Day 2 - Cuba

My intention was to wake up at 9 am, with the help of my alarm, and take part in an orientation session at 9:30. Oops, I neglected to account for the change in time zone! We had intentionally missed the hotel breakfast, deciding that rest was a more important priority. After getting ready for the day, our second priority was getting our Canadian currency changed to CUCs - convertible Cuban currency. We asked for directions to a bank, several times actually, and were unable to find a business resembling a bank. We did find some type of money exchange place but it was closed and there was already a large group of people waiting for it to open. Some locals wanted to do business with us but we weren't interested in that type of 'deal'.

We headed off in another direction down the main street and did locate a real bank. Our debit and credit card didn't work in their machines so we got in a long line for the bank. After about 20 minutes I left Tracy in the line and headed back to our hotel to exchange some money, despite knowing their exchange rate was less advantageous. When I returned to the bank, we decided to wait some more and get the transaction done.

After that strange experience, we had lunch at our hotel. It has a patio cafe/restaurant with live entertainment. The lunch, a stuffed chicken breast, was passable. Their rum drinks were delicious but a mistake. We were soon very sleepy and went back to the room for a nap. We hadn't gotten settled yet when the hotel room telephone rang. It was two employees from the bank, in the lobby, wanting us to come down and talk with them. Apparently the teller had made a mistake and wanted some of the money back. But they were confused as to how much we owed them. It was difficult to understand with very poor Spanish, but we finally agreed on how to solve the problem. So weird!

A short nap helped a lot. We headed down the Paseo del Prada, a beautiful boulevard leading to the San Salvador Castillo and the ocean. By that time, it was cloudy yet still warm. The ocean was wild and the waves were crashing against and over the concrete walls. It was impossible to stay dry.

Crossing the street was an adventure as well. On the way back to our hotel, we stop in a little art store where we found a few nice small pieces and had an interesting conversation with the two gentlemen working there.

It got dark shortly after 6 I think and we walked a long ways looking for a recommended restaurant. It was so popular, there were line-ups there.

I refused to stand in line again for who knows how long so we headed back near our hotel. Earlier we had seen a nice pasta place. I ordered the lobster penne and strawberries, in the form of a strawberry daiquiri that is!

 I hope the bands (from above us and below us) aren't too noisy tonight!

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.