SHE LOVES VINTAGE CARS AND RUM

Our day started very early, roughly 7:30am.  We scheduled a Havana Vintage Car Tour booked for 3 hours starting at 9, so we needed to make sure we had time available to find breakfast, without getting hustled, again!

Outside of our building, we met an Afro-Cuban man who was very nice to not only point us in the right direction (not hustling us), but walked and chatted with Guildia more about where she is from (Guatemala), where myself (New York) and Farah (Haiti) were from, and learning more about black people being in other countries.  Nice gentleman, who realized after showing us available spots to eat, he had to go to continue with his day of selling whatever products he had for sale.

We end up getting the basic breakfast sandwich, where the bread itself is flat on the bottom, round on the top, and shaped in a circle.  We each had ours cooked with an egg, with what ever toppings we liked.  For all 3, we paid 5CUC.  We were too hyped about finding this deal.  Felt like we hit the jackpot as well as, the information my brother told me prior about affordable food, was finally found (he was in Cuba in November and speaks fluent Spanish).  Looking at the pricing on the board, we actually pulled out all this cash, and she only took 5CUC.  I’ll explain in my next post, what was really going on.  We were also fortunate to get an egg on our sandwhich's, as there was a mandatory rule put in place by the government that restricted/limited the sale of chicken and eggs due to the damage done by Hurricane Irma.  To get the supply back up, more chickens needed to be hatched, to create more chicken and eggs for consumption.  Kinda scary!

When we returned to our building to wait to be picked up, our tour guide was already there!  Early no less.  His name was Ernesto and he was only 29 I believe.  His driver did not speak English, so luckily he had Ernesto to translate everything for him.  We set out on our tour!

How close I had my GoPro to my forehead cracks me up everytime! Sigh!

Now, solely because I cannot remember the name of the location for most of the places we visited, enjoy the photos taken 😂.  Those I can remember, have a caption attached.  So much to take in!

There is so much history in Cuba.  I mean from its origin, to its capture and release, to how it became a Latin island, to the beef they had with the US, to seeing parts of history that were kept on display to let visitors know that if they “don’t start none, wont be none”, to hearing stories about the famous figures that once lived on the island.  Fascinating.  Please note, that is just the history that is in Havana alone. Can you imagine the other parts of Cuba? 

We stopped by the Havana Rainforest. It is not what we would call a rainforest however, this is how its referred to.  It is more of a park, however, not a place where you can easily walk through and sit and relax.  As beautiful as it may appear, sadly it has been polluted.  The river that runs through, used to be a source of drinking water however, due pollution by the local people, the water is not even safe to be in.  The scenery however, is beautiful.

We continued our drive and we managed to pass a massive building.  This building was huge, probably bigger, rather long and wide, compaired to the others that seemed like top secret, parliament esq type of buildings.  It was the US Embassy.

We were informed that there are only 6 staffers who actually work within the building.  CRAZY!  So if we really needed some type of assistance, that may be close to impossible as a US Citizen.  It is now just sitting there, most times with no occupants in it.

We headed towards Chinatown, where there were not many Chinese people, and were told if we did see a few, more than likely they were tourists.

Chinatown was followed by where Barcardi Buidling.  My favorite rum originated in Santiago, Cuba, with a building located in Havana.  I was excited.  It is the only rum that I drink when at home, on a flight, at a friends house, and how the Mojito is made in the states, if you get the shelf liquor at the bar.  OOOHHHHH!  We also managed to see 3 famous people in passing 😂.  They had some fellas with them too!

We suddenly make a stop, no idea where we were going.  We enter inside and I was in my happy place again!

I was on a mission in particular, to get THE rum of Cuba, Santiago!  WWHOOOO BABY! Apparently this rum has been the talk of every travel group I was apart of online, and even talked heavily by our tour guide.  Unfortunately, there was none available.  We later find out upon leaving Cuba, the liquor is in low supply, as the factory had not been producing as much.  No one had it in stock😞.  On the other side of the room, CIGARS!

From top to bottom, smoked by Fidel, Winston Churchill, Robina?, and Che Chavez.

