Havana Cuba, 6 Reasons Why We Fell In Love
Havana, Cuba is one place I have dreamt of visiting, at times I thought I would ever make it. To be honest, it felt surreal walking out the doors of the airport, seeing the cars, the people, even the scenery around the airport,
I know right! However, I just felt an instant connection to this country and I hadn’t even left the airport. You couldn’t wipe the smile off my face.
I’ve read blogs, stories and looked at photos/pictures of Havana but once you get here you realise those just don’t do this place justice.
Once we put the kids to bed after a mind-blowing first day I sat down with Connie and stated that this was one of the most memorable days in all my years of travelling. The people, the city, it just felt like we belonged.
We had 6 days in Havana and I just couldn’t wait for each day to begin.
Museo de la Revolución Museum is housed in the Presidential Palace
Our 6 Reasons
Its Charm
A trip back in time, Havana, Cuba is like no other city we have visited. It’s colonial architecture mixed with either crumbling or charming buildings just blows you away.
Around every corner, there was something different to see, something that makes you stop, stare and pull the camera out. Remember after 1958 it became impossible to maintain homes and building alike.
At times it’s even hard to believe people live in some of these buildings.
Vintage cars line the streets, lovingly restored. These cars are often passed down from generation to generation. From convertibles too hard tops these cars rich with bright colours are the best way to spend a day or even an evening cruising around the city especially down the Malecon at sunset.
Read our experiences not to be must post for more tips
View front our balcony towards Paseo del Prado
The People
These are the warmest people we have ever met. They are the soul of the city always ready to help whenever we needed it. We always spent time with our hosts, listening to their stories and their history.
Yes, they have had their struggles but they always smile, love to talk and chat. The kindness they showed our kids is something I will always remember.
Whether a high five, a smile or a hug our kids always felt safe and now they have Cuban grandparents and friends throughout the country.
Our neighbour Miguel, sadly Irene was at work. Lukas and Sawyer’s Cuban Grandparents
Rum
This is the drink of choice when in Havana, we drank it throughout our time in Cuba. Havana Club is something special, there are no nip glasses here, well none that I saw.
Instead, the rum is poured from the bottle until the class is around half to three-quarters full, topped with a little soda, mint and the personal touches. And there you have it, heaven in a glass.
La Bodeguita Del Medio is home to the mojito and is always packed with tourist, however, grab a drink and spill out into the street.
El Floridita serves the daiquiri and it too is packed with tourist but it’s a bar you just have to visit, soak the atmosphere and have your photo taking at the end of the bar with Hemingway.
To be honest the best mojito’s we had came from our host in Playa Giron with freshly picked mint from the garden.
Drinks at El Floridita includes the daiquiri and mojito
The Food
Eating with locals is a must, this is not only for Havana but all over Cuba.
We always made sure to have breakfast and for us, that meant heading next door to Miguel and Irene’s for what turned out to be the perfect start to the day.
Beautifully prepared eggs, pancakes (for the kids), bread/rolls, spreads and toppings, pastries, a wide range of fresh fruit, juices and coffee.
Our host recommended a few restaurants otherwise we just tried our luck, yep sometimes it doesn’t always work out but when it did the food was amazing.
Restaurants around the Articourt area were perfect for our kids with a mix of pizzas and pasta dishes kept them happy while Connie and I enjoy a range of seafood and chicken dishes.
Sawyer enjoying his favourite pasta dish. Lots ended up everywhere, some in his mouth
Relaxing
Havana has a real laid back feel to it, it feels like it’s never in a rush.
People love spending time talking, chatting, laughing and hanging in the parques (parks) or on the Paseo del Prado.
The wi-fi here is pretty slow in fact, you have a buy a card then locate a Wi-fi hotspot area and even then it can be a challenge to get online.
So instead of looking down, people look around.
At home it’s always go, go go but in Havana, it’s at a slow, gentle pace something we would love to recreate back in New Zealand.
Sitting on the balcony, chatting with neighbours and watching city life pass by
Live Music
Nothing beats the sound of live salsa music and there are many Salsa Clubs in Havana. Cubans know how to move and love to show it.
At night the bars and restaurants are humming, I didn’t have the courage to join in, well not until we got to Trinidad where I finally had a lesson.
It didn’t matter where we went in Havana the live music picks you up and you can’t help but smile, tap your feet and just appreciate great musicians.
Our kids often clapped along, danced and placed a few dollars in the hat/container on the stage.
Check out – El Guajirito, members of the Buena Vista Social Club regularly play here and the place rocks with salsa moves and those (like me) that stand further back and appreciate great music.
Lukas and Sawyer watching live music over dinner
Finally Thoughts
If Havana, Cuba is on your bucket list then make plans and go, you won’t regret it. If it’s not then add it to your list immediately.
From the moment we arrive we felt at home. In fact, I think we could have quite easily spend 6 months here. We will be returning to Havana again no doubt and continue to experience this beautiful city.
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Meet the family
We are a family of 4 living in New Zealand. I’m a teacher (great profession for traveling) and my wife Connie is a section administrator. We are also proud parents of two travel-loving boys.
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Hi, I've been fortunate enough to have travelled for over 25 years. My parents gave me the travel bug when I was 10 years old by taking my sister and I to the USA and Mexico for two months. I've travelled by myself, with mates, with my wife and now as a family of four. My goal is to inspire our families to get out and see the world.
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