Cuba 2018

John Tolhurst

October 8, 2023

We absolutely loved our few weeks in Cuba. When you think of Cuba, you probably think of cigars and rum!

But there is so so much more!

Places we stayed in Cuba

Paintings for sale in Havana

A fine looking chap enjoying the local produce

We loved the history, the old cars, the architecture, the little streets alive with people just hanging out, and the wonderful atmosphere in the city and village squares.

There are a lot of very grand buildings

You have to take a ride in an old car

Visiting Cuba is like a time warp. Since the US imposed a ban on trade to Cuba the Cubans have had to make do with all the old cars from the 50’s and 60’s. If you are into all the old American cars then Cuba won’t disappoint as they were everywhere.

Just walking the streets is like a an old movie set in the 60’s.

Some of the buildings and cars are almost beyond repair!

Some cars are beyond it!

Some of the buildings as well

Others are magnificently restored

If you want to observe a ” Communist” country and how they idolise past leaders who have “freed ” their country from American “greed and capitalism” then visit Cuba. It is a wonderful mix of past glory, delapidated buildings and rural subsistence.

Below is outside the school where Castro’s revolutionist had a stand off yes the bullet holes are still visible.

Cubans revere their revolutionary leaders

The cemetery is a tourist attraction

If you want to see a stark contrast between the glitter and neon bright lights of Miami – just 50 miles away, go to Cuba.

It is an absolutely fascinating place. We had to buy internet cards and the only public place they seemed to work were in the central squares of each town we visited. We had to queue to get the cards – which were generally only sold in one store in the town.

The queue for mobile phone cards

Government owned restaurants were drab but fortunately some private restaurants and bars had opened and they were great. They were easily identifiable and the food was delicious.

We stayed with the locals – they would put us up in a spare room and feed us breakfast. We loved the charm of some of the places we stayed at. Most had small courtyards where we had breakfast.

The bed linen was often from another era.

The places we stayed were adorned with mosiacs and charming.

A quirky spiral staircase in one of our homestay foyers.

It is the only country that we have ever been on “tour” for the whole trip rather than doing independent travel. We had a great group – only 8 in total from all around the world – we had a blast. You couldn’t really travel within Cuba on your own. Public transport and accommodation was very limited – not to mention finding anyone who could speak English.

The Cubans were all welcoming – we never felt threatened or unsafe. It was like a journey through time.

The locals all seemed happy to see us and weren’t camera shy.

Schools out

Playing a game in the cobbled streets was a common sight

Locals liked to just hang out in the town square – 3 lovely ladies

and a lovely waitress

Comfy place to lie!

We loved just walking about and seeing how locals lived their lives.

They were all so photogenic

Country life is simple

There was a mix of transport options in Cuba

The airfield security was tight – not!

From a tourist perspective Cuban people appeared content. It certainly wasn’t like its close neighbour – Florida. Life seemed to go at a slow pace. There was little that was pretentious in Cuba.

Food and produce for the locals was abound

Fresh fruit and veges were everywhere

Home baking

Cubans loved and enjoyed looking after their old cars

The caravan of freedom

Army personnel were celebrities

Cuba was just a fascinating place to visit. Cuban Adventures was awesome. Roberta – our guide throughout was a fantastic chap. He made the trip so relaxing and enjoyable.