HAVANA, CUBA
Our adventure in Havana, Cuba, began as we stepped off the plane and were greeted by the warm Caribbean breeze. The vibrant energy of the city enveloped us as we made our way to the historical district, where our accommodations awaited. The streets were alive with the rhythmic sounds of salsa music and the aroma of Cuban cigars hung in the air.
Our home for the next few days was a charming casa particular, a private bed and breakfast nestled in one of the colonial-era buildings that lined the cobblestone streets. The architecture spoke of a bygone era, with colorful facades and intricate wrought-iron balconies. It was like stepping back in time to a place where history and culture converged.
Each morning, we woke to the sound of roosters crowing and the distant hum of life in the city. We would venture out onto the streets, ready to explore all that Havana had to offer. The historical district, or Habana Vieja, was a labyrinth of narrow alleyways and hidden courtyards, each corner revealing a new piece of the city's rich past. We spent our days wandering through the streets, marveling at the grandeur of the colonial-era buildings and soaking in the vibrant street life. Everywhere we turned, there was something new to discover—a hidden cafe serving strong Cuban coffee, a bustling market filled with colorful produce, or a lively plaza where locals gathered to dance and socialize.
As we wandered through the markets, we couldn't help but be struck by the resilience of the Cuban people. Despite facing economic challenges and limited resources, they had found innovative ways to supplement their incomes and make ends meet. For many vendors, selling produce and goods at the markets was not just a way to earn a living—it was a way to support their families and preserve their cultural heritage. But it wasn't just fruits and vegetables that filled the markets. We also discovered stands selling some of Cuba's most famous exports—rum, cigars, and coffee. The scent of freshly roasted coffee beans mingled with the sweet aroma of tobacco, creating an intoxicating blend that lingered in the air. Bottles of aged rum on thier tables, their labels bearing the names of famous Cuban distilleries, and cigars.
The Capitolio building stood as a majestic sentinel, its neoclassical architecture commanding attention from every angle. As we approached, we were awestruck by its grandeur—the towering dome, the sweeping staircase, the intricate detailing that adorned its exterior.
Exploring Havana's rich tapestry of historical landmarks was an unforgettable journey through time and culture. Each monument, each building, held within it centuries of stories, whispers of the past echoing through the cobblestone streets and ornate facades.
Next, we made our way to the Cathedral of Havana, a masterpiece of Spanish colonial architecture that loomed large against the skyline. Its towering spires seemed to reach for the heavens, while its intricately carved facade told the story of Cuba's complex history. Inside, shafts of sunlight filtered through stained glass windows, casting a kaleidoscope of colors on the ancient stone floors. We stood in silent reverence, soaking in the spiritual energy of this sacred space, before venturing outside to explore the cathedral's sprawling courtyard, where lush greenery and vibrant flowers framed the centuries-old facade.
Plaza de la Revolución, or Revolution Square, is not just a physical space in Havana, Cuba; it's a symbol of the country's tumultuous history, its revolutionary spirit, and its enduring resilience. At the center of the square stood the iconic José Martí Memorial, a towering white marble monument dedicated to the Cuban national hero. Martí, a poet, writer, and revolutionary, played a pivotal role in the fight for Cuban independence from Spanish colonial rule. His words, etched into the walls of the monument, served as a rallying cry for freedom and justice, inspiring generations of Cubans to stand up and fight for their rights.
As we stood in Plaza de la Revolución, our eyes were drawn to the massive murals adorning the buildings flanking the square. These towering images depicted two of Cuba's most iconic revolutionary figures—Fidel Castro and Che Guevara—in larger-than-life detail, their faces etched in bold strokes of paint that seemed to leap off the walls and into the hearts of the Cuban people. The first mural, emblazoned on the side of the Ministry of the Interior building, depicted the enigmatic figure of Che Guevara, his gaze fixed in a steely stare that seemed to pierce through the very fabric of history. With his trademark beret perched atop his head and his iconic beard framing his face, Che exuded an aura of revolutionary fervor and unwavering determination. Behind him, the words "Hasta la Victoria Siempre" (Always, until Victory) served as a rallying cry for the Cuban people
On the opposite side of the square, the Ministry of Communications building bore another striking mural—this one depicting Fidel Castro, the charismatic leader of the Cuban Revolution. With his piercing eyes and his commanding presence, Fidel stood as a symbol of defiance and defiance, his image immortalized in vibrant shades of red and black. Behind him, the words "Vas Bien, Fidel" (You're doing fine, Fidel) served as a testament to the enduring love and admiration that the Cuban people felt for their leader, even in the face of adversity.
