In Havana, I stayed at a casas particulare, a private home a couple of blocks off the city’s famous Malecon. While I’d not have wanted to miss sights such as Parque Central, El Capitolio, the gorgeous pastel-coloured buildings flanking Paseo de Marti or any of the other spots that are popular with visitors, staying in a private residence gave me the chance to see buildings and people I might otherwise have missed.

Take this little girl, for instance. I saw more than a few people watching the world go by from their windows or balconies, but this little girl’s gaze from behind rusting bars and an empty bottle is one I’ll long remember.