Take a stroll back in time and re discover yourself
Take me back is all I want to scream now, yet my first interaction with the largest island in the Caribbean wasn't so ummm obsessed?
As much homework as I had done about Cuba, upon arriving, I was in complete shock. I didn't grow up in a first world country, I have traveled and lived in post war countries, YET, I was left speechless about the living conditions and started counting the days until I left. This moment of shock quickly went away as I fell in love with the Island and the people ( as you will see, I came back to Cuba for round 2 , Veradero) and I am so excited to share that journey with you.
To start off, a trip to Cuba is NOT what you ( I ) would of imagined, it isn't fabulous or glamorous but its magical! If you are a fan of convenience and having luxury and relaxation on your vacation, this trip probably shouldn't make your top 10. If you are a history junkie, able to look past not having hot water occasionally, being social media disconnected from the world and going back in time...CUBA awaits you!
My biggest advice to you is to do your research before you go to learn about the history and what you’d like to get out of the trip. I watched the Netflix : Cuban Revolution series which help you get a basic grasp of Cuba over the past 150 or so years. By doing your homework, you will gain even more out of your trip!
My 2nd advise is ...bring your spices with you. I am so serious! Cuba has access to limited imports and the majority on their food is seasoned with salt and garlic...to me that was extremely bland, and the second time, I brought packs on black pepper to help with the taste!
Exchange your $$$ ahead of time, if you are coming from the U.S. ; the U.S. Dollar is subject to a 10% fee . I exchanged dollars into Euro's before going on the trip - then upon arriving you have two options ; there are Cadecas ( exchange shops throughout Habana that will exchange into local currencies, OR the hotels can...if you are a guest...or you ask nicely :) highly recommend that you don’t do it at the airport as the rates are lower
Cuba has two different currencies.
CUC –Cuban Convertible Peso ( Pictures of monuments) The CUC is widely used by the tourist and is equal to typically 25 CUP
CUP - Cuban Peso ( Pictures of national heroes)
NO U.S. based debit or credit cards are accepted in CUBA; bring more cash then you need to for unexpected expenses
SHELTER
Hotels are expensive (over $400 a night!! ) and don’t give you a true local experience. Recently, the government has allowed for Cubans to rent out rooms in their houses which are called CASA PARTICULARES and there is AirBnB . Much cheaper and an authentic experience!
I stayed in Habana Centro instead of the touristy “ La Habana Vieja” ; they are 10 min walking from each other and a world apart http://www.roomshavanaopen.com/ - I stayed at Carlos & Nereida’s house (both trips) ; AMAZING hosts, fantastic location ( Calle Escobar) They will also help you arrange pick up and drop off from the airport...AND offer delicious breakfast for few CUCs
FOOD/ COMIDA
Do not expect the typical Cuban food that you are used in the States and around the world. Cubans use only what's in season and what they have access to...a lot of rice of course, beans and pork
Privadas – private restaurants at local’s houses is the best way to experience the cuisine
PIZZA is great! No, really! Right off the street for a CUC or two.
La Guarida- probably my favorite...SO much history, beautfil old mansion , great food ...rooftop AND Fresa y Chocolate was filmed there...reservation is a must ( you can call ahead of time from abroad..or stop by when you get to Habana )
San Cristobal- you HAVE to make a reservation ; Obama ate there! They might also give you a keepsake cigar at the end of your meal
Ambos Mundos- rooftop paella & arroz con pollo! Stunning views of the harbor and overlooks Habana Vieja
Casa Concordia is a brand new private restaurant that we went eat at every night. Beautiful garden rooftop and yummy food! Tell Alejandro I said hi :)
The Churros on the streets are excellent too.
Take advantage of all the seasonal fresh fruit, Jugos de frutas ( fruit juices, especially the guava ) and the side walk coconuts.
DRINKS/ BEBIDAS
Cubans drink their rum straight and prefer Ron Santiago..cheaper than the Havana Club and in my opinion, stronger! Most popular cocktails: Cubanito, Cuba Libre, Mojito, Pina Colada ( go to Ambos Mundos for the best one I had! )
MUST DO's
Fabrica de Artes Cubano– where young Cubans go to hang out and share their art. Most nights there is live music and it’s a lot of fun. Get there EARLY! The line is super long
Bolahabana- a local nightclub with a modern flavor; good drinks, great music, awesome crowd
La Casa De Musica – lounge ! Miramar for a more local flavor, La Hahana Vieja for a mix
Museo de la Revolucion - if you like history, you will truly enjoy!
Museo de artes Bellas – museum of fine arts
Museo de Tabacco - small but you might be able to score some great cigars at a good price!
MALECON – look it up & go! If you catch a full moon, its breathtaking to see how the water breaks into the wall and spills into the highway - Locals go there to catch the sunset and drink rum
Morro – the castle on the other side of Habana, you have to take a cab over, go at sunset…the way the sun kisses Habana is priceless.
Plaza de Revolucion - if you rent a car tour, your driver will most likely take you there...at this plaza , Fidel Castro would frequently address the people of Cuba...you will see a wall portraits of Che Guevara & Camilo Cienfuegos
Its 9' oclock in Habana - save the "time" and head over to Castillo San Carlos de la Cabana an hour or so before 9pm to take a part of an ancient ceremony ( over 400 years! ) as the "gates" to the city close with a loud bang...of a REAL CANNONS! There are shops and museums at the Fortress too for your entertainment.
if you make your way into one of the hotels by Parque Central, their rooftops have stunning views of the city...some have pools...a couple of CUC's will go a long way!
Getting around
So many cab options, from a pedi cab to a coco taxi to a 1953 Cadillac to the bus. Try them ALL! For 50 CUC or so, you can have you own private driver take you in an old school American Automobile around the city
MISCELLANEOUS
Bring toiletries , basic medicine ( pain relievers….etc) tissues ...flashlight ( Habana is dark at night )
Habana is HOT in the summer time and a lot of places do not have A.C....my first time on the island was in December and the weather then is a lot more tolerable.
New Years in Habana - NYE is a family holiday in Cuba so don't expect to be partying into the early hours at a club with locals. Right at midnight, stay OFF the streets...as per tradition, the residents through water...eggs....onto the streets to celebrate the cleanse from one year to the other...and THEN the party begins!
Leave behinds...the people of Cuba don't have access to a lot of modern day goodies that we do...something as little as good pens or a new baseball! I brought some clothes I no longer needed, make up , snacks...the people were SO grateful and appreciative!
So what made me fall in love with this country that has been left behind, lacks toilet seats and homes are falling apart? It was the people.... the most humble, caring and community oriented people I have ever met. We made friends with the locals and everyone took us in like a family....
Until next time Habana...
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