Today I’m looking forward to getting the first impressions of Havana, Cuba, something that has been on my bucket list for a long long time.In the morning, the last one in Matanzas, we were able to relax with our host over coffee and then had the drudgery of packing. I was a bit sad because they truly feel like family now and I will miss them, but we promised to visit again soon.
Our taxi friend Jonel arrived at 12:00 but explained to us that he ate some bad fish and was quite sick from food poisoning, but he felt so bad that he could not drive us to Havana, as we also have become friends. Besides Cubans are very dedicated, respectful human beings, and take responsibility extremely serious.
He said he had called a friend of his, “Derby”, who could take us if we wouldn’t mind. We assured him it was fine. He should go home and rest.
His friend Derby arrived, huge hugs were given and received, then packed up our luggage for the hour and half drive to Havana. We had mountains on one side and crashing ocean waves on the other. Livestock, changing landscapes, domiciles and interesting vegetation were enjoyable to gaze at. There were also several power plants, factories, oil rigs, refineries and of course classic cars along the way. When you see a new car, it is an oddity and seems weird.
We arrived in Havana and Han wanted to find a money exchange since the one in Matanzas had been closed for lunch. He went into the shopping mall Carlos III across the street, but the line was too long. Our taxi driver, Derby bought me some pan “bread” to snack on while we waited. It was yummy. He was a lot of fun to “try” and talk with and full of information. By the way, if you find an eatery or bread store and there is a line waiting to get in, then get in line because it is known to be the best around. Just like the bread store, the line never slowed down.Note: Just give up on opening your own car door, especially if you are a woman. Cuban men are chivalrous to a fault. They offer their hand to help you and definitely will not allow you to carry luggage.
Paraiso Rojo, our AirBnB in Central Havana
We quickly found our way to our AirBNB hosts, unloaded the car, paid Derby and checked in. Actually Pedro, our host paid Derby in CUC (convertible pesos) and Han paid Pedro in USD.
Wow, our new host family bends over backwards to make sure you know anything and everything about your surroundings, and to make sure you feel it is your own home immediately. They take your luggage to your room, they show you completely around the house and point out things like fresh fruit and beverages to help yourselves to, provide customized maps of the area, explained our requested itinerary of tours and even explain the money (even though we already knew many of the things cousin Jorge informed us on). 
Unlike us, most of their guests fly into Havana and come straight to the house.
Unlike us, most of their guests fly into Havana and come straight to the house.Pedro is also going to arrange some Cohiba Cigars for us, so we don’t have to go in search of them. It is tricky to find authentic cigars on the street, unless you know someone, or buy from government stores which are very costly at up to 25.00 CUC per Cohiba cigar.
There is a secret to buying Cuban cigars, that only the locals know, but that evening there was a knock on our door and Han went down to take ownership of a beautiful box, sealed in his presence. A quick and easy experience you only get from trustworthy people like the Arbolaez family.
In the living room we spoke with two other guest couples, who were sadly on their way back home. They were delightful and I wish they could have stuck around longer, because they would have definitely been fun to hang out with.
Note: We are now all Facebook friends. Maybe one day, we will meet up on Cuba again.
Walking the Neighborhoods to a Restaurant in China Town
Jorge, who was giving us all the details upon arrival, asked if we were hungry and I was actually “hangry” at this point, so he offered to walk us to one of their favorite restaurants, La Flor de Loto, and show us the way.
On the way through neighborhoods we stopped in a huge church and I lit a candle for my mama, just as I had done all over Europe last year.
It was majestic with intricate details and stained glass windows. We took a few moments to look around, then off we went to eat.
The restaurant was hopping busy, but we were quickly seated.Jorge had told us the portions are huge and what an understatement that was. Han and I both packaged up over half our meal and out the door for the 20 minute stroll home since we were tired.
We had just turned the corner and a nice man sitting on his stoop pointed at the plastic bag and asked us for the food. He had a wife and small child standing behind him, with little to no furnishings inside his home. I did not hesitate and realized with him asking, his family must really be in need because Cuban people are a very proud people. They were so sweet and appreciative, and we gained such a warm feeling.
Note: We later found out that many people purposely congregate nearby in hopes of receiving your leftovers. It is up to you, but it can never hurt to be kind to your fellow man. However, the family we gave our food to, actually lived around the corner, and who can say no to a child?
The Carlos III Shopping Mall Experience
We decided to walk a little further down the street to the mall in search of a hat for me, because tomorrow is our walking tour of Central and Old Havana and my face needs a break from the direct sun. Found a cute floppy hat for 11.70 CUC, but we were short of about 10 cents in change. The cashier/clerk waved us away as in no worries, bagged the hat and I guess that was a small version of paying it forward.
The malls and restaurants in Cuba have huge play areas for children and they have such loving parents. Family is number one in Cuba. I saw a young man of maybe 19, walking arm in arm with his elderly grandmother and he was so gentle with her. Just a lovely and loving culture here, and I wish it were so around the entire world.I admired one of the cutest babies who was approximately two weeks old, and the mother offered for me to hold her. I was amazed but declined and I hope I did not offend her. It just took me by surprise because no one outside of family is going to offer you to hold their baby in the states. I wish now I had, and if given this chance again I will just be honored that she wanted to share her baby with me. That was the only time I felt our cultures clash, but not in a bad way of course. My first impressions of Havana Cuba are overwhelmingly positive.
On the way back to our home, Han mentioned I was being checked out. LOL With my thick figure I fit right in and with being light skinned, I am definitely a unique sight to them I suppose. I teased Han that if I am ever in the market for another husband, I will hit up Cuba.
One of our hosts “Yasset” invited us out to a local bar down the street for a drink, but since both of us have aching feet and sore limbs, we opted out, but promised to join him tomorrow. (Yasset has lived in Miami since he was 19 years of age, but has the desire to move back to Cuba. He and his father own the AirBNB home.)I also asked Yasset if it was common for local folks to ask for food and he said no, so it made me feel even better to help out the family. So if you ever get to Cuba, feed someone, it does the heart good.
Our AirBNB is located in Central Havana inside a real Cuban neighborhood with everyone visiting in the streets and yelling down to friends from balconies. Of course we joined in. The B&B itself is well appointed and super clean, even though the furnishings are that of a trailer park type furniture from the 60’s and 70’s. Come to think of it, just like the vintage cars, the furniture is vintage as well. I, myself, found it charming. I am not into the resort type of vacations. I love being in the thick of things, like sitting out on the balcony, smoking a cigarette and waving at people passing by. My first impressions of Havana Cuba are fabulous. People are friendly and the city is the safest city I’ve ever walked around in.
Note:Pedestrians do not have the right of way. Streets are meant for motorized vehicles, so if you happen to cross the street, you need to be mindful about oncoming traffic. Most locals walk in the streets due to some being injured by falling deteriorated balconies. Yeah, concrete or bricks on the head, not so good.Also, if you are sensitive to car fumes, it is best for you to find another destination than Havana. The main streets are often very smoky, but as stated before, there are an abundance of back streets and are more interesting to check out.
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