TRAVEL GUIDE

Destination Havana TRAVEL INSERT March 2022

EDITION 7

THE CITY WITH A HEARTBEAT. CUBA An adventure into Cuban culture.

A TRAVEL PERSPECTIVE Read a real account of what to do, where to eat and where to stay.

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N e t w o r k i n g

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ou won't have to go far before you notice that Havana is almost like a time-travelling machine that has somehow become stuck in the 50s. The gas-guzzling cars of that time are a very prominent sight. Restored to near enough perfect outer shells, they boast intense Colours and large frames that fail to fit most countries' emissions laws.

That said, it's easy to see why with petrol fumes clouding the air with a unique smog that the locals have incorporated into everyday life. It can get a little overwhelming at particular parts of the day, and it's totally understandable that it's not everyone's cup of tea.

Hotel The Iberostar Parque Central offers a rooftop swimming pool with panoramic views across the City and a rooftop jacuzzi boasting two

strategically placed windows to provide unique views over the cityscape.

Reception With a forest theme, surrounded by greenery, it really plays to being in an outer city location.

As the people's masks were removed when seated with food and drink, you bore witness to smiles and bottled up happiness that now had a vehicle to escape.

A winding colonial-themed staircase wrapped around reception and took you to various other bars, restaurants and recreational areas. White balustrading complemented its breathtaking structure; you could not help but feel that you were a celebrity with every taken step.

Photography by Sanj Saigal

Photography by Sanj Saigal

Rooms Designed with comfort in mind, light, spaciousness, and tradition seemed to be the theme.

A four-poster bed dominated the space and gave it a stately look that felt rather unique. I, for one, was impressed with how comfortable the room was. It almost induced a need to stay indoors on occasion.

The capital building Known as the prominent landmark, it houses the 3rd largest statue globally. Unfortunately, currently under building renovations, it was closed during my visit, which was unfortunate. Gold detail adorns the roofline, and you almost immediately know that you are facing a building of importance as you stand at the foot of the steps looking up to its overpowering main entrance.

Currency The official currency is CUP, but the Euro and Dollar appear to be king as most places welcome foreign currency. You can change currency over to CUP at any Hotel, although I would plan your journey carefully to take advantage of working on a daily budget.

Restaurants If you're a vegetarian, there is a choice here, but it's not extensive. Meat eaters are mainly catered for, with Burgers and Pizza still the safest option.

Cuban food is rice-based and diverse, but gambling with food can be dangerous, especially if you're travelling with children.

Bars Beer is the most popular beverage and pricy as it's an import commodity. Due to embargoes, which I won't go into in any detail, what may be available one day isn't guaranteed the next. This can affect simple things like ketchup, butter, jam or even mustard.

Culture There is a natural want to surround yourself in the culture; you almost feel the need to walk everywhere, and clocking up more than an average step count is met with ease.

from home was not an option where manual skills dominated the employment landscape.

Music There is no way to avoid the musical appeal that Cubans consider a vital part of their culture. You won't fit the theme if you don't tap your feet or nod your head.

Salsa-based rhythm and Jazz are famed in this part of the world, and I have to say it contributes to the culture's look and feel.

Bus routes

Be prepared to be approached by the locals who want to offer you everything from taxi tours to cigars. You need to be a little bit thick-skinned; it's a novelty at the beginning of your stay, but its appeal can get a little irritating towards the end.

Without this offering, no city is worth its weight in gold, and this one's no exception. There are two offerings, open-top and closed.

Unfortunately, the tree lines are low, so don't stand up to take photos if you want to experience the first.

Remember that the lack of work over the Pandemic combined with compulsory lockdowns presented economic hardship. Moreover, working

Both routes will offer you perfect photo opportunities, and the tickets will allow you to get off and on at designated stops. It's one of the

best and most economical ways to see everything in one sitting, so to speak. But, of course, if you're up for style and flexibility, you can always hire an old 1950's car by the hour or at a fixed rate.

Photography by Sanj Saigal

Photography by Sanj Saigal

Time A week is suf cient to spend here. It's not a resort, so there will be times that you feel as if you have run out of things to do.

To really see this intriguing destination, you will need to submerge yourself in its incredible culture. To do this, travelling through Cuba will be on the agenda.

Photography

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You can snap contrasting colours, playing with light and shade, something of a photographer's paradise. Altering saturation points simply isn't necessary as the colours feel more like technicolour in an old lm.

Transfer to Trinidad If there was a pinnacle point to scream about, it would be this. A quaint little village in a town untouched by the man's incestuous want to conform to a modern template.

Colonial buildings with doors almost 3 metres tall wooden doors that almost pose a quandary of thought into how they actually work dominate with their magical colours, each glistening in the sun.

Street paintings are sold by vendors operating in small shops and on staircases painted in equally daring colours. For the more serious art lover, galleries are dotted around the village. Entry is free, but if you are tempted to buy paintings, you will need a certi cate from the artist and loosely based on size, there may be a duty tax to pay at the airport.

Below you will find a few other interesting facts of interest.

Internet Hit and miss can best describe this. Most hotels will provide limited access. You can also buy internet cards which work on an hour prepaid basis.

Pharmacy Hard to find and, even if found, carry few medications. Ensure that you bring plasters, Imodium, Gaviscon, Nurofen, Suntan lotion, aftersun and anything you think will save you time should you fall sick or need medical attention.

CUBA

Feature This insert will be published in June 2022. If you would like to feature or have an editorial written about you or your business, contact us.

Photography by Sanj Saigal