The word “katzenjammer” has German origins and typically describes a state of confusion that accompanies a hangover from drinking. “Katzenjammer,” therefore resonates well with bar scenes or activities that follow. Except, it didn’t at this neighborhood bar in Centro Havana for one of the only two patrons present this afternoon. Well, perhaps the “confusion” bit did, but certainly not the “hangover” part. A photograph I made that afternoon at this bar has serendipitously found a bit of appreciation from some of my friends, followers, and fellow photographers, for which I am eternally grateful.

Here is that image.

Various people have had different interpretations of what might have been happening in this photo. Is the lady being ignored by this man? Did they have an argument? Or are they just minding their own business and prefer not to interact? Is there something outside the window that has drawn the woman’s attention? And more theories that are best left out from here. So, I thought it apropos to go behind-the-image and unfold a bit of the backstory.

In short, here it goes (images below):

Plate 1: A lone bartender waiting for patrons, he only has one bottle of local white rum to serve
Plate 2: Moments later, a man shows up and orders a drink of that rum, mostly lost in his own thoughts
Plate 3: The bartender and patron keep to themselves, things are rather quiet
Plate 4: A young lady walks in, somewhat dressed up, and small talks with the bartender, while asking for a beer. Upon learning that there is nothing but half a bottle of rum left, she laughs as if to say, “you’re joking right?”
Plate 5: The man shrugs and makes merry of the situation as the lady persists hard, hoping that directly bringing cash into the conversation might help her case sooner
Plate 6: The man eventually suggests that she make do with what’s available to which she expresses her dislike for rum. Her earlier jovial spirit quickly turns to confusion. “How do you not have one beer, soda, nothing,” she wonders. She has the money ready in her hands, she’s painted her nails, dressed up, and was hoping to enjoy a drink

After a few minutes of back and forth, the lady resigned to the fact that her plans of having one beer at a bar in Centro were not going to materialize. Confusing? Yes. Hangover? No.

By this time, her initial astonishment had turned into despondency. The man, in typical Cuban fashion, made the best of what was available at hand, including complementing his white rum with a smoke. The lady, her expectations dashed, looked out the window lost in her own thoughts for a few final moments before folding back her pesos. That was the last image I made at this bar.

“Katzenjammer” at a Havana bar

It Happens Only in Cuba

COVID-19 pandemic days in Havana