Havana before the sun comes up

WENT on a short working visit to Cuba but spent most of my time stuck in a lecture room listening to presentations via translators.

Three nights in Havana didn't give me that much time to learn about what is a remarkable country. However I did learn that nothing goes with fine cigars like cheap rum bought on the street.

Also that watching Cuba women can make you walk into lampposts, and that's when you're sober.

The photograph is of 'el Malecón', the Havana waterfront, where I took a couple of early morning jogs: down one long avenue, turning right past the United States 'Interests Section' building, which had a long queue outside.

The high walls of the Malecón face off against the sea but the breaking waves splashing the pavement demand firm footing. I caught my breath there for a minute and watched some of the locals fishing.

A lone fisherman is standing there in the photograph. At that moment the fisherman seemed to represent the idealised image of Cuba: proud, isolated and staring into the face of something much bigger.