Cuba opening to private enterprise spurs service sector start-ups

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http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-cuba-entrepreneurs-20110807,0,7604565.story

Reporting from Havana—
They began with a hose and a few rags when Amilcar Santa Cruz and his 30 siblings and cousins set up a carwash in Havana's Miramar district, a little family business to help make ends meet.

And that's all it was for several years.

But in the last few months, the business has exploded. The carwash today is a bustling piece of new Cuban enterprise, complete with metal roofing, fluorescent lighting, a cafe and a full line of air fresheners to hang from the rearview mirror.

"Everyone here is real hardworking," Santa Cruz said. "It's all about quality."

[dipsydoodle]

1. Miramar district

is upmarket / exclusive area west of Havana. I'm guessing they chose that district on purpose. I'd also guess that much of what they wash are the taxis which serve the hotels etc.