Havana Travel Experience Day 1

Welcome to Cuba, the largest Caribbean island by area. It was my first time visiting the Capital City, Havana, and I wasn't sure how best to explore it within such a short period of time.

When you travel to an unfamiliar place, you will likely face barriers to finding an authentic experience unless you choose a tour operator well-versed in cultural immersion. On the surface, travel is about seeing new places. But I want to know, what are the people of this unfamiliar place passionate about? What are their lives really like? I want to experience completely different cultures, cuisines and landscape for myself.

There I was, contemplating on how to best get an authentic taste of Havana.

Should I hop on a bus or walking tour? Oh, no, there is little one can see on foot, and the bus will take you to picturesque, but superficial locations. Bicycling could be a good option, but then, as I scanned my surroundings, there were no bike rental shops nearby. What do I want to do then? As minutes elapsed, I pondered upon these inane rhetorical questions, and resorted to the perfect solution. I grabbed my backpack, refilled my water bottle and made my way to the exit door.

"Your ID and passport please," the immigration officer inquired.

“Sure,” I replied. I tossed them over to the counter as she checked for my visa. After a few seconds, she returned my passport, smiled and handed them back to me. "You are good to go señor."

It is a rare moment to see an immigration officer wearing a smile abroad. She wasn't anything like the one immigration officer I met in Dubai airport. The look on his face shouted: “F*** this job, I don't need it! I don't know why the F*** I am here stamping passports. I should be in Burj Kalifa smoking shisha, or racing in the desert with one of my Lamborghinis or gold plated Ferraris. F*** this job!”

As soon as I was cleared by security, I threw in my headphones and selected a Camila Cabello song on the playlist. I swapped my sneakers for my roller blades, and voilá! I was standing 6.4ft tall. One of the security officers noticed me, "Señor, our roads are not the smoothest for skating, are you sure you want to use those?"

"Yes officer, I'll take precautions", I responded. "Your road can't be worse than Aba," I joked, thinking that would be enough validation of my skills. I grew up in Aba, an industrial city in the eastern part of Nigeria. Back then, there was not a single tarred road. If I could skate on gravel, mud and through the floods in Aba, then I can skate on any Cuban road. After all, my favourite skating quote is “Stop worrying about the potholes in the road and enjoy the journey.”

Zooooom! I began gliding into the city, skating through every crib and corner while Camila Cabello was blasting into my ears “�Havana oh na na, Half of my heart is in Havana, ooh-na na�.” I was perplexed when some of the streets began to look too familiar. I had never been to Cuba before in my life. Soon I realised that I had seen those streets before; I was rolling on the very same streets and highways where the Fast and famous film was shot.

Havana looks exactly the same way it's portrayed in movies: old buildings, derelict houses, beautifully restored plazas. The buildings reflect the city's vibrant mix. Some streets are colourful, while others are more neutral and faded with age. Every street in Havana tells an interesting story. No street is the same. The residents custom of opening their homes into the streets completely moulded each road into it’s own unique streetscape.

I kept on gliding on my 10 wheeled speed skates until I was around 10km away from the cruise terminal. I knew I would be well away from tourists here, but unfortunately, I also knew that I wouldn't be able to trace my way back home on the same route. I was lost. Lost in a foreign country with a language that I neither spoke nor understood. But I showed no signs of panic; this is exactly what I wanted.

I made a stop in the middle of the street, and was thrilled by how ordinary Cubans go about their normal lives. Havana residents live out a large part of their lives on the streets. It's kind of a reality show out there all the time, much like life in Lagos mainland. No one is hiding. Everything is out in the open. Life is lived on the pavements. Rather then being indoors on the sofa discussing life over a cup of tea, they sit outside in plain sight. They gather in parks and on street corners, they gossip through open windows, and they sit comfortably in rocking chairs in the doorway. There were children playing, and customised bicycles waiting for passengers (tricycles are part of the transport system in Cuba).

At this point, I was exhausted from skating and my throat was feeling dry from dehydration. I checked into a local pub, and ordered myself an añejo rum. I settled down at the far end of the bar where I would have a good view of pedestrians, the streets and the ancient cars plying them.

As I sipped my rum, I wondered how all of the classical cars ended up in Cuba. The country is full of museum-worthy, old-school cars that would make any car enthusiast drool. These vintage and classic cars of Havana are a real treat! If you are a classic car buff, Cuba is just about the greatest place on the planet. It’s like one big car show, where autos from the 1940s and 1950s motor along the streets and highways. Most tourists love to visit Cuba for the wonderful experience of riding in a 1950 Cadillac, or one of the pretty coloured vintage cars.

Suddenly, a group of four people entered the pub in high spirits. After they purchased their drinks, they gestured towards me if they could join my company. I affirmed without hesitation.

“Hola, como estas amigos'?” I greeted them, with the only Spanish I knew. They nodded in response and sat with me as we introduced ourselves. They asked my whereabouts and other stuffs I didn't understand before I politely told them, “no habolo espanol” (I don't speak Spanish).

“Ah Americano?” they asked. No Nigerian. I told them.

