artists, designers, nomads and world travelers we met along the way, Dharma Co. embodies a sense of adventure while promoting sustainability and a connection to the natural world.

Under The Cuban Sun

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