Page 18 - Explore Magazine Autumn 2018

CAPTIVATING
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CUBA

by Chris Lyons, Director, World Journeys.

“Crumbling colonial charm” just doesn’t cover it. Arriving in Havana History surrounds you in Havana, from the colonial architecture to
is like landing in a time warp-mash-up of 1800s Spain and 1950s the Spanish forts. You can visit Che Guevara’s house, and a display
Americana. Old Havana’s rambling streets are lined with candy- of missiles that were at the centre of the 1962 Missile Crisis when the
coloured vintage cars, locals lingering in doorways, and strains of world came to the brink of nuclear war.
salsa music drifting from open windows. Atmosphere, intrigue and
colour are what make Cuba one of the world’s hottest travel spots. En route to the old colonial town (and UNESCO World Heritage
site) of Trinidad, we passed through a rural countryside of sugar
Staying in Old Town Havana offers easy access to shopping, and the cane fields and plodding horses and carts. Stopping at a country
famous bar where the Daiquiri was invented. La Floridita was the school, our gift of exercise books from New Zealand was received
favoured watering hole of Ernest Hemingway, whose bronze statue with great glee by the kids, who responded in song. One of those
now has a permanent position leaning against the bar. spontaneous moments that stays with you forever.
I was really surprised at the number of pre-revolutionary Trinidad itself offers a much more low-key experience of Cuba
American cars on the road. Far from being purely for tourists, than Havana, with an interesting museum, a small market and a
they are actually still in common use. Hiring a beautiful old Buick quaint square perfect for people-watching. Close by is the very
convertible is the best way to see the city! pleasant town of Santa Clara, with its memorial to Che Guevara. An
interesting little museum revealed that Che was a very keen rugby
A visit to a cigar factory is a must, as is the Havana Club Rum player when at University in Buenos Aires.
Factory, if only for a tot of rum before a walking tour of the Old
Town. Much of this area is now pedestrianised, and great to wander OK, so the roads are a little less than perfect and things don’t
around soaking up the atmosphere. A lot of restoration is going on, always run like clockwork, but this is more than made up for by
which is encouraging, and dining locally in a paladar (family-run the people, the amazing atmosphere, and the absolute gem that is
restaurant) is the way to go. It’s also really worthwhile taking in a Havana. I’d return to Cuba in a heartbeat.
salsa show in Havana, or you could venture out and enjoy Havana’s
vibrant nightlife, with salsa and jazz clubs open until the wee hours.
Be prepared to dance!

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