Cuba !!!

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Surprise...given that I was having one of those significant birthday's my cousin/friend suggested doing something completely different to celebrate this one . A "holiday" as opposed to travelling , an all inclusive instead of a hostel and one week instead of 8...truly decadent soaking up sunshine on a fantastic beach .

It was great!

The first few days we were dedicated to the beach and the sunshine and a wide variety of rum drinks . The food was plentiful although not very imaginative and the staff was there to make our stay even more pleasant . We then went into Havana for 2days and enjoyed seeing that grand OLD Spanish city . I can easily see spending more time there and in the country also . We then returned to the beach for 2 more days before out departure . A very affordable holiday in November and one I would recommend.

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Photos

Varadero Beach
22 miles long , clean and such a pleasure!

Beach Club
The first sunset we enjoyed . Each evening rum in hand and a small pizza made for us became a little ritual. How pleasant is that ...

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A gift from the hotel in honour of my B'day

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Birthday dinner at the Cuban restaurant . The ambiance was better than the food but it was wonderful none the less.

Highway to Havana
Cuba is beautiful .Trees , water ,fields ,sunshine...

Havana
The city from the Spanish fort of the 18th C. I was so surprised ! I wasn't expecting a modern city.

Lunch time Music
Music ALL the time EVERUWHERE!!! To be honest ,at times ,it got to be to much . But it was good. and the musicians seem to enjoy making it.

Governor's Mansion
From the Spanish times . A palace fit for a king..literally .There was accomodations within the palace for the king should he come to visit the colony.

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Pretty grand

Havana Cathedral
Begun by the Jesuits before they were expelled. Later finished by the Dominicans.

Plaza Cathedral
We had supper here and enjoyed the preformance of Cuban Culture . There were 2 dancers who were incredibly graceful combining Africa/island rythmns and ballet/modern dance.Excellent performance.

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The Capital and the Theatre . Beautiful buildings from the turn of the century .

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Local market

Musical
At a rest stop on the return to Varedaro .He was singing up a storm while making soe really fine Pina Coladas

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The 2nd last day was warm but cloudy and windy . The waves were quite spectacular.

Our resort
Taken from Xanadu , the Dupont House, next down the beach from us . It is now a club house for the golfcourse .

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Our last sunset

Comments

[R&C]

What a great b'day!
It looks like a lovely island. What a memorable way to turn 60. & you can be paid for it. That is good too. So nice they gave you the gift. Terrific! Now it is home & a chilly reality. Oh, well, you have Calgary to look forward to soon. Enjoy & take care. Tks. Love, R&C

[Shirley]

Where's the snow?
Looks like a superb way to usher in a new decade. Shirl

[anonymous]

Love you Portrait of a Pensioner

[lucille]

GREAT CHOICE
What a great choice you made to celebrate you becoming a senior-in-training -- thanks for sharing the pictures -- don't recall anyone showing pictures of their Cuban vacation that included the magnificent old buildings, dwelling instead on pictures of their very old cars. I'm curious why/when the Jesuits were expelled and not the Dominicans -- must look it up. Thanks again, lsb

[Cathy]

How wonderful!
The pictures are beautiful! Congratulations on your birthday and may you continue to find interesting ways to celebrate many more.