HAVANA
CUBA
There are definitely a few myths about Havana that just are not true. Havana is not about Hemingway, Che Guevara, cigars and people dancing in the streets. Indeed Che Guevara’s face is almost everywhere, indeed you can hear the salsa rhythms wherever you go, and yes almost everyone smokes cigars but this might also be the most touristy side of Havana.
Streets of Havana
Streets of Havana
'La Habana' as locals call it
'La Habana' as locals call it
There is also the ‘real’ side of Havana. And there is something extraordinary about it; Havana is a big contradiction. You somehow hate it and love it at the same time. Maybe this is because Havana itself is full of economic, cultural and architectural contradictions.
Everyday moments of Havana
Everyday moments of Havana
Buildings and cars can be so colourful on the outside but dark on the inside. Houses look so stunning but so abandoned at the same time. Prosperity coexists with high levels of poverty. And soviet influences are obvious but Cubans continue to believe in the American Dream.
Havana Streets
Havana Streets
A girl waiting for her friends just after a long day at school
A girl waiting for her friends just after a long day at school
Kids playing in the streets of Havana
Kids playing in the streets of Havana
Don’t let yourself get annoyed with people constantly trying to sell you something – and when I say constantly I mean it!
You need to try a mojito in Havana
You need to try a mojito in Havana
And don’t get upset if you struggle mingling with locals; it is not easy to find places where both locals and tourists hang out together but keep trying – try choosing places without entrance fees or places that are not expensive, that locals can also afford.
Having a local guide could help understanding how locals think or live.
Streets in the centre of Havana
Streets in the centre of Havana
Old cars waiting for tourists to rent them
Old cars waiting for tourists to rent them
If you like black beans or beef then you might love Havana! And if you are a lobster lover then Havana is definitely the right place to be. However I was surprised to know that locals are not really allowed to consume lobsters! Eat at ‘Havana 61’ where you can enjoy the best Ropa Vieja –one of Cuba’s famous dishes – and the best Frituras de malanga, another famous national vegetable dish served with honey and garlic.
The best Ropa Vieja I had in Cuba. Try Havana 61 restaurant.
The best Ropa Vieja I had in Cuba. Try Havana 61 restaurant.
Find a room away from the hassle of the city centre and definitely try to avoid big hotel chains – they just don’t worth the money! Choose a casa particular - my favourite is La Rosa de Ortega! Definitely buy some cigars – make sure they are the originals! And if you have the time definitely travel outside Havana and explore the rest of Cuba.
Mojito at Havana 61
Mojito at Havana 61
The menu at Havana 61
The menu at Havana 61
I could keep writing and writing about Havana but I won’t. Because, if there is one thing you should do before travelling to Havana, that is having no expectations.
Cigars are part of the Cuban life. Make sure you will buy the authentic ones as locals will try to sell you anything
Cigars are part of the Cuban life. Make sure you will buy the authentic ones as locals will try to sell you anything
Everyday moments in the streets of Havana
Everyday moments in the streets of Havana
Forget what you have heard or read about this city. Just go there and keep an open mind because Havana is a strange combination of the past and the present. And I am really curious to know what Havana’s future will eventually be…maybe that’s a why I should go back to Havana one day!
Colourful entrances
Colourful entrances
Everyday moments
Everyday moments