“Ah Nigéria!” They exclaimed.

I adore Latinos and how the pronounce Nigeria. Latinos are very friendly, and they are the most happiest people I've ever met.

Luckily, a beautiful young lady in the group named Mariana, who barely spoke a word of English, volunteered to assist in translations. She began to interpret words for me using hand cues. Using our own version of sign language was quite fun and surprisingly, we understood each other easily. We had good conversation, talking about similar interests, cultures and life in Cuba.

Carlos, a middle-aged balding man, asked if I had ever smoked Cuban cigar before. I thought for a moment. Everyone is aware of Cuba being the Mecca of cigars. Cigars and Cuba are synonymous, much like France and wine. It's hard to think of Cuba and not think about cigars. I had always heard the hype about Cuban cigar being the best in the world. Maybe I should just try one and find out for myself, I pondered.

I placed my order. A few minutes later, my cigar arrived. I couldn't help my admiration of how stunning it appeared; the art of cigar rolling is exquisitely intricate. It was obvious that a lot of care and attention went into the making of each and every single cigar. It has been assumed that it takes over hundred steps to properly produce a single Cuban cigar. After seeing one in person, I believe it.

I lit it up, and as soon as I took the first puff, I felt like Pablo� with the level of euphoria it took me to. Nothing can beat the fun you get by smoking freshly rolled aromatic Cuban Cigars. The best way to describe the taste of Cuban tobacco is very bold, earthy, and spicy. Only a Cuban cigar tastes like a Cuban cigar. All of the hype is true.

When we were all done smoking and drinking, Melissa, the youngest in the group in her mid twenties, suggested that we go dine out together. Latinos have a thing for beauty and are known for being beautiful. Melissa was living proof. I doubt if any contestant would ever match her physical appearance if she had the opportunity to contest for Miss World. Melissa proposed a restaurant that served a touristy rendition of local food, conveniently situated only a few blocks away from her house..... To be continued

Day 2
City tour with mi amiga Melissa

Pic 1 - Driving
Pic 2 - Capitolio
Pic 3 - Capitolio
Pic 4 - Colourful vintage cars

Morro Castle (Spanish: Castillo de los Tres Reyes Magos del Morro), named after the three biblical Magi, is a fortress guarding the entrance to Havana bay in Havana, Cuba.

I wonder how did all of these vintage rides end up on the island and I did a little research.

It all started when Fidel Castro overthrew the mafia-loving Cuban president Fulgencio Batista on January 1, 1959. When Castro rode into town, many wealthy Cuban’s immediately fled the country, leaving behind their homes and their cars. Because of the following trade embargo with the United States, which forbade further export of American cars to Cuba, those abandoned classics that were once luxuries of the elite became necessities to the locals who inherited them (or simply walked up the driveway and drove off in them, since many still had the keys in the ignition on January 2).

As the decades of hardship droned on, those classic American cars had to be maintained with whatever parts were available on the economically isolated island. The Cuban’s nicknamed these cars “The United Nations” because the bodies are American (like the UN headquarters in New York) but the insides are made up of parts from around the globe.

While new cars are now easily imported to Cuba (minus any from the U.S.), these vintage cars are well loved by locals and tourists alike. Most of them are now used as taxis and are a great source of income for Cubans.

Since the average monthly salary is the equivalent of a whopping $30, taking a one-hour tour around Havana in one of these beauties for $50 is well worth the price and helps drivers achieve a better life for not only their families but their country as a whole.

Omo, see olden days cars oh

Vintage cars

OP
Your narration is excellent, understandable and top notch
Keep it up....following

Wow

This is beautiful.. I would definitely want to cool off in a place like Havana with my South African babe in few years time

Not a smoker but when i get there, I'm going to try some Cuban cigars
Thanks for sharing your experience in Cuba with us edwonderz. Your narration is perfect 100%
I'm anticipating more

NiklauseFred, do you like Cuba

Subomi007 what's up

Iamboladee come and feed your eyes

DMPaulSr boss just dey come

drmayor95 been a while

SaintHilary Boss, come see something

I'm sure my boss @MackyNaija would have visited this place

edwonderz:
Havana Travel Experience Day 1

Welcome to Cuba, the largest Caribbean island by area. It was my first time visiting the Capital City, Havana, and I wasn't sure how best to explore it within such a short period of time.

When you travel to an unfamiliar place, you will likely face barriers to finding an authentic experience unless you choose a tour operator well-versed in cultural immersion. On the surface, travel is about seeing new places. But I want to know, what are the people of this unfamiliar place passionate about? What are their lives really like? I want to experience completely different cultures, cuisines and landscape for myself.

