Cuba Reflections

Cuba was magical. My first thought when I stepped out of the airport was, "This is Nigeria!", I guess nomads always try to find a sense of home at every stop. The ride from the airport didn't offer very much visual stimulation and I worried that I might be disappointed. I wasn't. As soon as the taxi turned towards Old Havana, I was immediately catapulted to another time and place. Now this was the Cuba of my imagination with cobblestone streets, palm trees, baroque and spanish colonial-style buildings. The architecture is ancient and majestic. There were people everywhere but not in the crowded sort of way that you find in say, Mexico city, but instead locals strolling around, people sitting on stoops, playing chess and mixing with tourists anxious to experience it all. I would soon learn that Cubans take a laissez-faire approach to life and don't sweat the small stuff - like wifi connection :)

One of the first views of Old Havana I captured riding in town from the airport.

Copyrighted Moni Ufomata www.milesandbraids.com

Not one to waste time, I dropped off my bags at the casa particular (bed and breakfast) where I was staying to begin exploring Old Havana on foot. There's no better way to experience Old Havana but when you need to venture to other sites in greater Havana, then a pedicab or horse drawn carriage is a welcome reprieve from walking. 

Copyrighted by Moni Ufomata www.milesandbraids.com

Of course, the colorful old American cars are a great draw and serve as taxis all over Havana. When they are parked together, it's like a scene right out an old Mafia movie and quite fascinating. 

Do we pass at all for Mafia dons or gangsters? :)

I was happy that the very first restaurant/bar I visited had live music and great mojitos - that would become ubiquitous to my time in Cuba :). Cuban bartenders are a heavy pour with the rum so beware! I love how much music and dancing  is a part of every day life in Cuba and of course, I joined in. 

Photo credit: Jide Alakija

Cuba offers rich history, culture and amazing sites. Cuba is a unique island and set apart from a lot of the other caribbean islands and I've been to several. Cuba's greatest asset is its people. I found many people to be engaging, nice and converse easily even with limited Spanish speakers - like me. I enjoyed speaking with older Cubans and hearing about their life stories and feeling their pride for their nationality.

Havana is easy to navigate and the streets are well labeled. Cubans count "blocks" similar to Americans and so it was easy to get directions. I have a terrible sense of direction for someone who travels so much but grateful that my travel buddy, Jide, had better navigational skills and kept us on track. Still, get a map! It'll help you locate the historic avenidas (avenues) and plazas.

Me: which direction is North?

Overall, I say, go to Cuba not expecting great luxury but to experience a rich culture full of old world charm and mystic. I was glad to experience Havana now before the influx of American tourists but also grateful to see Viñales and Varadero. It's important to venture outside of Havana to see how vast and different the entire island is and experience some countryside and beach life. All in all, go there and be open, wear comfortable shoes and please dance. 

Dancing the night away at the La Casa de la Musica, Havana

Photo credit: Jide Alakija

Tips for planning a trip to Cuba

American citizens are only permitted travel to Cuba under certain, approved categories. Although  travel restrictions still exist, it's good to remember that the restrictions are self regulated. In other words, if you go to Cuba for humanitarian purposes, show proof of visit to a charity or church then, you're good. There's also the option of traveling through Mexico, Canada or any other country and you can purchase a visa at the airport and ask for your visa card (unattached to your passport) to get the stamp, not your actual passport. Get it?

Booking Accommodation: I recommend staying at the less expensive casa particulars and I reserved my stay via www.bbinnvinales.com

Money Conversion: Cuba has two currencies: Cuban Convertible Pesos (CUC) or the local Cuban Pesos (CUP). CUC is universally accepted. Exchange rates are the same all over the country so if you go to a bank or a Casa de cambia (money exchange place) you'll get the same price. Note: the Cuban government charges 10% on exchange of American dollars.

Things to take: comfort shoes, a hat, sunscreen and some snacks. People appreciate gifts of office supplies or household items as a token for taking their picture. As usual, always ask before you take someone's picture. I found people open and accommodating to being photographed. It's rude to assume it's okay to shove a camera in someone's face, so do ask. 

Activities to Plan: I highly recommend planning a tour with Havana Journeys (http://www.havanajourneys.com/en). Make a reservation via the website and they pick you up right at your location and take you around all the must see spots in Havana. Book with them for Viñales as well.

Be sure to eat at:

Cafe Eutimia Callejon del Chorro # 60-C | Plaza de la Catedral, Havana Cuba

Restaurant 304 O'Reilly Street O'Reilly #304 | Habana & Aguiar, Havana, Cuba