Another day, another country. It is a quick flight from Miami to Cuba, and with 8 charters a day it is relatively hassle free. Over half the folks flying to Cuba are Cuban-Americans going to visit family. Now that Cubans can own small shops and restaurants, family visiting from the states travel with enough luggage for a small army. Whatever the Cuban family is selling, they add to the inventory by bringing all they can each trip, including good old fashioned cash.
As we exited the airport, greeted by sunshine, a warm breeze and a mob of folks their to meet family, Paul and I were excited to see that the stories about all the old American cars in Cuba are true. From 1949 Chevs to 1961 Thunderbirds, your favorite is probably here. Some are beautifully restored, while others are clearly an amateur do-it-yourself project. Few cars are repainted a stock color. We were treated to neon green, metallic orange, Union Pacific yellow, fuchsia and most all other colors of the rainbow. We have yet to go for a ride. An hour of driving around in one of these classics is about $25 to $40 US dollars. As US credit cards are not accepted, we are hoarding our cash until we prioritize our spending. Not all vehicles are vintage. Only the US and some European allies still feel a need to shun trading with Cuba. China, Korea and Japan to name just a few are selling into this market, meaning vintage autos will be less common. Our bus is a new, comfortable Chinese model.
Our hotel, the Parque Central is a joint venture of a Spanish hotel chain and the Cuban government. There are many hotels and restaurants that are joint ventures. Old town Havana is where most of the classic hotels are located, as well as the bars Hemingway made famous. We did drop in to the Floridita for a daiquiri. Hemingway and the bartender dreamt it up. It was full of tourists smoking cigars, but worth the stop.
So far the food is okay. We expected lots of beans and rice. So far no beans, but have had rice a few meals. We get a beverage or two with each meal which includes beer or a cocktail. Wine is often extra. We have tried Cuban beer – Crystal is an okay lager, while Bucanero is a bit stronger lager. If you don’t speak up quick enough your first beverage is a mojito. As at home, some are better than others.
Our touring of Havana is primarily walking, visiting a school, learning about life here and the history. Next stop Trinidad.
