Well, have you? The euphoria of being in a dream? This happened to me when I was in Cuba.
Many people warned me not to go. All of my friends and family were extremely apprehensive about me going to the "forbidden country" that's infected with a political system that we're groomed to fear - communism. Often times our social-political climate molds the narrative of an opposite regime such as Cuba.
This is very typical when you're traveling to far-away (and not so far away) lands. The fear of the unknown sinks in. But what if the unknown is just that? An unknown place that provides no expectations and a space to create your own memories.
There is nothing wrong with the unknown. Take courage with you and you'll be happy that you didn't stay in the familiar.
““‘Why are you going back?’ he asked. Ordinary stopped. ‘Because I’m afraid! Leaving Familiar feels scary and too risky,’ he said.
.......
And even though his fear kept growing, Ordinary shut his eyes and took a big step forward - right through the invisible Wall of Fear.””
Once I was able to move past my fear there was nothing left but to experience the beautiful land of Cuba. When you visit Cuba be sure to embark on their greatest attraction - the people. Don't believe the Eurocentric media that Cubans are fair-skin with long wavy hair. Most of the Cubano people are black. African traditions are embedded into their food, music, and every day life-style. Below is the full itinerary that I created for my week-long trip to the romantic and seductive Cuba.
That's Michelle lurking. She was my ride-or-die during the trip.
The old cars that you see in Old Havana are actual taxis. Makes you think.....do I REALLY need to by a new car every few years?
Getting Into Cuba
I'm not quite sure why there are so many rumors in regards to getting into Cuba. It was probably the easiest process I experienced during my entire trip. You'll probably have more difficulties hailing down a taxi than getting the Cuban visa.
I booked my flight through Southwest Airlines that provided all necessary accommodations that's needed to enter the country. When I checked into my flight I paid the $50 for the visa, completed the hand-written document, and I was on my way. Dassit.
Currency
There are two currencies: the Cuban Peso (CUP) and the Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC), The CUP to the USD is 1 to 24 and the CUC to the USD is 1 to 1. The CUP is reserved only for the Cuban citizens whereas all foreigners have to use the CUC. The poverty in the country is extremely prevalent. Creating this dual currency economy allows the country to make a significant profit from tourism.
Things To Explore/Experience
- Old Square (Plaza Vieja) and Calle Obispo - Located in Old Havana where you can shop and leisurely sight-see.
- Museo del Ron Havana Club (Rum Museum)
- Visit Ernest Hemingway’s home. It's actually an estate but I digress.
- Explore the Malecon boardwalk along the ocean
- Salsabor a Cuba (Dance School) Salsa Dancing. I really enjoyed my the salsa lesson, I even made it to the advanced level *hair-flip.* However, it was the most difficult place to find. I highly recommend this place but good luck finding it.
- Callejon de Hamel. This was probably my favorite part of the trip. On Sundays from about 11:00 am - 2:00 pm there is live Afro-Cuban music and dancing. I have never seen anything so colorful, vibrant, and powerful in my life. It was a beautiful depiction of the African Diaspora.
- The Christopher Columbus Cemetary (Cemetario de Colon). I know it's a bit unusual to tour a cemetery but I really enjoyed learning about the history that took place across Cuba and the interesting facts about the religion. It's also the site where Che was laid to rest.
Old Havana
I was so close to buying this little puppy. Cuteness overload.
The Rum Museum. Have you ever taste raw molasses?
Clubs
Club 1830 - It's an outside club that sits right on the ocean. The salsa dancing was beautiful, the drinks were strong, and the music was bumpin!
Casa de la Musica de Miramar - The best way to describe this place is the Cuban version of The House of Blues but with the crowd dancing! I loved it.
Fabrica de Arte Cubano (FAC)- It's an art gallery turned dance club. Everyone told us to go to FAC and to our surprise, they were closed for renovations until June 1st. Please let me know how it is when you go. Please.
Restaurants To Check Out:
- La Guardia - This place is extremely posh that has an amazing, roof-top view of the city. It's where Beyonce, Jay-Z, and Rihanna dined when they visited Havana. It's a bit overpriced in my opinion but great to check out. Make sure you make reservations!
- La Concordia - A great roof-top restaurant around the corner from La Guardia that's just as nice, less crowded, and more affordable.
- Los Nardos - We went here on our first day in Havana. They have very authentic Cuban dishes and a really friendly staff. By the end of our lunch, the waiter was my best friend.
- El Cocinero - Another roof-top restaurant (seeing a pattern here?) that's in the neighborhood Vedado with great drink options.
- Hoy Como Ayer - Also located in Vedado, this was probably my favorite place to eat. The restaurant is inspired by Latin-Jazz culture and has live music on the weekends.
- 5 Centidos - Didn't have time to visit here but it's located in Old Havana and has a gorgeous patio to sit out on. I really hate that we didn't have to time to check it out.
Excursions
Vinales - It's about 4 hours away from Havana that has beautiful farmlands, tobacco plantations, and caves to explore. Visit any hotel and they'll be about to book the excursion for you. It'll cost approximately 60 CUC.
Playa Saint Maria - The local beach that a lot of people choose to lay around and frolic in the ocean. It's about a 20-minute drive from the center of the city. Keep in mind that Latin-America is a lot less conservative than the USA. Can you say, Thong-kini?!
City Tour Guide
I was planning to hire a guide for a community project and city tour but decided against it because our schedule was way too full. However, the guy that I was going to hire is extremely friendly, has great English skills, and is Afro-Cuban. Please let me know if you would like his contact information.
If you have any questions about visas, currency exchange, flights, or any other technicalities feel free to hit me up. E-mail is the best way to reach me is at racheal.woods@gmail.com
When you visit Cuba please send me pics. I would love to see your travels :)
P.S. If you're a woman get ready for the cat-calling. I was kissed several times by random men. #WhenInHavana
Market in Vedado. The artwork was simply breathtaking
I've started sending postcards while traveling. Let me know if you would like one from my next trip