Cuba has a repressive government, disastrous economic policies and was ruled by Fidel Castro — and now his brother Raul — for decades. But there’s more to it than that. During a recent trip to Havana, we interviewed Cuban and U.S. citizens about their thoughts on Cuba, asking each person what else they wished Americans knew about the country.

Cuban television producer

American student, Semester at Sea

Translated: “Friendship.”
Cuban student, University of Havana

American student, Semester at Sea

Translated: “Friends forever.”
Cuban students, University of Havana

American student, Semester at Sea

American student studying at University of Havana, Marist College

Cuban musician

Translated: “Sisterhood/brotherhood.”
Cuban student, University of Havana

American student, Semester at Sea

American citizen, president, US-CUBA Sister Cities Association

American student, Semester at Sea

American professor, Semester at Sea

American professor, Semester at Sea

Translated: “We are here.”
Cuban actor and director

Cuban filmmaker