It is one of those places that grows on you. So much so, that since I have left the country I have been wanting to visit again. And it’s not only because of those stunning beaches, live music, unique culture and freshly made mojitos (a lot of them). One of the best things about Cubans is that they are able to enjoy life with having so little. Despite the hardships of some locals, it always amazes me how friendly, helpful, kind and also how much fun the majority of Cubans I meet are. Cuba is a sexy land and Cubans are sensual people. I realized that sometimes the simple things in life, such as dancing to the samba and talking to each other are the best.
I have to admit. The lack of internet was something I at first found frustrating. Don’t expect to be hailing Uber or using Google Maps to navigate when you get lost. But at the end, I enjoyed the novelty of my enforced exile from the online world. I would recommend it to everyone. Another thing I learned is that Cuba is really safe. Crime is nearly unheard of, Cubans are generally extremely welcoming to foreigners, and Cuba’s government goes to great lengths to ensure tourist safety.
Also, it’s an amazing time capsule of classic American cars. It’s like one big car show, wherever you look you can spot automobiles from the 1940s and 1950s. You can find the biggest selection of old cards in Havana. Classic cars with drivers can be found outside of any major hotels.
Havana is jam-packed with excitement. Cubans really value art, music, literature and education and you could tell. Everywhere we went there was something exciting for me to look at or listen to or just generally enjoy. One of the most fun things to do was to hit La Bodeguita del Medio for a mojito (or three), live music and typical Cuban meal consisting of rice and beans.
The cult of Ernest Hemingway is strong in Cuba. Hemingway lived in Cuba on and off for over 30 years. His home-turned-museum is located just outside of Havana and to step back in time and visit the rooms and gardens that witnessed the most prolific period of this Nobel Prize winner’s writing career, was simply amazing. While here, Hemingway wrote Islands in the Stream, A Moveable Feast, and The Old Man and the Sea.
If you choose all-inclusive resort in Cuba, I recommend Ocean Varadero el Patriarca. We stayed there for our honeymoon and we had the best time. We felt as if they were celebrating our marriage with us. Everyone knows you don’t go to Cuba for the food but in this resort, it wasn’t that bad. Perhaps not world class fine dining, but certainly quite good. What’s more important, this 5* resort is set on a beautiful white sand beach surrounded by extensive gardens and crystal clear turquoise waters. You can relax all day long and just enjoy the view. It’s worth the experience.
