Can't believe I am in Cuba!

one of my first views of Havana, colourful buildings and old American cars

sun is setting as I drive from the airport to Old Havana

Area near the Central Park where I am staying

no one around, but it is 6am!

a number of old elegant hotels surround the central parque area

crumbling elegance

these old buildings line the avenue down to the beach

street art Cuban style

old American cars everywhere

some aspects are very attractive

but one street away the poverty is evident

in spite of the facades

my street Calle Industrial

view from my balcony

next door

around the corner

spot the bullet hole

Lobby of the Central Parque Hotel

view across roof tops from my building

roof top pool of Hotel Parque Central ...I snuck in for a dip and got caught out

but a drink, swim and photo of the view later and I am feeling refreshed!

Even the 9 hour flight in economy on a packed Air France 747 which turned into a 10½ hour flight when we had to circle overhead Havana after a "go around" due to thunderstorms covering the airport that we hoped would dissipate or move so we could land, and the extra hour waiting for my baggage to come to the baggage carousel did not dampen my excitement when I saw a sign with my name on it as I came into the arrivals area at Havana airport.

My friendly taxi driver welcomed me and although he spoke very few words of English and my Spanish extends at this stage to me saying “intiendo pochito” I threw in a few French and Italian phrases and we understood each other perfectly.

It was sunset as we drove the 25 kms into the old part of Havana and I was struck with how green and tropical the landscape was. The other thing that struck me was how many old (mainly rusty) American cars reminiscent of “happy days” and Fonzie drove past us. I later saw a few with bullet holes!

I had no idea what to expect from my host at the casa particular (Cuban B and B) but Gustavo immediately made me feel welcome and all I could say as I tried to take in sights and sounds of Havana vieje was I was “muy felic essere a Cuba”.

Gustavo’s basic but comfortable digs were much better than I had expected. Wait until you see the building next door. There’s hot water and a clean bed and the apartment is very light albeit very noisy! I was to find out just how noisy later as no one sleeps in Havana and even at 4am people are playing music and calling out to each other! It is a sticky 32 degrees even though it is nearly 10pm local time.

Gustavo showed me around and explained lights, keys and switches and then offered to walk me to an ATM so I could get some CUC, one of the 2 currencies available. It is muy confusing and I later paid way too much for a collective taxi ride.

The first 2 machines did not work- (something which is quite common ) and the third told me it had given me money when it hadn’t! I’m still not convinced but a security officer explained my HSBC card would not work- luckily my NAB debit card did, so I was ready to experience the city.

Gustavo showed me around pointing out land marks and making sure I would find my way back to what he called “tu casa”

It is now 4.30 am Paris time 10 30 pm local (no wonder I can hardly keep my eyes open) but Havana is not going to sleep any time soon. I can hear and feel the fan whirring overhead, people walking past outside are chatting and someone is warming up to play some music.

I can’t believe that I am actually here in this amazing place and in a few hours I will have my first Spanish and dance lessons.

A presto

Mon x