This is my dream boss. To explore different countries, learn new cultures, taste different cuisines (my taste buds isn't restricted to only NIGERIAN delicacies, i need to try some great delicacies) and discover some landmarks

Please continue, I'm following

Ugosample
AngelicBeing

Nice one OP... expecting more. Enjoy your stay... Senor

Hadampson:
Wow

This is beautiful.. I would definitely want to cool off in a place like Havana with my South African babe in few years time

Not a smoker but when i get there, I'm going to try some Cuban cigars
Thanks for sharing your experience in Cuba with us edwonderz. Your narration is perfect 100%
I'm anticipating more

NiklauseFred, do you like Cuba

Subomi007 what's up

Iamboladee come and feed your eyes

DMPaulSr boss just dey come

drmayor95 been a while

SaintHilary Boss, come see something

I'm sure my boss @MackyNaija would have visited this place

I don't just "like" Cuba,I LOVE IT!!
Damn! Those cars are mad oo

Baba thanks for the mention.

China town in Havana:
Ironically, I did not see a single Chinese citizen there.

Human powered tricycle is popular and it's one of their means of transportation.
They also have coconut shaped taxis.

All about Cuba in one photo.

I like the Tricycles

Hadampson:
Wow

This is beautiful.. I would definitely want to cool off in a place like Havana with my South African babe in few years time

Not a smoker but when i get there, I'm going to try some Cuban cigars
Thanks for sharing your experience in Cuba with us edwonderz. Your narration is perfect 100%
I'm anticipating more

NiklauseFred, do you like Cuba

Subomi007 what's up

Iamboladee come and feed your eyes

DMPaulSr boss just dey come

drmayor95 been a while

SaintHilary Boss, come see something

I'm sure my boss @MackyNaija would have visited this place

This one you're calling everybody Boss seems they've been sending dollars your way

Mizwisdom:




This one you're calling everybody Boss seems they've been sending dollars your way

Most people i call "boss" on nairaland are those i see as mentors.

FrankNetter
MackyNaija
Lionlee216
Egunmogaji2
Ibrahimovic303
Mrphysics
Izzou
SaintHilary
Christwaso
Philfit
ottersberger
ubunja
DMPaulSr
Gentlebullet etc

Even the most hated people here like timesup234, useni, orunmila144 etc

I see them as my mentors

So calling them "boss" doesn't mean they send me money ma'am

NiklauseFred:



I don't just "like" Cuba,I LOVE IT!!
Damn! Those cars are mad oo

Baba thanks for the mention.

We got a similarity there boss
My love for classic cars is unimaginable James Bond made me love Aston Martin DB5.. I so much love that car mehn

edwonderz:
China town in Havana:
Ironically, I did not see a single Chinese citizen there.

This is the perfect definition of beauty
Cuba is very beautiful

edwonderz:
All about Cuba in one photo.

That is tu amiga Melissa i guess

Exquisite

Hadampson:
Wow

This is beautiful.. I would definitely want to cool off in a place like Havana with my South African babe in few years time

Not a smoker but when i get there, I'm going to try some Cuban cigars
Thanks for sharing your experience in Cuba with us edwonderz. Your narration is perfect 100%
I'm anticipating more

NiklauseFred, do you like Cuba

Subomi007 what's up

Iamboladee come and feed your eyes

DMPaulSr boss just dey come

drmayor95 been a while

SaintHilary Boss, come see something

I'm sure my boss @MackyNaija would have visited this place

Hadampson, thanks..... I'm now following.

[quote author =Hadampson post=87440272]

We got a similarity there boss
My love for classic cars is unimaginable James Bond made me love Aston Martin DB5.. I so much love that car mehn

[/quote]
Ahswerugawd! The car mad

Classic cars are bae

SavageMaster:
Omo, see olden days cars oh

That's their signature

Aidejay:
OP
Your narration is excellent, understandable and top notch
Keep it up....following

Thanks Aidejay, I'm glad you enjoyed it.

Hadampson:
Wow

This is beautiful.. I would definitely want to cool off in a place like Havana with my South African babe in few years time

Not a smoker but when i get there, I'm going to try some Cuban cigars
Thanks for sharing your experience in Cuba with us edwonderz. Your narration is perfect 100%
I'm anticipating more

NiklauseFred, do you like Cuba

Subomi007 what's up

Iamboladee come and feed your eyes

DMPaulSr boss just dey come

drmayor95 been a while

SaintHilary Boss, come see something

I'm sure my boss @MackyNaija would have visited this place

I am very sure you and your SA babe will enjoy it.
I am not a smoker but I couldn't afford not to smoke Cuban cigar in Cuba. It gives a special kind of feeling.

Hadampson:


This is my dream boss. To explore different countries, learn new cultures, taste different cuisines (my taste buds isn't restricted to only NIGERIAN delicacies, i need to try some great delicacies) and discover some landmarks

Please continue, I'm following

Ugosample
AngelicBeing

Fair comment Hadampson, I will strongly advise you to go for the experience, you will never regret it.
For me, Nigerian delicacies still remain the best, in fact, my next thread will be about Nigerian food. You can check it out.

biobash:
Nice one OP... expecting more. Enjoy your stay... Senor

Gracias amigo

DanDeeBoss:
I'm loving this, Op keep up with the inspiration........ Following

Thank you DanDeeBoss, I am glad you love it.

Hadampson:


This is the perfect definition of beauty
Cuba is very beautiful

I'd rather say it's historical.