More Havana

Well the sun is still shining so I have done a little more exploring. First thing to note is the lack of general aggression in everyday life, no raised voices just laughter, feels quite safe. I did get stopped by the police whilst taking photographs in an area surrounded by foreign embassies, but that was only to tell me to carry my camera rather than have it over my shoulder, a friendly piece of advice, a wave, a smile and off we both went. I have already chatted to numerous cafe and shop owners who seems only too keen to ask you how you are, even getting invited “behind the shop counter” in order to enjoy my lunch in comfort. Nothing is too much trouble.

The poorer, and to be honest dirtier, part on central Havana does have life in every crevice, from barbers, fruit sellers, cafes, cobblers and the smell of the odd cigar and the the many bakeries. Metal carts rattling down the pot holed roads, kids playing football and neighbours just passing the time of day from their doorsteps or from the open doors and windows of their houses, that are there for all to see.

The current wealthier part of town does have the obviously (wealth then) early 20th century feel. Art deco and art nouveau, but with that decayed look. Some have been restored very well but for every 1 restored there are 10 that have not been. Also greenery and tree lined streets. A very pleasant place to aimlessly wander with the added benefit of the police looking after you (see above).

The cliche of old 1950s American cars has to be balanced with the vast numbers of Ladas, that normally goes unmentioned, but as a frequent passenger, it is the 1974 go anywhere, last for ever vehicle, it should not go unmentioned.

Manager, by a bit of persistence on my part to get a tour around a cigar factor this morning, the aroma and noise was terrific. It appears that Havana is very much lined up for the tour groups of which there are many but not for the lone traveller. A number of the big museums or tourist sites are being refurbished at present. Cuba certainly knows where the tourist money is. I, on the other hand have been spending it at the local shops and with the taxi drivers and cafe owners, who so I have been told, only have a little freedom to do what they want and every peso counts, so a coffee here and a cake there all puts a little more money into the local economy.

Off to get a hire car tomorrow for more adventures to the west. Pinar Del Rio to be exact.