BEST WAYS TO SEE BEAUTY OF CUBA
BEST WAYS TO SEE BEAUTY OF CUBA
LEARN MORE ABOUT BEST WAYS TO SEE BEAUTY OF CUBA AND EXPLORE THE BEST FIVE WAYS TO SEE CUBA A DIFFERENT COUNTRY
BEST WAYS TO SEE BEAUTY OF CUBA
My most recent journey, visiting Cuba for the first time, ranks as the most unusual one I’ve ever taken. I tried to prepare myself as much as possible by reading about Cuba’s rich history and speaking with friends who are Cuban, but I still found it difficult to absorb the intensity of Cuban life. There are more divergent viewpoints than in many other nations, but one thing that unites them all is the friendliness and coziness of the people of Havana. Here’s how visiting the transitional nation will alter your perception of it.
1. Make new friends in the plaza It’s easy to pass an afternoon in Plaza Vieja. There are restaurants lining the entire city square, and many local families gather while kids play in the cobbled streets. I met so many great people there, but the best encounter was meeting Yudel, the boy in the red in the picture above. We played catch one afternoon, and he became my shadow for the entire trip. I was able to meet his family, and hear more about their life and experience living in the city, further proving that connecting with locals is the best way to see Havana.
2. Enjoy the beautiful art and architecture Okay—this is one is obvious. The history and charm of Havana is endless. It’s easy to roam the streets with your head tilted back, snapping photos of the Spanish colonial buildings. You’ll also quickly recognize the lack of advertising in the city, along with photos of Fidel, Guevara and Chavez sprinkled alongside Viva La Revolución taglines.
3. Let a local show you around It’s natural to be cautious when traveling, but letting down your guard will be your best decision while in Cuba. The locals exude joy, and are more than willing to show you around their home. I met and talked with a number of families during my stay in Havana, and these interactions were my favorite part of the entire trip. Let them take you to their homes and have a cafecito (Cuban coffee). The company is fantastic, and the conversation will open your eyes to what it’s like to live in Cuba today.
4. Explore the private-dining scene If someone blindfolded me, secretly took me to El Chanchullero in Havana, and asked me to guess where I was, I would say a tapas bar in Brooklyn; hence my fascination with this restaurant. The artistic, retro-vibe it exudes is truly remarkable. Similar dining options are emerging throughout the city, like 304 O’Reilly, where brothers José Carlos and Julio Imperatori offer the best ceviche and gin cocktails in town. Restaurants like these are only possible with Cuba’s new government reform, allowing residents to own private business.
5. Skip the resort beach towns Most people would point you in the direction of Varadero to enjoy the beaches in Cuba; but after asking around, La Playa de Megano was recommended as the perfect spot to enjoy the water alongside Havana locals. The beach was full of life, with music blasting from every group of loungers. A sense of community was evident, and a family even invited me to their party later that evening.
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