During the drive from Juan Roberto Gomez airport, I felt almost voyeuristic peering out of the window of my air-conditioned shuttle bus at the locals in their various modes of transportation as we travelled around the Veradero peninsula. Many travelled on bicycles or late-model American cars. The only thing older than the cars appeared to be the buildings for which time had seemingly stood still.
To truly discover Cuba, however, I knew that I needed to leave the resort. The two-hour drive to Havana from my hotel, the Villa Cuba, was an experience in itself. Though many of the buildings were run-down in neighbouring communities, like Mantanzas, the laundry that hung from the windows was sparkling white.
Outside the cigar museum, one man, claiming he was a journalist, told us that we Canadians are very fortunate to have our freedom. How could anyone argue with him – we are free and fortunate. Ironically, this chance encounter took place across from a former Presidential palace, and the Granma memorial. Granma was the boat that carried 82 fighters to Cuba in 1956, including Fidel Castro, and the beloved former Argentinean Che Guevara.
Across from the spectacular Capitol building is Central Park. This is known as a “hot corner” in Havana where men argue vehemently about Cuba’s national pastime – baseball.
A tour of any one of Havana’s 65 cigar factories can be quite enlightening. Upon being in the sweltering heat of a multi-level building, I don’t know how I can justifiably complain about the lack of air-conditioning in my office ever again. The speed, with which the dozens of hand rollers perform their task in order to each meet the 120 cigar quota per day, is phenomenal. Quality is controlled at a number of levels, which explains why Cuba is home to the world’s finest cigars.
Revolution Square is home to a marble statue of Jose Marti, a National hero. For a fee, one can board the elevator to the top of the square’s tower to look out at Havana. Events at this square include concerts, national holidays, and parades. More evidence of Cuba’s love for Che exists in the form of a two-dimensional image of his face adorning a building across from the Marti statue.
At Plaza de La Catedral (Cathedral Square), you can bargain for souvenirs at the market, it is here you’ll find La Bodeguita del Medio, one of Ernest Hemmingway’s stomping grounds, and home to what is said to be the finest Mojito (the national drink of Cuba.)
Meander through the narrow cobbled streets, admire magnificent architecture and see Cuba through the lives of the locals. You may happen across spontaneous dancing. It is inarguable that there is no forum of music or dance more beautiful or sensuous than Latin.