Cuba – a country of “indefinable magic”
18 March 2019
I caught the travel bug early but paused to focus on my career and family. Now, I explore the world, share authentic travel experiences, and inspire others through my blog, mollywozhere. Join me for tips, stories, and adventures!
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“Timeworn but magnificent, dilapidated but dignified, fun yet maddeningly frustrating – Cuba is a country of indefinable magic. “ This is how Lonely Planet describes Cuba. And say that the time is now to visit Cuba before things change! I wanted to experience the magic and feel the music and dance. I certainly did. Old Havana is the place to start to explore and the best way to do this is on foot. There are many alleys and corners, lots of cafes, clubs and cabarets.
I found Cuba to be safe for solo travellers. Walking around Old Havana was a pleasure. I met lots of interesting people. This lovely local Cuban woman did not speak a word of English but we became friends. She lived outside the city centre and we met every morning in the park where we both just sat and watched the world go by for an hour before I made my excuses and headed off to explore the city centre.
People were very friendly and I was invited to join in a game of chess in one of the side streets on my walkabouts. In my exuberance, I think I might have said that I could play the game!! I lost miserably. But it was great fun. And they were very cool about it.
Vieja Habana or Old Havana has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage. It is a beautiful city but it is in dire need of a facelift. There is still evidence of poverty and neglect ,which is heartbreaking. But this has not dampen the spirit of the people.
Plaza Vieja is one of the cool places to visit. The architecture is amazing – Cuban baroque mixed in with Gaudi -inspired art nouveau. It is naturally busy with tourists, It even has its own microbrewery.
One of the top sights to visit is El Malecon, which is a 7 km drive. And if you are feeling energetic, you can walk along the sea wall. El Malecon is reputed to be “the world’s longest sofa”. Lots of local people come to meet there, date, reflect or just people watch. You don’t want to be there when a massive wave crash over the sea wall!
Museo de la Revolución was somewhat of a disappointment. Although the information was provided in both English and Spanish, overall, it was sometimes scruffy. I guess someone or the authority found it is difficult to present these events in the Cuban history, and made half hearted attempt to do so.
One of my new Cuban friends was keen to take me to see this very large fortress, and told me it is not featured highly in guide books but very popular with the locals. There were indeed very few tourists. There was a nightly 9pm ceremony in which actors dress in full 18th century military regalia to reenact the firing of a cannon over the harbour. Entry is free to Cubans but there was a small charge to tourists. It was lively, with lots of things to do and see from bars, restaurants to small museums, and we spent several hours there. It was certainly interesting and a good way to find out a lot about the culture and to get the locals’ perspective on living in Cuba.
Necrópolis Cristóbal Colón
One of the most bizarre tourist attractions that I have ever been to was this cemetery. It is Havana’s main cemetery and a national monument. I couldn’t believe that I was actually visiting a cemetery as an attraction; admittedly the marble statutes and religious iconography were striking. At the entrance, you can buy a map showing the graves of important and famous people and a sort of walk through Cuba history. Although it was not eerie, I don’t mind admitting that I did not hang around for too long.
There was no way I could miss seeing the world-famous Tropicana, a Las Vegas style cabaret show. I was lucky to get a ticket (via my hotel) and made more new friends (mostly tourists) on my table. The show was amazing. It was colourful, it was lively, it was fun and magnificent.
Unlike Havana, there is not much to do in Varadero other to relax and enjoy the sea, sun and sand. That is precisely what I did. And of course, I drank lots of Mojitos. Until I arrived in Cuba, I had not drank Mojitos. I enjoyed the beach and all the hotel amenities, and made more new friends, mostly Americans.
I loved Havana – the cafe culture, the music and dance. There was lots to see such as Hemingway Museum and ballet, but I did not get to see them all. I am told that some of the best dance companies and ballet schools are in Havana.
If you are looking for an authentic city, still unspoilt by influences of the big chains/companies, lively, infectious music and dance, beautiful people, then head to Cuba. But look beyond the fact that it needs a ‘face lift’.
Wow. One of the fun places to visit. I absolutely loved my time in Cuba. So special, such a beautiful, place and people. Go Molly, that fella in the speedos looked happy too.
Yes absolutely. I had a great time. I had to include the stranger in speedo! Such fun!
Happy I saw Cuba many years ago, even as a tourist with a group, not spending much time in Havana. The country people were friendly, welcoming and delightful, providing at that time you were not American. There was no public transportation so few had visited the cities. Just knew you would find it fascinating.
I too am glad you have visited Cuba. I doubt if it has changed very much since you were last there. Prince Charles and his wife, Her Royal Highness Camilla, must have read my blog and are visiting Cuba and are causing s bit of a storm with the Americans!!!
Congratulations on your blog. It is terrific. I am jealous of your IT skills to produce something so professional !
Have you recently visited Cuba? I was there a few years ago before Fidel’s death. I enjoyed the spirit of the people who remained ever hopeful that things would improve. I loved the street corner dances on Friday evenings. I remember a dreadful storm that flooded our bedroom and bathroom whilst we were having a siesta!!!! Lots of stories to share.
Thank you Urszula. I visited Cuba a few years ago and it was an unforgettable experience. Building the website was a personal achievement but I must give a shout to my young nephew, Adeola, who did the initial research for me and patiently answered my questions, some of which were as basic as “what is a blog”! 😀 I learnt a lot from reading, watching YouTube and not giving up even when things went wrong. I am still learning and having a great time with it. My next challenge is to increase my audience. So help me to spread the word.
Hi Molly how are you doing! I visited Cuba in 2007 I agree with all your comments. Please visit as soon as you can now that the cruise ships are calling there .It is going to change and not for the better I am afraid to say! Did you learn to Salsa? happy travels
Love Peterx
Thanks Peter. Yes – people should go now if they can. No I did not get the chance to learn salsa but I had a go at dancing it. Great fun.x