Cuba Libre? Mojito ? Say no more. Caribbean here I come!
Yes, you read well. Cuba, officially the Republic of Cuba is a country comprising the island of Cuba, as well as Isla de la Juventud and several archipelagos. Cuba is located in the Caribbean where the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Atlantic Ocean meet. Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean with a population of approx. 11 mil.
However, the numbers mean nothing, what makes Cuba so special is people, the heart and the soul of this beautiful island!
Landing at José Martí International Airport, the airport is located in the province of La Habana, 15 km southwest of Havana (Cuba’s capital). Customs was fast and we had zero problems with coming into the country. However, we are Europeans coming with pre-stamped visas.I'mm not sure about USA passport requirements. Once we got our bags was time to leave the airport and hit the road Money exchange is the just out side of the airport, and yes you should change your money because in the city it won't be so easy, plus not everybody accepts US dollars. Taxi drive was way too expensive, but you don't really have another choice at this point.
Our room was in El Vedado. Its urban designed neighborhood, with beautiful houses and apartment buildings. It’s a great place to rent a house of character. Explore local sights during the day, and spend nights out in La Rampa, which is within walking distance. There are lots of bars, restaurants, and nightclubs here as well.
Once settled its time to explore. Problem with Cuba is, there is so much to see and not so much time. I stayed here for two weeks and I think I did the best I could. However, I will be coming back!
Like every tourist, Old Havana was Nr. 1 on my list, and I can say it did not disappoint. Style, vibes, culture, history everything can be found at one place. Old Havana is a beautiful historic town with amazing historical buildings which will bring you back in time. Lots of shops, bars, and restaurants. Music everywhere! Don't be surprised if people start dancing in the bars or in the streets, it is just the way things are around here.
But please, don't forget about the FOOOOD !
Food is amazing, no it's more than amazing. We had lunch in a place called Castillo de Farnes and we loved it. Definitely, worth recommends it.
As sunset is approaching more and more people are coming out, streets begin to flow with locals and tourists mixing in perfect symphony. Once the sun is about to set, grab a beer, cocktail or a wine and have a nice walk on Malecón. The Malecón (officially Avenida de Maceo) is 8 km long esplanade along the coast of Havana. From the Havana Harbor in Old Havana, along the north side of the Centro Habana neighborhood, ending in the Vedado. The Malecón is full with people, kids, street musicians and all other kinds of art performances. You can just sit and enjoy the views, or you can take a nice walk, all up to you.
Visiting Cuba won't be complete if you don't hear about their history from locals. Che Guevara, Cienfuegos, Castro, Batista and their Cuban cigars :) Did you know that Che smoked Montecristo and Castro Cohibas?
If you are being interested in history, visiting museum of the Revolution won't come as a surprise.
The Museum of the Revolution is a museum located in the Old Havana section of Havana. Primarily it was a house off all Cuban presidents from Mario García Menocal to Fulgencio Batista. It became the Museum of the Revolution during the years following the Cuban Revolution.
As my skin tone can confirm, taking the tour bus first day wasn't the brightest idea ever.
Cuba has a special place in my heart, and I am sure once you visit it its gonna come under your skin as well. Cuba is something special, like out of this world. I'm very happy I've seen it before western culture kicks in. No Starbucks, No Mcdonalds we didn't even have the internet and had the time of our lives!!
You are lucky you visited before Cuba is modernized. I imagine in ten years much will have changed, with many areas rehabilitated. All this provided the US and Cuba continue to normalize relations.
Thank you for your comment. But yeah I feel the same.
Very nice post @badbeh8vior! I'll follow you 😉
Thank you, dear, I will follow you back :)