Havana The Start

Cuba itself is a long banana shaped island, most suitable for hiring a car and going from one end, (Havana) to the other (Santiago De Cuba). As usual I have a rough plan, but let us just see where the island, its inhabitants and its flora and fauna take me. I may even get the chance to catch up with some of my relatives, that by pure coincidence just happen to on the island at the same time. Well, as Cuba is the home to fine cigars it would seem rude not to indulge, so it would with rum. Add to that a bit of salsa music and some warm sunshine and colonial architecture and it has all the ingredients of a fabulous time.

The trip very much got off to a fabulous start. Picked up at the airport by a taxi sent by the bed and breakfast. a 1958 Merc. A real family aireloom, as it used to belong to the drivers great grandmother, and has been handed down over the years. Do not slam the door was said for a very good reason. Greeted at the accommodation by an ice cold beer and a big fat Cuban Cohiba cigar. The omens are good. Spent the first evening with a young French couple wandering around the old part of Havana and listening for the salsa and son and watching the world go buy. Oh yes, and one more beer listening to great Cuban band. All very safe at night with everybody just getting on with life.

Today I  have been greeted by warm 27 degree bright sunshine, and at the end of January what better way to spend it than to wander around the wonderously varied streets of Havana. Taking it all in and taking some photographs, the odd coffee here and there. The classic stereo types are here with the old American cars, and the faded glamour of early 20th century architecture as well as other spanning the years to the mid 16th century, various colours various styles, but all with charm and oozing character (or looking a bit broken) it all depends on your perpective.

There is no obvious state control that I would have expected, just another Caribbean island carry on its day to day activities. I have now done a bit of Havana in Ernest. Both Hemmingway and Guevara (Che) the bar he frequent and the museum. You decide which one is which.

Yesterday afternoon sent sitting under the welcome shade of trees in a small square in the old part of town was very relaxing. Listening to the elderly accordian player entertaining the street cafe and, the sound of families chatting and living life on the door step… .literally.