Hello Havana
So many people have been asking about my trip to Havana, Cuba last week, surprised to hear that travel to the island nation is open to Americans. Hello Havana! Except for the height of the COVID pandemic, it never really closed, just became increasingly difficult to figure out.
Cuban/American relations are also very complicated; the rules and parameters of visits change frequently.
I have been to Cuba many times thanks to the skilled guidance of Gloria Jordan, owner of La Trattoria Cafe Napoli in Fort Myers. She has been taking small groups on cultural and humanitarian trips to Cuba for several years and is truly masterful at it. She gets her groups into the best paladares (local restaurants) and casa particulares (private accommodations), exposes travelers to art, music, and Cuban culture, while not sugar coating reality, the plight of the people.
This was her first trip since COVID and like many places around the world, things have changed.
In the past there was a separate currency for tourists, the CUC. Today tourists and residents alike use the Cuban Peso which seemed to be more favorable. Just like here, some businesses have limited hours and some restaurants have been challenged to find and keep certain ingredients.
One thing that has not changed is the hospitality, generosity, creativity, ingenuity and strong spirit of the Cuban people, even in the face of such troubling times.
If you are interested in speaking with Gloria about putting together a trip for you or joining one that might have some room, email her at [email protected]
I’ve compiled a few photos here and am in the process of putting together more detailed videos and posts on my social media sites (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok) under Gina Birch and Wine Birch. Keep an eye out for them.
Vintage cars in Havana, Cuba
The vintage cars are a highlight of any trip to Cuba. They are spectacular even for visitors who aren’t automotive buffs. It feels like you’re on a movie set at times. People take great pride in these cars.
Vintage cars in Havana
At times it almost looks like Miami, but that feel quickly goes away when you dive deeper, turn down a different street and see the poverty; a harsh reminder of the politics of this island nation.
Fusterlandia, Cuba
Fusterlandia is a cool art community created by artist Jose Fuster. He has transformed an entire neighborhood with his colorful tiles. It’s a must see in Havana and great place to find local, one of a kind art.
Art in the streets of Havana, Cuba
Art is everywhere. It lifts people up, gives them a way to express themselves.
Santa Maria Beach, Cuba
The water at Santa Maria Beach, just outside of Havana, is heavenly. There is a small beach shack with a tiny kitchen that cranks out some amazing food including whole fish, lobster, and lots of cold mojitos.
Lobster on the beach
The food in the private restaurants we visited was divine. Everything from ceviche and sushi to ropa vieja and black bean croquettes and more.
Fresh fish dip at Malecon 663
Guava Pana Cotta at Vista Mar
Cuban coffee is not just sweet, and delicious, it’s necessary to survive a whirlwind trip to the island
Cuban coffee for the win
Cohiba’s in Cuba
Hello Havana, you can’t go to Cuba without getting ahold of some of these. The cigar factories are best to make sure you are not getting counterfeit, but even those are good with a glass of rum.
Cabaret Parisien, Havana, Cuba
The music is everywhere in Havana but there is nothing quite like the cabaret with colorful costumes and moving performances. This one tells the history of Cuba through music and dance. I’ve seen it several times and love it.
And then there are the refreshing mojitos made with the famous Havana Club Rum…a national treasure and part of the daily routine when visiting Cuba.
Mojito
Gosh there is so much more. Check back. I have a feeling I’ll be adding to this post. Hello Havana, I think I love you.
I love to travel and see the world. If you’re looking to explore California’s wine country, here is a little peak at a trip I took earlier in the year.