Cuba has THE BEST Cigars, as word on the street says.  Sadly, I cannot smoke on any, as I am Asthmatic.

We were pooped.  We needed to freshen up, upload what pictures we had to our clouds with the apartments WiFi, and head back out.  It was only 1pm, we hadn’t eaten, and we decided to find food.  We continued to walk through the neighborhood blocks, trying to find the spot that was suggested to us by our tour guide, named Adriana, where the locals go to eat and prices were super low.  His directions were terrible and, as mentioned by previous visitors, most Cubans do not know where things are, or at least that’s the game played.  There are no real street signs so, you have no idea where the hell you are!  But we discovered an awesome hidden gem 5 blocks from our apartment, that clearly looked like it did not belong and was more of our style.

Vitola was the name and we were hoping the food would be good.  Their was a Spanish flag outside next to a Cuban flag, so we assumed it was a restaurant that was a collaboration.  Upon entry, the look captures your attention, as well as the air conditioning. Glory to God, because we were burning up! Their Sangria had a unique twist in ingredients.

 Their food was not only lower in price, affordable for even local Cubans, it was SO GOOD!  I ordered a chicken that was topped with some type of cheese, ham, and bacon.  A combo I was familiar with but, it tasted great!  The girls both had a steamed fish with veggies, cooked and seasoned to perfection.  Morro was THE rice, since we were over having the usual yellow or white rice.

 

For what we received, it was a definite that we would return again.  The service was phenomenal, and the Executive Chef himself came out to greet us as we were eating.  A definite spot to visit again!

We end up going over our limited time, because we had to have at least 2 Sangria’s before our Drink Tour 😌.  If you are with me, it’s only right!  We headed to Old Havana, to meet our host for our 1st Airbnb Experience.

Andy

Andy met us by the Capital Building near some of the big hotels, which are also on the edge of Old Havana.  He began the tour giving us a history lesson about the building, the meaning of each statue in front of it, and the surrounding area. What I realized was, the car tour drove us pass and around some of these places, and with Andy, we were now going to be IN some of these places, getting more detailed information.  Please note, the price of this tour includes the drinks!

Our first stop, the famous Floridita which is known for it's Daiquiri.

Ernest Hemingway, Lover of the Daquiri 

 
So fun fact, there is one in Harlem, NY.  I am usually there for Mojitos.  The owner I believe is Cuban, but the food has a more Dominican flare.  Prior to the location it is at now, it used to be on 125th and Broadway.  Back in that day, the food was the BOMB! Tasted like genuine Cuban food! No liquor was served however, their fresh squeezed juices, and Garlic chicken was to die for! At Floridita in Cuba, we were going to learn about the origination of the Daquiri, which was created in Daquiri, Cuba, a small village outside of Santiago, Cuba.

Got a little brain freeze but it was so good.  What we get in the states, is not the same.  This had almost all original ingredients of the original Daiquiri (difference being the type of ice).

Yes, it is served in a Martini glass (for us in the US)

Obispo Street 

We proceed to exit Floridita and enter deeper into Old Havana.  Right when we reach the very beginning of it, guess who we saw?  Our bff, the lying scheming escort, George.  This was possibly my best chance to kick him in the knee cap.  I was just waiting for the signal from one of the girls so we all could’ve confronted him for that bad ass food from La Familia.  I said “Yo G, look at the liar right there”, pointing right at him.  He notices us and says “Oh hey, family!”. All 3 of us replied “Nah yo, we ain’t yo family”.  🙃.  Faces of disgust on all of us.

Our next stop was for the famous, my fave fave FAAAVVVEEEE, Mojito.  Chile! Even though we had this drink at another restaurant the night before, we did not get a history lesson. La Bodegita del Medio is packed, but we managed to get a small table on rooftop floor.

The energy was nice, or at least because I was already feeling nice😎 .  Then a performance started.

Unlike the crappy one we got the night before (yup, still a hater and mad), this performance with this mans voice was phenomenal, no mic needed.  The video I have, I wasn't close enough to capture the rich tone of his voice, that was loud and full, however, he sounded so good and had his CD for sale! 

After this drink, I felt cooler than Cucumber to say the least LOL.

