You birthday gift is reliving one of our "once in a lifetime trips" when we found ourselves taking a charter flight to Havana, Cuba. People were asking us, “You can go to Cuba now?” I managed to get us a legal religious exemption.” I am confident that when you look through these photos, Joe, you’ll experience instant recall. Like when you got stopped and searched due to having brought thousands and thousands worth of camera equipment subject to Cuban governmental regulations. Fortunately, they let you through with just a warning.
Remember visiting the renovated UNESCO World Heritage Site in Habana Vieja on a free walking tour? Walking along the iconic ocean-front Malecon, flanked by crashing waves with a view of the havana skyline. Seeing the Buena Vista Social Club perform. Experiencing the flavors of Cuban cuisine in Havana’s enterprising private restaurants. Visiting El Rum Rum de la Habana, a wine and cigar establishment.
Visiting the schools and surprising the young students with free soccer balls and harmonicas. Visiting the art works of Jose Fuster, who is often referred to “Picasso of the Caribbean,” known for his colorful whimsical art works. Visiting Ernest Hemmingway’s home and boat, and having a drink at “El Floridita” in the heart of Havana, Hemmingways favorite watering hole.
Hitting the beach at Varadero resort where Canadians and Europeans mostly go. Seeing some of the more than 60,000 classic American cars that hail from the 1940s and 1950s. They are the island’s timeless treasures. The mardi gras-type parades, colorful elder ladies smoking big coveted Cuban cigars. And of course the colorful people we met along the way, including our young guide whose grandmother fought with the late Fidel Castro, and so much more. Wow!
