Havana, Cuba II
Part II
Highway in Havana - November ‘18
Yes, I made it to Havana!
After, spending over 24-hours in Atlanta, waiting to catch my flight the next day (in my clothes from the previous day). I finally make it to Havana. Where I would meet up with my sister who arrived the day before! Oh, and guess where my luggage was once I arrived? Stored in the lost and found in the airport in Havana…
When planning the trip to Havana, I booked an Airbnb that was recommended from a friend of a friend (this turned out to be legit). My host Mairina was absolutely amazing, accommodating, kind, and helpful. She arranged to have us picked up from the airport and brought to the Airbnb. This Airbnb offered a private room in the home of Mairina and her father.
As I get out the car, I see my sister grinning, walking from the park on Calle San Jose to the house. She explained how the Airbnb had no Wi-Fi, no one had Wi-Fi. It was controlled by the government and you had to walk to local parks and purchase paper cards with a scratch off code on the back. This card cost a dollar or two and gave you access to up to one hour with limited access to a majority of sites we used in the United States.
Before, we headed out to explore Havana, I changed and went to the bank to exchange money. This was a nightmare. Probably, worst than missing two flights. Being at the bank made me feel like I was in a time capsule. I can’t even begin to explain how long and complicated the process was or what happen. I’ve never seen anything like it. Overall, visiting Havana was a great experience. I wish I could’ve stayed longer and would love to go back.
Here are a few tips if you plan on visiting Havana, Cuba!
Stay in an Airbnb. It’ll enhance the experience and make you feel like a native. Here is the link to the Airbnb I stayed at during my visit: https://abnb.me/T5DLgBGlg0
Be prepared to be without Internet. We did find a bar that had free unlimited Wi-Fi and delicious $2 mojitos.
Write down addresses of places you want to go. There may not be Wi-Fi to use google or GPS.
Exchange all of your money at once to avoid waiting in the line at the bank.
Plan to stay longer than 4-5 days. It is not enough!
Most importantly, don’t buy flights from a friend of a friend.
Things I did and places I visited:
Plaza de San Francisco
Plaza de las Armas
Cuba’s Capitol
Malecón
Callejon de Hamel
Museo de La Revoluciòn
Meuseo de las Bellas Artes
El Floridita - Bar
El Almendrón - Bar with the FREE Wi-Fi
Los Mercaderes
Sloppy Joes