Day 5- Cuban Trip
Parque Central ( Central Park), Old Havana, Cuba |
They are a brother and sister team from Canada. We had a lot to talk about regarding our experience on this trip as well as other common topics.
We were dropped off at Parque Central ( Central Park).
Central Park, Old Havana, Cuba |
A beautiful park right in the middle of downtown Old Havana.
Our original plan was to walk along the harbor front and to enjoy the water view of this enchanting city.
We decided to explore the downtown area of Old Havana.
Hotel Inglaterra, Old Havana, Cuba |
After we went across the road, we were right in front of Hotel Inglaterra.
The hotel has a spacious inviting outdoor café calling out to passersby to stop and take a break there.
We could not resist sitting down at one of its tables to enjoy what the city of Havana has to offer.
The Lobby of Hotel Inglaterra |
Before we came to Cuba, we knew nothing about the country’s history.
Musicians entertaining guests on the terrace of the hotel |
We have totally fallen in love with this city that has so much to offer!
Statute of Jose Marti , Cuba's national hero, in Central Park |
In the last two days, we saw the statutes and writings of Jose Marti numerous times.
Enjoying our coffee and watching the world go by |
Soaking up the old world charm, we ordered our café con leche and watched the world go by.
Vintage vehicles are everywhere in Cuba! |
We watched horse drawn carriages and vintage cars turned taxi picking up and dropping off customers at the sidewalk.
“The pavement outside the hotel known as the Louvre sidewalk was an animated meeting point for Havana liberals.
It was here that the young Jose Marti advocated total separation from Spain….and General Antonio Maceo, a hero of the wars of Cuban independence prepared plans of insurrection in this hotel.” Pg 86, Cuba by Eyewitness Travel, 2002.
Gran Teatro de la Havana - the grand theatre in Old Havana |
Gran Teatro de la Havana |
One of the sculptures decorating the theatre |
They represent Charity, Education, Music and Theater.
It is a piece of magnificent architecture!
Inside the Gran Teatro de la Havana |
Unfortunately, we could not purchase any tickets to watch a show there as they were all sold out.
The Capitolio of Ciba |
After three hundred years of neglect, many of the colonial buildings are being revived and renovated. The Capitolio is one of them.
Outside the grand theatre of Old Havana |
Who could resist enjoying a meal in this back to the future atmosphere?
Nice ambience inside the restaurant |
Upon recommendation, we had our a la carte lunch at the Nardos.
Nardos is a popular eating place in Havana |
My husband ordered lamb while I preferred sea food.
The serving portion of the lamb was incredible. It was like the length of a lamb leg!
The portion size of the roast lamb was huge! |
This dish portion alone could have fed a family of 6!
Because it was a la carte menu, every item was counted, the bread, the water etc were all included in our bill. What looked like a reasonable lunch at the beginning turned out to be much more expensive than we had expected.
Old Havana is a great place for a walking tour.
We felt safe in Cuba and could walk to most places where we wanted to visit.
Sitting behind the Capital building is another older section of the city. We saw an imposing Chinese entrance gate. But there were few things beyond that gate reminding visitors of the history of Chinese immigrants to Cuba.
Lots of old buildings have been restored or are under renovations in old Havana |
After eating all our meals at the resort for the past few days, we were looking forward to some Chinese food in Cuba. But we did not find any behind this Chinese gate.
One thing we did see was a lot of old buildings being renovated and restored to their former grandeur.
The arts and crafts market, Old Havana |
Next we walked to some side streets with shops to get some souvenirs.
It was another interesting day visiting the city of Old Havana!
R.T.
Old Havana
Cuba
Week of Jan. 9, 2017
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