February 22, 2022

Bienvenidos a la Habana !

By Philippe Jolicoeur
car at sunset in la Havana Cuba

 

I'm not a big fan of vacations. I find the whole concept of people taking time off from work to go sit on a beach or visit ancient ruins highly overrated. How could you say no to Cuba? It's like the forbidden fruit of travel destinations. You just have to see it for yourself. And now that I've been (more than fifty times) I can say without a doubt that it was worth it. Havana is one of the most unique places I've ever been, and if you're looking for an adventure, this is the place to find it.

Have you been considering a trip to Havana Cuba? Wondering what to expect when you get there? You're in for a real cultural experience! From the moment you step off the plane, you'll be surrounded by friendly locals who are excited to show you around their city. Expect plenty of amazing architecture, tasty food, and vibrant nightlife. Don't forget to bring your camera - you're going to want to capture all the beauty Cuba has to offer

Havana is the capital and largest city of Cuba. The heart of the La Habana province, Havana is the country's main port and leading commercial centre . The city has a population of 2.1 million inhabitants. The city of Havana was founded by the Spanish in the 16th century, you will feel the rich culture everywhere you go.

I love Cuban coffee , the different coffees I have tasted over the years are the inspiration for our 1936 Cubano Silver Dark Roast. Cubans love their coffee sweet ; very sweet this is why we decided to add a bit of cane sugar in our blends following the veneered Spanish torrefacto method. The café Cubano is the perfect companion to the best cigars in the world. Maybe I will write a blog one day detailing my deep, deep love for the Havanos. The Montecristo # 2 (piramide shaped ) and Romeo & Julieta Churchills (big , like the ones Winston smoked) are some benchmark cigars that have to be experienced.

There's no shortage of things to do in Havana, a city that brimmed with attractions and activities even before the country's recent thawing of relations with the United States. From classic cars and cigars to salsa dancing and beaches, Havana has something for everyone. Here are some of the highlights:

If you're looking for a quintessential Cuban experience, Old Havana is a must-see. This historic district is home to colorful buildings, lively squares, and plenty of street performers. Be sure to check out the Cathedral Square (Plaza de la Catedral) and the Plaza Vieja (Old Square), both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Keep in mind that many of these attractions and activities can be enjoyed while sitting back and enjoying a tasty cigar or cocktail from one of Cuba's many famous bars. After all, that's what makes Havana so special.

If you're a lover of automobiles, a visit to Havana is not complete without a visit to the Museo de la Revolución. There, you can see cars from the era of Fulgencio Batista and Fidel Castro, including Batista's luxury Lincoln limousine. You can also see some American classics like the Ford Thunderbird and Chevrolet Bel Air. But be sure to leave time to check out the vintage Cuban rides too! From sleek convertibles to lumbering American classics, there's no shortage of eye-catching rides to choose from. So, take your time and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, and make sure to snap some pictures along the way!

With its eclectic architecture, passionate nightlife, and stunning Caribbean beaches, Havana is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. But deciding where to stay can be tricky, especially if you're on a budget. The Hotel Nacional de Cuba is a historic Spanish eclectic style hotel ,opened in 1930. Located on the sea front of Vedado district, it stands on Taganana Hill, offering commanding views of the sea and the city. My personal favourites are the Melia Cohiba (for business) and the Melia Habana a modern urban hotel located n my favourite neighbourhood : Miramar. Best Deals are to be found by renting private houses and apartments . Yes, you can use the Canadian Airbnb site to start , but once there , you will find an abundance of offers and deals with the locals, so book a short stay to begin .

I love Cuban food. You have to try el Aljibe for classic chicken , rice and beans or a great ceviche a la Esquina de Cuba to name a few. The best food and deals are to be found in the "paladares"(private restaurants ) where you will find octopus , veal and even delicious lobster at a reasonable price.

Although Havana is still in the process of rebuilding, it's a city that is rich with culture and history. There are many things to see and do in Havana, and I hope to return soon to experience more of what the city has to offer. If you're looking for an interesting and unique destination for your next vacation, be sure to add Havana to your list.





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