As we waited at the gate for our flight to Cuba at Panama airport, the arriving passengers filed past us. Interestingly, one passenger was in handcuffs and chains and surrounded by security. I could have touched him - but I have no idea where that flight came from!
Our flight itself was uneventful - Copa Airlines are a very good airline. Their hub is Panama but fly to about 78 countries including Spain and France. We were given lunch and wine!
Havana airport was actually a simple experience. We left the plane, saw a lot of ads for cigarettes and rum and headed to immigration. The girls here wear really tight khaki dresses with fishnet stockings and heels. Very unusual! Our bags were one of the first off the conveyor and off we went through customs. Easy! Our transfer was waiting for us but first I had to get some Cuban convertible peso. (There is a local peso as well). You cannot exchange Aussie dollars here, so I came prepared with euros and Canadian dollars. There are now machines in arrivals that do the transfer for you - quite high tech actually! American dollars can be exchanged but you will be slugged an extra 10%.
The drive through Havana was interesting. Such wonderful buildings - but of course in disrepair. In original state, how incredible they would have been. At this point, I have to admit that we did book into a very nice hotel in Havana adjacent to Parque Central. (Central Park). It’s very nice! We checked in and went for a wander in the area.
Well, whilst this area is very touristy it is very pleasant. We eventually settled for a drink nearby with some amazing live music and had our first Cuban mojitos. The local beer is actually very good too. Tim is feeling much more comfortable!
And then, we did go back to our hotel as it has one of the best rooftop views. And had great live music (as everywhere here does it seems). After getting ready for dinner, we went wandering for a busy place. Whilst not far away from our hotel (15 min walk), we found a restaurant with great music and whilst we ended up sharing a table with others (Aussies as it turned out)- it was a fun night!
Next day, we walked on foot to the Old Town. This place is absolutely fascinating and wandering about the area and seeing locals going about their day to day Business is interesting. We then explored the Old Town itself, where there are about 900 buildings of historical significance. As we got to the Fort area, there were lots of locals gathered so we went to see what it was about. Sadly, this was a body recovery where firstly a wheelchair was obtained from the waterway and then a body was lifted out.
All in plain view.
We then walked through the beautiful streets for ages. We saw street theatre and heard beautiful music. What an amazing place - it is a living museum. We then negotiated a ride in a vintage car. Great fun, and we visited some political sites as well as the famous Malecon. Followed by some mojitos listening to Cuban music. It is a wonderful city. Some interesting facts/observations:
- internet is hard to find. The government restricts this and also censors some content. Snapchat is not accessible. We have an ETECSA Card and this provides limited internet (timed) in a few locations across the city. One place is our hotel lobby. Hence you need to log off when finished to preserve your remaining balance. Sometimes it takes 30 minutes to even connect.
- There are no signs. When walking around, you may look in a door and then you can see it is a shop.
- There is no advertising.
- People are very friendly.
- The music is wonderful. And it’s everywhere.
- The buildings here, whether restored or in disrepair, both show what a wealthy place Havana once was. Even in the poorest of areas, the buildings provide a glimpse into the wealth of prior years with their shutters, balconies and columns.
- People have free health, education and housing here.
- Tourism is bringing new wealth. It is not a popular place for Americans to visit given the ongoing restrictions (Miami is only 180kms away), but everyone else comes!
- Our hotel is very nice! It is actually 2 hotels connected by an underground walkway - one quite modern and the other older. Both are very nice - our room is in the modern section. It is, of course, owned by the government. On our return to Havana at the end of our stay, we will stay in local accommodation on the Old Town.
- The cars! Of course, Havana is famous for these, but it is so nice to see them everywhere. And owners are polishing them when they are not being driven. At home, they are only collectors items.
- Cigars! Smoking is allowed everywhere. Our hotel has a cigar cart in the lobby that is wheeled around.
- Whilst it seems to be common knowledge that food in Cuba is terrible, this is not the case in Havana. We have found some great spots to eat with really good food! But, times are a changing!
Tim does like to check out local TV. He has enjoyed the U.S. masters golf - even if it was in Spanish. And there is a cartoon about the American president with the song .... “Donald Trump is the President”. It isn’t flattering...
On our final night in Havana (on this leg), we had read about a tapas bar with a great atmosphere and great food which turned out to be only 15 minutes walk. Havana is so incredible in that you can walk through dark streets that would in any other city fill you with trepidation, but here...there are absolute gems every 30 metres or so between the empty and deserted buildings. Our tapas bar was great - we had plantain chips and a spicy salsa that they said was inspired from India (was so good), and we had bruschetta, crochetes and beef tapas. And the best and biggest mojitos ever! I’m definitely going to take some tips home for my mojito making!
We have enjoyed Havana very much, but know we have one final night here before we go home! We are off to Vinales next!
Suey
2018-04-09
Love the selection of photos!! Love the colour and the buildings!! Also rather keen on the cars!! Amazing!! I also loved you fascinating bits and pieces!! Almost felt as if I was there with you!!