But perhaps the most awe-inspiring moments of our journey came as we climbed to the top of Havana's ancient fortresses—Castillo De San Salvadore a symbols of the city's resilience and strength. From the ramparts we gazed out across the shimmering waters of the Caribbean, watching as waves crashed against the rocky cliffs below. The salty breeze kissed our cheeks as we took in the panoramic views, feeling as though we were standing on the edge of the world.
In historic Havana, the Spanish plazas of Plaza Vieja and Plaza San Francisco stand as living testaments to the city's rich colonial past and vibrant cultural heritage. Plaza San Francisco, anchored by the majestic Basilica Menor de San Francisco de Asís, radiates a sense of tranquility and serenity. Surrounded by grand colonial mansions and shaded by towering royal palms, the plaza offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city, providing a quiet oasis where visitors can pause and reflect on Havana's storied past. Meanwhile, Plaza Vieja, with its elegant architecture and bustling atmosphere, serves as a hub of activity, where locals and visitors alike gather to socialize, dine, and soak in the lively ambiance. Lined with colorful buildings dating back to the 17th century, the plaza exudes a sense of old-world charm, inviting exploration and discovery around every corner. Together, these Spanish plazas serve as integral components of historic Havana, preserving its architectural legacy and cultural identity for generations to come.
Wandering the streets of Havana is like stepping into a vintage automobile museum, where every turn reveals a treasure trove of classic cars from decades past. The city's streets are lined with a colorful array of vintage vehicles, their sleek lines and vibrant paint jobs a testament to a bygone era. Many of these cars have been lovingly restored to their former glory, gleaming under the Caribbean sun as they ferry tourists around the city on guided tours.
In a city where time seems to stand still, the presence of these classic cars serves as a poignant reminder of Havana's storied past and uncertain future. Whether gleaming and restored or weathered and worn, each car is a symbol of Cuba's enduring spirit, a testament to the ingenuity and determination of its people. And as we bid farewell to Havana, we carried with us the memories of these iconic automobiles, a lasting reminder of the city's timeless charm.
As we explored Havana, we marveled at the sight of these beautifully preserved automobiles, each one a piece of living history. From sleek convertibles to rugged trucks, every make and model seemed to have a story to tell, a journey that had taken it from the bustling streets of 1950s America to the cobblestone lanes of Cuba's capital city. Yet, amid the polished chrome and glossy paintwork, we also noticed a different side to Havana's automotive landscape. Despite the influx of restored classics, a significant portion of the city's traffic still consisted of older cars that locals had kept running through sheer ingenuity and determination. These cars, though perhaps not as flashy as their restored counterparts, were no less impressive, their engines humming with the steady rhythm of perseverance.
As we explored Havana, we marveled at the sight of these beautifully preserved automobiles, each one a piece of living history. From sleek convertibles to rugged trucks, every make and model seemed to have a story to tell, a journey that had taken it from the bustling streets of 1950s America to the cobblestone lanes of Cuba's capital city. Yet, amid the polished chrome and glossy paintwork, we also noticed a different side to Havana's automotive landscape. Despite the influx of restored classics, a significant portion of the city's traffic still consisted of older cars that locals had kept running through sheer ingenuity and determination. These cars, though perhaps not as flashy as their restored counterparts, were no less impressive, their engines humming with the steady rhythm of perseverance.
In Havana, Cuba, the spirit of Ernest Hemingway lives on in the city's legendary bars, each one a time capsule of the writer's storied past and enduring legacy. On the last day before our new friend Nick who was also staying at our hotel left to go home we deceided to go tourist and visit the Hemingway bars with him. From the historic confines of La Floridita to the laid-back atmosphere of El Floridita, these bars offer visitors a chance to step back in time and immerse themselves in the world of one of the 20th century's greatest literary figures.