We pass more historical sites in Old Havana, where one set of buildings were from the 15th, 17th, 16th, and 18th Century!  
Of course with some upkeep, still standing!  We get more of a history lesson on the surrounding area.  Cuba is a place you have to see in person!  My photos and lack of description, does not do it any justice.


We finally make it to our last stop, Dos Hermanos, and have our last drink, the famous Cuba Libre (Rum and Coke).  Yes, this originated in Cuba, as well.  We learn the origination of the drink, and how Coca Cola was later incorporated in the original beverage and its special ingredient.  This spot was quiet and perfect for a wind down, since we had been moving all day, literally.  This is also where we found out that Andy, does not drink! MAN! We were lit, and he was just smiling at how giggly we were, how Farah and I finished Guildia's drink, how we at this point, didn't care.  We definitely enjoyed this tour.
We try to find a taxi leaving the bar, but that was a little tough.  Then a man, with a woman in this sorta beat up work truck that may have been owned by a hotel in the past, asked us if we needed a ride.  We told him where, asked how much, and in that moment we realized, we were risking it all for this ride for only 5CUC. HAHA!  We got home safe.

After again, checking in, resting up at the apartment for a little, it is now time for dinner.  We remembered the name of a second restaurant Ernesto referred to us.  We had bike taxi's owned by a few Afro-Cuban fellas outside who, were helpful with since our arrival, so we said, lets support and take one.  Yet again, we risk it all LOL.  Once we arrive, Jose made it very clear, we were to not take another taxi back, he would be back for us in 1.5 hours.

La Flor de Loto (Havana) had a very organized waiting area.  Plush seats to sit while waiting, clean walkway, and the entrance made you feel like you were entering a hidden mob restaurant.  You could not see through the door.  Definitely delivered that privacy factor.  You could not walk-in, everyone is to wait outside.

We decide to continue to drink, of course! These Pina Coladas were scrumptuos.

There was just the right amount of sweetness, with real coconut flavor.  It was kinda made like a smoothie in a sense. The texture just appeared that way.  However, we could not taste the liquor.  With just that simple statement, the waiter came back with the bottle of Havana Club 3 anos, and poured roughly, 8 oz more of rum in the drink.  WINNING!  Quick stir, and now, your girl is feeling nice, again.

I ordered the Garlic Chicken with Morro.  Sadly, moving too fast and trying to upload pictures from my phone to my cloud, the pictures I had of my meal, were deleted by accident. SO MAD!  Just know, all three of us, while eating, were all saying "mmmm, mmm, MMMMM".  This food was so good. Flavorful, with plenty left over to enjoy again, at home.  Their prices are really low and the portions are family style.  We saw everyone leaving with to-go boxes.

The look of the restaurant was very clean, with an upscale feel in this part of Havana that again, had a run down look on the exterior.  Wonderful place to eat, a definite must to return to.  Please note, staff speaks limited English.

We exit and Jose and his boy were there waiting for us!

The plan was to nap and then go out to party.  However, our nap, turned into deep sleep, with Guildia waking up at 2am realizing it's too late to go out.  Before we knew it, it was time to wake up for our Afro-Cuban Religious tour.

If your interested in visiting any other parts of the world, and want to get booked (payment plan options available), along with further information, e-mail me at ChristinaCtravels@gmail.com

An independent travel agent for TropicalTravel.net - We don't only book to the Caribbean
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#SHE LANDED IN CUBA!

Man oh man where do I begin!

I’d be lying if I said I was not worried about making it to Cuba.  I prepared myself for the worse, possibly being told, I was not eligible to visit and receive a visa, however, that was not the case.  The sense of relief fell over me, roughly 50%.  I still had to make it through the visit!

“Spanglish” is not a language for Cuba, which I thought would be possible for me, if I decided to go solo.  Thank God for my friend Guildia being there.  We quickly learned that we could not speak broken Spanish to the people of Cuba.  I was also told by my friend from high school, Milly (who has family in Cuba), that “Spanglish” will not work in Cuba.  She was 100% correct.  I later learned, even if it did, it came at a price.

Our ride from the airport was very interesting.  We obtained an eager driver whose brother seemed to be the boss of all the drivers of this particular “taxi company”, and assigned us to him.

