VEINTE PESOS — Snack Skateboards and Gang International in Cuba

📝 + 📹 Words & Video by Jeremy Knott
📷 Photos by Bonesaw

When Josh Narvaez came up with this trip to go to Cuba, there were a few things we weren’t aware of.

The first group chat started with strict instructions about getting a visa, as well as a grocery list. Good thing he had visited multiple times, because without these pointers, we would’ve been pretty hungry. Non-perishables and protein were essential, so we pulled up with enough goods to stock a skate shop and a small grocery store. Nothing is impossible to find in Cuba — as long as it’s in stock. Underneath most buildings was their equivalent of a deli, consisting mostly of water, rum, beer, soap, crackers, rice, and anything else they had a quantity of.

Due to inflation and grey market exchange rates, we ended up skating around with an entire backpack full of Cuban pesos (exchange times were appointment based, if we didn’t get enough cash, then we might not be able to get more later.) No credit cards, no phones, and most nights, no lights. It’s kind of like camping, but in a city. Havana didn’t always have these problems, but Pinar Del Rio was a different story. Most of those sessions were only lit by two camera lights, and those were the only lights you could see in any direction. Once the lights cut back on, the streets flooded with people and the night really began.

Sometimes in America, you’ll find yourself complaining about everyday things – after a trip to Cuba those complaints feel egregious. There’s nothing more humbling than not having access to anything more than the bare necessities and still wearing a big fat smile on your face.

Skaters: Josh Narvaez, Roger Krebs, Adrian Williams, Zack May & Camilo Fajardo.