Blogs from Cuba, Central America Caribbean - page 3

Fog misted our goodbyes to the beautiful valley of Viñales. We left at 8:00 for a long day of driving from the far western part of the island to Cienfuegosin the south-central region. Early morning was busy in the villages. Even outside the villages, small groups of people and individuals lined the road seeking transportation. In every village horse-and-carts moved goods and people around. Other people walked steadily, making their way to various destinations. On the porches of some houses, family members sat peaceably as the day began. The road became busy with trucks, a few cars, motor bikes, bicycles, and our bus. Mid-morning we stopped at a small café, built for the purpose of supplying travelers with services, including drinks and toilets; it charged for parking. Our route took us towards Havana, and the increase ... read more

At 6:30 pm I am sitting on a swinging chair overlooking the astounding Viñales Valley, a World Heritage site. An almost full moon is shining down the valley. Rounded karst mountains stretch along the horizon, facing into the fast-falling dusk. The hotel is called the Horizontes Los Jazmines, because some rooms (as is our privilege) range along a downwards slope opposite the mountains, all with this breathtaking view. We arrived here after a long day of driving and sight seeing. Leaving Havana was a history lesson through architecture. Just outside the city centre is the district of Miramar, which in the 1930s was built by the monied to escape the press of ordinary people. Further on, in the 1940s and ... read more

Last night my plane landed at 11:48 pm, which technically meant we arrived today, since we didn’t clear immigration and customs until well after midnight. My seat-mate and I exchanged jokey remarks about not adhering to our visas. In spite of scary warnings about what might be asked at immigration, the process was conducted in grim silence and satisfying efficiency. Luggage took much longer, because it was unloaded by hand. With my usual relief, I found the designated taxi driver, and we drove for about half an hour into the centre of the dark city. He kindly came into the lobby to make sure the hotel would admit me, which they did graciously. The Capri Hotel is a slightly less expensive place, recommended by Eldertreks for the extra night. According to an online review it is ... read more

Our host offered to give us a customized driving tour this day. It was going to be a hot one. He gave us suggestions and then we could add or subtract things. Once settled, we were on our way. He first drove us to the little town of Cojimar. This is where Hemingway got inspiration for "The Old Man and The Sea". I really liked what I was seeing here, and thought that on a return visit, maybe we'd stay here. After walking around for an hour or so, he took us to the stadium that hosted the 1991 Pan American Games. We went inside to look around and there were some track teams practicing. Next up was a visit to the Christ statue, where there were some great views of the city. After this he ... read more

Ever since I visited Havana in January 2018, I have wanted to go back. I really like it there, and love seeing it before it becomes spoiled with commercialism. This time my wife came along, and since she speaks Spanish, it was very helpful. We were wanting to do a short getaway and Havana was perfect for that. My wife was not keen on Cuba for political reasons, and while I get it, I told her that we are not going for the politics, but for the people. We headed out early on Delta flight 1575 to Atlanta on a 737-900 aircraft. In Atlanta, we ate some Panda Express for lunch. In the afternoon, we boarded Delta Connection flight 5201, a CRJ-900 to Havana. We cleared for first class on the flight and I was able ... read more