Who Knows Cuba?

E

Ernest Emerson

Joined
Apr 5, 1999
Messages
460
Dear Members,

I'm going to Cuba. I'll be there doing some things for about a week. There will be some free time. Have any of you been there? Any suggestions or must-see places?

Best,

Ernest
 
Mr. Emerson,

Have you watched Anthony Bourdain's Cuba episodes? Kind of food oriented, but he generally gives a good overview of the place as well. I think there is a No Reservations and a Parts Unknown featuring Cuba.

Have a safe trip.
 
I've been there a few times. We usually stay in Veradero for the beaches and hire an old American car and drive into Havana for the day (don't take a tour bus, obviously). There are caves to check out (Cueva de Ambrosio) and Josone Park is worth checking out.

In Havana there is lots to see. There are a few famous bars but depending on time of year, and day, they can be packed. One claims to have invented the Mojito, and they do make a good one. I just drink straight rum when I'm there. Lots of good ones to choose from.

Walking around the Morro Castle and Revolution Museum are interesting. Check out the Plaza de la Revolucion (tons of old cars always lined up there).

If you smoke cigars there are factory tours you can go on which is interesting to do at least once.

Be careful buying cigars. If you buy them under the table (and it will be offered) you risk getting a fine when leaving the country if Cuban customs finds them in your bag without proper labels and receipt as they frown upon 'counterfeit' cigars. And don't buy them at the airport as they are sitting in the air conditioned shops for who knows how long so can be all dried out.

People complain of bland food, but I have never had any complaints.

It's a beautiful country and everyone is very friendly, from my experiences. We got very rural one trip and ran out of gas on one of our scooters and locals gave us free gas from their rations and refused to take any $ in return. Have a good trip!
 
Dear Ernest,

I was there some time ago--2004--so some things will have likely changed. +1 on the beaches in Veradero; they are excellent, but are in the next province over from Havana (Matanzas). In Havana, the "old Havana" part of the city is the nicest/most geared toward tourists. The Hotel International is there, open air markets, bars, etc. In Vedado, the other side of town, there are a couple hotels like the Riviera (of Meyer Lansky fame) and the Melia Cohiba hotel--the latter of the two had an awesome walk-in humidor.

The museums and plaza mentioned are worth checking out, though be prepared for some relatively harsh anti-American sentiment. Many homes are licensed to open up their front yards and outer rooms to serve food... which was always excellent, and very moderately priced. Grab some 7 year old dark Havana Club rum and a Cohiba Siglo VI, and enjoy hanging by the wall that overlooks the sea! And if you have extra Rum and smokes, drop me a line--I'm just up the 110 from you in South Pasadena!

Have a great trip.

BTW, the Outlaw is my absolute favorite knife... it is always with me.
 
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