Soviet cars stay in Cuba's fast lane
Decades of communist rule and a U.S. trade embargo have turned Cuba into
a nation of mechanics. Classic cars which would be museum pieces in most
countries are still going strong. Considered out-of-date at home, old
Soviet cars are getting a second wind in Cuba.
For a Russian tourist a trip to Cuba could seem like a trip back in time.
Because of the decade's-long U.S. trade blockade, and Cuba's long
friendship with the Soviet Union, Russian vehicles are in a majority in
many car parks.
Low salaries and governmental restrictions make a new car for an
ordinary person an almost unobtainable goal.
And as desperate times call for desperate measures, Cubans have turned
into real magicians when it comes to keeping their old vehicles alive.
Modern technology seems to have bypassed this land where car parts are
still being made and attached by hand.
Optimists as they are, Cubans refuse to succumb to gloom and even say
they like their old wheels better than the new ones.
Cuba is probably the only place in the world where the Russian and
American past blend so well together.
As it is almost impossible to find U.S. car parts in this country,
Cubans have found another way to keep their American oldies in good
shape - they use Russian and Soviet spare parts for American cars.
Usually they'd be gathering dust as exhibits, but Cuba is like a museum
come to life.
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