CUBA

CUBA

Friday 8^th of May

Finally, we are in Cuba!!

Today we arrived at the capital, Havana. It was always my dream to come here. I’ve seen the movie “dirty dancer 2” a thousand times. This movie was filmed in Havana, such a beautiful city!

First we checked in at our hotel, after that we searched for a nice restaurant. La Casa, the restaurant has been operating out of this gorgeous Californian-style home since 1995 and everyone from Matt Dillon to Diego Maradona has enjoyed its Spanish tapas, Italian pastas and French pastries. The current buzz is around sushi Thursdays; chef Yuki prepares the freshest sushi, tempura, nori and teriyaki dishes here each week. We couldn’t wait untill midnight to go to a salsa club! We were so excited, it was just as in the movie! Everybody is dancing, the music was fantastic.

Early in the morning we went back to our hotel.

Goodnight!

Xxx

Saterday the 9^th of May

We stayed for a long time in our beds, we were so tired after a night dancing. But in the afternoon we visited Cathedral Square. Surrounded by opulent mansions, this ancient square comprises the recently restored Plaza Vieja (Old Square) and Francis of Assisi square. On the former stands the San Juan de Jaruco mansion; on the latter are the church and convent of the same name. One of the convent’s cloisters houses the Museum of Sacred Art. This was really beautiful, you must see this!

 After visiting the cathedral we ate in a park. In the evening we went to a bar to discuss what we want to see the next day here in Cuba. After that we went to our beds.

Byee xx

Sunday the 10^th of May

Today we visited Trinidad. Our first thing that we wanted to do was visiting Yerette. It was not an easy place to find but well worth the effort so don't be put off by the lack of street signs. Yheo, the owner, is very good at giving directions over the phone if you get lost. After you arrive, Theo gives a presentation which gives you an idea of what amazing creatures hummingbirds are. It's not a brief presentation and small children might get a tad restless but it was very entertaining. Then you have time to wander through the garden and find yourself surrounded by a variety of the most beautiful hummingbirds!! You are also given some light refreshments and then Theo shows you a slideshow he has put together of some of his best photos...these are beautiful and you can buy copies if you want. A fabulous way to spend a morning.. we loved it !

In the afternoon we visited La Brea Pitch Lake. This place looks like out of world. You will see this place hides so much in it, rusitng iron, sulphur, fresh tar coming from earth and thena spring of water. You need to have guide which is from government and charge 30 TTD per person and its worth trying. I will recommend you to go in the evening as during day, it will hot with sun on and lake is all black so intensify the heat further.

After this we went back to Havana.

Goodnight x

Monday 11^th of May

Today we visited old Havana. I liked everything and disliked nothing. The sights, sounds and even smells combined to fascinate me as I strolled the streets with our excellent guide. We were able to engage in many different conversations on a variety of topics with local residents visit briefly in a couple of homes, and buy an item or two in the many tiny shops. Dodging taxis drawn by horses and bicyclists and 1950's vintage automobiles proved to be a lot of fun too. Any anxiety that I may have felt at the beginning of my time in Old Havana was quickly gone thanks to the friendliness and openness of the people I met there.

It was midnight when we were back at our hotel.
Now we go to sleep, tomorrow is our last day in Cuba!

Goodnight x

Tuesday 12^th of May

Now we’re on our way to Mexico! This morning we visited the university of Havana. What a beautiful campus! A must visit!! Education in Cuba is free and the population is highly literate. The campus is beautiful and they welcome students from all over the world.

Now I have to say goodbye, we write you when we are in Mexico!

See you soon!

Xxx Femke Raman

Sources:
- http://www.worldtravelguide.net/cuba
- http://www.reizen-en-reistips.nl/bestemmingen/noord-amerika-midden-amerika/cuba/
- https://www.gapyear.com/articles/193379/10-of-the-coolest-things-to-do-in-cuba