On the bus in Old Havana.
After breakfast at the Montehabana hotel we took the bus along the Malecon to Old Havana. During our two hour walking tour we visited a number of plazas and squares featuring restored buildings in the Colonial style of architecture.
Next we walked to Artecorte Casa Museo de la Baberia – a combination salon, barbershop, collection of barber equipment, and gallery of barber-themed artwork. Pepito – the proprietor- is committed to the community, also running a school, a senior center, a playground, and bartender training to help residents seeking jobs on the cruise ships now stopping in Havana. Totally worth climbing the 52 steps up to the shop!
Across the street we had lunch at El Figaro – pumpkin soup, roasted chicken, ice cream, espresso, and the best mojito we’ve had so far!
Next we took the bus back to the Miramar district to see the tile-decorated houses of the José Fuster project and a quick stop to see the boats in the Hemingway Marina.
Then back on the bus and down the Malecon to return to Old Havana for currency exchange at the Cadeca and daiquiris at El Floridita – Ernest Hemingway’s old hangout!
And then back in the bus to return to Miramar for dinner and to check into the Hotel Comodoro, our hotel for the rest of the stay.
More tomorrrow.
Old Havana
A park in Old Havana
Pepito – the barber at Artecorte
With the Ernest Hemingway statue at El Floridita
From the Montehabana hotel in Havana …
Fueled by Peter’s Cuban BBQ, Nancy’s incredible chocolate cake, and some potent martinis, we were up early to head to the airport. We left Melrose at 4 AM for Logan. And after our 6 AM departure we arrived in Atlanta by 8:30 AM.
Over D.C. enroute to Atlanta
During the two hour layover in Atlanta, we confirmed our general license to travel to Cuba, received our visas, and stopped for Caribou Coffee – a rare treat for me since I live in Caribou-deprived D.C. Departure for Cuba was about 11:30 AM.
Over the Florida Keys in the way to Cuba
We arrived in Cuba at about 1:30 PM, passed through customs, and had a late lunch at Area +53 in Havana. After a short bus ride we checked into the Montehabana hotel and took a quick break to unpack.
Then we went to the hotel next door for mojitos by the pool while listening to Ana Marie, our tour guide, talked about life in Cuba.
After a late dinner I’m back in the Montehabana lobby paying for Wi-Fi for today’s update.
Tomorrow we explore Old Havana.
Onboard United 641 to Boston
Leaving the unseasonably warm temps of D.C. and flying to New England where there is still some snow on the ground. I’m on the first leg of the trip to Cuba! It’s good to be in the road again. And while the flight is smooth it seems I am functioning as a human coatrack for some of my fellow travelers.
Flying over New York City on the way to Boston.
When I signed up for this trip a couple of years ago the only option was a departure from Boston on a charter flight to Havana. But, as it turns out, tomorrow we’re flying commercial, so things have really changed.
Mickey and Donna are already in Boston, so we all get to spend the day together at Shannon and Peter’s with plans to take the T to explore downtown Boston, the Greenway, Quincy Market, and Boston Public Market. Planning on taking it easy tonight before our early 6 AM departure.
Making twice-baked potatoes – in timelapse! Savory goodness for the holidays!
Shot with an iPhone 6s and edited using Final Cut Pro X.
Some end of summer and early fall aerial shots from the 2016 flying season shot using the DJI Phantom 2 quadcopter.
Technical details …
View from the balcony ...
Michael S. Liberman