Cuba — Globe Hopping with Irma

What to do in Havana in four days

Cuba is magnificent jewel in the Caribbean. Our brief stay there exceeded our expectations by far and we completely forgotten how our bags took such a long time to arrive, or the people who started lighting their cigarettes inside the airport terminal while we were waiting for our bags! Entering the capital city Havana is like going into a time warp in the 1950s, with beautiful old colonial buildings and well-maintained vintage cars. Despite the continuing economic hardships resulting from the US embargo since the 1960s, I find the people cheerful, friendly and willing to help in instances such as getting lost or asking for directions. My husband and I love the country and enjoyed our time tremendously, although we spent most of our time in Havana and had to return a day earlier because of Hurricane Irma. We will definitely return one day. My advice to those who have not and wish to go: GO NOW!

The Republic of Cuba is situated in the northern Caribbean where the Caribbean Sea, Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico all meet. It is located to the south of the US State of Florida and the Bahamas, north of Jamaica and west of Haiti. The country comprises of the main island of Cuba, together with the Isla de la Juventud and many other smaller islands. Cuba is also the largest island in the Caribbean, measuring around 42,426 sqm, with a population of over 11 million people. The capital and largest city is Havana, located on the north shore of the main island. Today, it remains governed by the Unitary Marxist-Leninist one-party socialist republic, led by President Raul Castro, who is the brother of Fidel Castro, the former leader of the country since the Cuban revolution in 1959.

Cuba was inhabited by Amerindian tribes prior to the Spanish rule in late 15th century: the Taino; Guanajatabey; and Ciboney; who migrated from South America. The country remained under Spanish rule up to the Spanish-American War of 1898 when Cuba gained nominal independence. In 1902, it became a de facto US protectorate. Fulgencio Batista was elected President from 1940 to 1944 and became the US-backed dictator from 1952 to 1959. The Cuban Revolution took place in 1959 after mounting political radicalisation and social strife, when Batista was overthrown. Fidel Castro took over the leadership of the country and by 1965, the country was governed by the Communist Party of Cuba.

During the cold war between the US and USSR and following the disastrous Bay of Pigs Invasion in 1961, a nuclear war nearly broke out during the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis. After a long period of tensed negotiations between President Kennedy and Premier Krushchev, war was avoided. This led to a series of agreements that have eventually reduced the tension between the two countries over the following years. However, the US embargo since then has not been lifted and has had negative impact on the country’s economy.

Although geographically Cuba is considered a Caribbean nation, it is culturally viewed on as part of South America. It is a multi-ethnic nation where people, culture and customs originated from many different regions in the area. Today, the economy is dominated by exports of sugar, tobacco, coffee and skilled labour. Tourism is also increasing on its importance for the country’s income over the past several years. In 2015, it ranked 65th in the world in terms of total GDP and 104th in terms of per capita GDP.

My husband and I have been wanting to visit Cuba for many years- it has been on the top of our bucket list for quite some time. We finally went in September 2017. It was not good idea, since it is hurricane season! We managed to get home one day earlier, just before Hurricane Irma started to hit the main island. We were lucky since many of the European tourists had to be evacuated to Havana and were stuck there for days or some even weeks! Therefore, plan your trip to Cuba carefully and avoid the hurricane season. Having said this, I personally think Cuba is among my most favourite destinations and I highly recommend you to visit this beautiful nation. The country is rich in history and the city of Havana offers you many sights and there is an abundance of art, culture and entertainment in the city.

HAVANA

Havana is the capital and largest city in the country, with a population of over 2 million people and area of 281.2 sqm. It is also a major port, a leading commercial centre for the country and the fourth largest metropolitan area in the Caribbean. Havana was founded during the 16th century by the Spanish. Because of its strategic location, the city served as a transit point for treasure-laden Spanish ships returning to Spain as well as the springboard for the Spanish conquest of the continent.

Today, contemporary Havana is divided into three parts: Old Havana, Vedado and the more recently developed suburban districts. In 1982, Old Havana was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Havana is such a unique city that gives you the feeling that you are going back in a time tunnel to the 1950s with its American vintage cars and old run-down colonial and traditional buildings. However, the city offers you art, culture, architecture, culinary and history as well- a combination you can rarely find in another city in the world. You can also party into the night while drinking daiquiris, rum and mojito while dancing to the salsa and mamba.

Enjoy this remarkable city!

Airport:

Havana Jose Marti International.

Recommended Airlines:

Air Europa, Iberia, Air France, Virgin Atlantic and Aero Mexico.

Public Transport:

Yellow and Vintage Taxis and Buses.

Recommended Hotels:

Nacional de Cuba (highly recommended) , Kempinski, Melia Cobinha, Saratoga, IBEROSTAR Parque Central and Melia Habana.

*** Note: Hotel Nacional de Cuba is a historic lodging that date back to 1930, situated in the Vedado area, on top of the hill overlooking the sea and Havana Harbour. It has attracted many visitors over the years, including famous politicians, artists and movie stars. The hotel also offer daily tours of its historic grounds.

Recommended Restaurants:

La Guardia, Café Laurent, El Cocinero (next to Fabrica de Arte), Rio Mar, El Paladar Dona Eutimia (next to Catedral), El Del Frente, O’Reilly 304, Bianchini, La Bodeguita del Medio, Sloppy Joe’s and Sia Kara (behind Capitolio).