As we merged onto the highway, we instantly noticed the vintage cars, that still work considering how old they are! Funny enough, all I kept repeating was “do you know how much these cars would go for in the USA?!” 

Trying to snap pictures of the vintage cars whizzing by became a task within itself but it was nice to see first hand. We had smiles on our faces, that slowly disappeared.

Our taxi driver's car began to do a little jolting and slowing down.  This car was breaking down, in 80+ degree weather, on the side of the highway, where cars and huge extra long buses kept whizzing on by.  He gets out, does a few tinkering things to the engine,

and we are on our way, only for it to break down again within 5 minutes.  All we could do is laugh at the fact that Farah, put into the universe before we got in the car, “watch this car break down on the way”.

It did, 3 times!  Thanks Farah!  Excited is not the word to explain how happy we were to have made it to our Airbnb.

I opted for an Airbnb this time, because cost wise, it was the most effective, for such a short stay.  The 4 hotels that Americans are allowed to stay in, are very overpriced as well as, they are not necessarily "supporting the Cuban people".  You support the Cuban people more, in the private sector, by staying in an Airbnb.

Our Airbnb was within a building that on the outside, looked a little run down as well as, the design seemed a little confusing.

The staircase and hallway were tight and narrow. The elevator said it could fit 5 people, but with the 3 of us, it really can only fit 3 people.  This building was petite.

  We arrived to the 7th floor and our apartment was nice!

The view from the windows were awesome as well as the breeze that came straight in from the ocean 3 blocks over.

No need for us to use air conditioning.  It is a comfy and quaint 2 bedroom apartment, with beds that left plenty of room for us to sleep comfortably.  I am very big on cleanliness and this apartment, delivered that perfectly! Praise!

Just a note:  WiFi is not free in Cuba.  Everyone has to pay so although most Airbnb’s may say wifi is included, it is sorta, but at an extra fee.  Depending on where you are, pricing ranges from 1 to 2CUC per hour.  There is also the option to buy wifi cards outside which seemed to be linked to specific connections and are available for use in designated areas, near the bigger hotels or restaurants, who have the bandwidth to to support the phones and computers being used, for those who cannot afford the hook up within their homes.  Once we finally sat down in our apartment, we waited for the WiFi to be set up for about 30 minutes.  Once connected, we immediately notified who we could, that we made it safely and were stepping out to seek food, before we disconnect.

Our host gave us many tips and information before he left.  One of them was that we should not let anyone lead us to a restaurant for food because it is a hustle.  Basically, these people say they know a great spot to eat, escort you there, and then shake hands with the owners.  We were informed that the cost is passed onto the customer in the pricing of the food.  This restaurant we ended up at, had great ambiance, and even some people online said the food was great, but, I have to sternly, disagree.

La Familia is a restaurant that is hosted atop a casa particular in Old Havana.  The food was overly priced and had no flavor at all!  We salted and oiled our food like crazy.  I had pictures of the food but deleted them. The only selling point of the restaurant was that they include a Mojito with your meal. 

The Mojito was the best part of the meal.  We ate it because we were starving and just no time to continue the search.  We also learned that at these particular restaurants, they suddenly do not have majority of what is listed on the menu.  The menu may have a list of 30 different options, but you are left to select the basic 4! UGH! We saw our escort return, with another group of people and high five the manager. I wanted to trip him down those steps for this terrible meal!  They had a little performance going on which they should’ve just kept that hidden as well.  Our waitress was a little rude.  A huge thumbs down.

We take our time walking back to the apartment and take in more night time sights of Old Havana. It was lit up just beautifully!  Lost those pictures, deleting by accident. UGH!  But it is definitely a site to see, IN PERSON!

Once back at the apartment, because I did not sleep the night before, I turned myself into bed because I just couldn’t go anymore. I’m getting old and I cherish my sleep! It's 10pm 😂!

If your interested in visiting any other parts of the world, and want to get booked (payment plan options available), along with further information, e-mail me at ChristinaCtravels@gmail.com

An independent travel agent for TropicalTravel.net - We don't only book to the Caribbean
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