Our chapter flight from Tampa approaches landing in Santa Clara, Cuba |
Santa Clara Airport |
The airport parking lot and Dan gets what he came for right away....OLD CARS!
Yes, there are modern cars here, just not American cars.
Some are spiffier than others.
Che Guevera Memorial and Museum...our first stop
That's Che up there. If you don't know his significance to Cuba look HERE |
Huge plaza facing the Che Memorial
Unique bus
Festival of the Grandparents |
Thought they were taking us to the "old folks home" but it turned out to be a rather lively group of senior citizens who demonstrated Cuban traditional dancing and games
This gentleman danced with me.
Views of Santa Clara
Note the nurse in her uniform. Right out of the 50's. When was the last time, if ever, you saw a nurse dressed like this. She wasn't the only one I saw. |
Written in dust on the windshield - NO VENDE! Not for sale. Old cars are very valued here as they attract tourists. |
Roadside Snacks |
A visit to a school for the performing arts right across the road from the snack shack.
I have no idea why a chicken appears on the sign or who Samuel Feijoo is. Should have asked.
Two young talented students performed a ballet pas de deux, but I don't have good photos.
Universal young boy pose. I shot a candid but they wanted this one.
Various modes of transportation in rural Cuba |
One of the trains was supposed to take us to the town of Remedios, but alas, there was some problem with the track that day.
Hotel in Remedios - had lunch on the patio |
Another way to get around.
Sorry I didn't get the front end in the photo.
The locals hang out in the town square. Many of these town squares now supply public wi-fi.
Local artist cooperative |
Disney wouldn't be happy to see above!!!
Old Soviet washing machine now being used by the artist to make paper mache in.
I'm always drawn to anything that smacks of sewing. |
Forgot exactly where I took this. But the sky, cloud and colors are so gorgeous.
Cienfuegos on the southern shore of Cuba
Lunch at Villa Lagarto and the view from it
Like any place I've ever traveled there are always contrasting views in Cuba
More cars
Cuban street scene with our guide Luis on the rightThe Hotel Nacional de Cuba where we stayed our four nights in Havana. Very historic hotel that catered to lots of celebrities including mobsters!
Behind the hotel which overlooks the northern shore and the Malecon (below) More info CLICK HERE
Just this old guy and a young father risking his kid's life during the day...but a major hangout in the evening.
Lobby and front entrance of the hotel
Photo snapped by an obliging British couple in the "backyard" of the hotel |
Another visitor was this familiar looking guy. He got there ahead of us. Don't think we will get our picture on the wall.
Also along the Malecon is the US Embassy (see more info CLICK HERE) |
A group of boys kicking around a scruffy soccer ball on the plaza |
Two views from opposite directions. One side unpainted. The other was painted for the Pope's visit because he would only see this side. I can't verify this, but we were told.
Cathedral of Havana - more info CLICK HEREInteresting mural of Cuban historical figures
Time for lunch. Note the English translation of the best thing to order in Cuba, Ropa Vieja. It 's the last item under MAIN PLATES! |
More cars and nice scenes below
We went to an art museum and were shown the progression of Cuban art, but I only photographed the outside displays.
Our bus driver, also named Luis, reads up on this lady.
Obviously, religion has not been banned in Cuba
To know more CLICK HERE
Can you name those guys on the boat? I can name two. |
One of the best experiences was the salsa dancing lessons which Dan sat out. SO, I got to dance with the adorable instructor!
Shopping was not a big part of this trip. Mostly tiny souvenier shops and street market stalls, but we did go to a cigar store at Morro Castle where I bought the CUBA t-shirt
Cigar shop on right
A highlight of the itinerary was the visit to this high school for the most talented music students from all over Cuba. It was built on the site of the old Havana Country Club golf course and began with a unique afro-inspired architecture. Sadly, the Soviet style took over to produce the sad building below.
But the music produced by these young students was phenomenal. They graduate from high school as professional musicians. |
All is not music. Here students are helping drag a Chinese-made piano onto a pick-up truck.
Mural on the wall in the museum
The uniform and lamp that symbolized the literacy movement
This hood ornament stood out |
Some cars are modern but what the heck is a Geely? |
Yes, we felt very safe. Only the police and the military have guns ane we behaved ourselves. |
Urban gardens are becoming more popular here, too. |
The following photos are all taken at Finca Vigia - Ernest Hemingway's Estate which has been preserved along with all it's contents including 9,000 books.
Oooh! Pink and blue chenille bedspreads!
Wouldn't that head on the desk make a great stapler?
Animals stare over your shoulder while you dine.
Squeezing the sugar cane to make
Coctel Vigia - available with or
without rum
Hemingway's View
And, of course, another Chevy for Dan
One of the nicer elementary school buildings in a Havana neighborhood.
All elementary students where a red uniform.
Dinner was at a beautiful restaurant on the Plaza de San Francisco
On our drive to the airport were these two buildings. I recognize Che but is that the Ayatollah?
And then there is this guy at an intersection.
Yassar Arafat
Yes, let's end the embargo! But don't get rid of those cars.