Day 1 - Cuba

We've been in Havana less than 24 hours and what a first day! Our plane left on time and we made good time in the air. It took approximately 5 hours and 15 minutes before we arrived at the airport in Varadero, shortly after 2 am, Cuban time. First, there were long lines at customs, followed by a carry-on luggage scan, and then a longish wait for our suitcases to appear on the carousel. After that, we were directed to a waiting bus which had another couple seated. I thought there would be more passengers joining us us from the almost full charter plane but the 4 of us were the only ones headed into Havana.

It was another hour and 20 minutes until we reached our destination: the Hotel Inglaterra, the oldest hotel in the city. Check in was easy and we headed up to our room on the 3rd floor.

We were delighted that we had a balcony and even more delighted with the view - the Gran Teatro de La Habana. Despite the time, there were passersby strolling down the street.

We are pleased with our room which has 12 foot ceilings and the entry doors are at least 9 feet in height! The room is old but then this hotel dates from 1875 and is full of character. It was 5 am local time before we hit the hay.