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Havana and Hemingway

Updated: Sep 26, 2020

Well here we are in Havana, sailed into port and docked right in the centre of the old city.

Everyone knows the statue of Christ in Rio, but there's also one overlooking the Bay in Havana. The statue is 20 metres high and made of solid Italian marble by a Cuban sculptor.

I can see it from the balcony of my room, quite spectacular close up.

After clearing immigration, I will see what Havana has to offer the casual visitor. Definably must see the National Capitol building [the second Whitehouse] and the Great Theatre of Havana. The theatre has been home to the Cuban National Ballet and, on its main stage, to the International Ballet Festival of Havana.



The Ministry of the Interior building is one of several that flank Havana's Plaza de la Revolución. The building features a steel memorial of famed hero of the Cuban Revolution, Che Guevara, with the quotation "Hasta la Victoria Siempre" (Ever Onward to Victory).

Everywhere you look in the city you see the classic American cars and musicians playing.

The contrast between immaculate architecture on the one hand and on the other, the derelict shells of what would have been, magnificent colonial buildings in their times, is striking.

That’s what 60 years of American sanctions does for you.


The Cuban street band known as Los Mambisas can be found performing throughout Havana Vieja (Old Havana).

Sloppy Joes and the El Floridita bar, are a must visit if only for their ambiance. Havana is the place to visit for a world-famous daiquiri. It's where Ernest Hemingway used to drink them, while holding court with the likes of Gary Cooper and Spencer Tracy. The story of the bars is as colourful as their exteriors.This exploring has made me thirsty, time for a daiquiri or maybe a margarita i think.

Now refreshed its on to a new experience, A drive around Havana in a classic Chevy Bel Air, but thats another story.



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