Our first stop was La Floridita, often referred to as "The Cradle of the Daiquiri," is perhaps the most famous of Hemingway's haunts. Located in the heart of Old Havana, this iconic bar was a favorite watering hole of the author during his time in Cuba. Of course we enjoyed the bar's signature daiquiri, made with fresh lime juice, rum, and a touch of sugar. The walls of La Floridita are adorned with photographs and memorabilia commemorating Hemingway's visits, serving as a reminder of his enduring connection to the city.
Our next stop was Nestled within the narrow streets of Old Havana where there is a gem of a bar La Bodeguita del Medio. But to truly understand the allure of this iconic establishment, one must delve into the storied past of its most famous patron, Ernest Hemingway. For Hemingway, La Bodeguita was more than just a bar; it was a sanctuary—a place where he could escape the pressures of fame and immerse himself in the vibrant rhythms of Cuban life. It was here, amidst the clinking of glasses and the strains of live music, that he found inspiration for some of his most enduring works.
The walls of La Bodeguita are adorned with photographs and memorabilia commemorating Hemingway's visits, serving as a tangible reminder of his enduring connection to the bar. His presence can still be felt in every corner, from the weathered barstools where he once sat to the handwritten notes adorning the walls—a testament to the enduring legacy of one of literature's greatest figures. Here we drank their specialty Mojito drink. We discussed that it was not in fact the best mojito in town but we preferred another.
Ah, earlier the quest for the perfect mojito led us to an unexpected gem nestled among the winding streets of Havana. It was none other than "Mojito Mojito," aptly named for its renowned signature drink. But our experience transcended mere refreshment; it was an immersion into the heart and soul of Cuban culture.
As we sipped on our exquisite cocktails, the lively rhythm of a local band filled the cantina, infusing the air with the infectious energy of Cuban music. From the soulful melodies of the guitar to the rhythmic beat of the conga drums, each note seemed to tell a story—a tale of passion, resilience, and unbridled joy. And as we savored our drinks and indulged in a delicious lunch, we couldn't help but be swept away by the music, feeling the spirit of Havana come alive around us. It was a moment of pure magic, a celebration of life and love, and a reminder of the timeless allure of Cuban music.
As the evening unfolded, we decided to treat Nick to a memorable experience at our beloved rooftop bar and restaurant. Situated within close proximity to our hotel, this hidden gem offered unparalleled views of the sunset painting the old city in hues of gold and crimson. However, finding the entrance proved to be a delightful challenge, as it was discreetly marked by a lone door on the street adorned with a distinctive Panama hat sign. Beyond that unassuming entrance lay a staircase leading to the rooftop, where culinary delights and breathtaking vistas awaited us.
Yarini charms diners with its two-tier rooftop layout offering stunning views and delectable Cuban cuisine. Seated on the upper terrace, we enjoyed a bird's-eye perspective of the bustling lower rooftop eatery. MK and I relished a shared delight—the savory Ropa Vieja Con Arroz Y Frijoles, paired perfectly with the refreshing local concoction, Limonada Negro, infused with activated charcoal.
It happened that the evening we brought Nick along coincided with a night when the restaurant transitioned into a lively nightclub. Initially turned away for dinner, we were later offered the option to pay a cover fee for dining access. As darkness fell, the lower rooftop area beneath us underwent a vibrant metamorphosis into a pulsating club scene, complete with live music and energetic dancing. The club was brimming with youthful revelers, likely hailing from affluent or politically connected backgrounds, evident from the cover charge and the pricey drinks that exceeded the means of most Cubans.
While heading back towards the town center, we unexpectedly crossed paths with one of the security personnel from our hotel and his wife. They kindly invited us to join them at a local bar, where we enjoyed drinks together and exchanged stories about our families and life in Havana. The bar had a charming tradition of allowing visitors to leave their mark by signing their names on a wall. In honor of the occasion, MK left our signature on the wall, a small token of our memorable encounter for posterity.
On a Sunday afternoon, we strolled through the town, admiring the vibrant street art adorning the walls. After exploring the bustling street market along the main thoroughfare leading from the capital to Castillo De San Salvador Del la Punta, we paused to take in the panoramic view of modern Havana's skyline.One Sunday we were walking around town looking at the street art, after visiting the street market on the main street that leads from the capital down to the Castillo De San Salvadore Del a Punta, where we could see the skyline of modern Havana.
