CUBA is officially my happy place. Do you ever go to a place and you feel it’s yours and wouldn’t want other people to discover the place? Exactly how I felt when I visited Cuba. I remember telling people I was going to Cuba and they started panicking. My boyfriend thought I was out of my mind, my sister was filled with anxiety of me being kidnapped and all the widely held beliefs of what turned out to be such a beautiful place. I took the bull by the horns and off I went.
Cuba is definitely one of the best travel decisions I made in 2018. So much history in one place, the architecture, classic cars and beaches. It is a DREAM.
I stayed in Central Havana at a Casa Particular which is an equivalent of an AirBnB in Havana, I later explored other cities such as Vanadero and Vinalles from there.
The people were so friendly, the only barrier was the language as most people speak Spanish. The major thing I liked was the fact there was no easy access to internet. I know a lot of people wouldn’t like this but I loved it. It was like going back in time.
I survived three days without my phone. I met and had great conversations with people I ll probably never see again. Even when I made a friend we had to agree to meet at a certain time and location. Our phones were not working. I loved this and if I ever want a quiet time Cuba will be that place to visit.
Another thing I was amazed by was the fact that the Yoruba tradition and deity is still present and practiced in Cuba, they have gods such as Ogun, Ifa, Sango etc. A couple of them are herbalist, they consult and read incantations like native Yoruba people. I would later have conversations about it with taxi drivers that are from Cuba when I get to Miami.
Havana has my heart, the buildings and classic cars has a lot of history behind them. I intentionally picked the brain of all the locals I met. Centro Habana is the prime location in Havana. During the day I explored the city by walking and only did with the classic car once. At night I went to salsa, I was lucky to witness the most beautiful salsa ever in Buenavista social club with talented Cuban Artists. A bit pricey but worth every bit of it.
Vinalles tour was educational as we all got to know about cigars. We visited the farmer’s house and learnt how to make a cigar. We also stopped over to have some pina colada and you literally pour the rum yourself so good luck on getting drunk. I outdid my self as I was excited that was even a thing.
The beach in Vanadero is one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever been in my life! clear sand, calm waves, blue water and sky. It is stunning! I’m happy and lucky to discover such a beautiful place in the world.
Food and drinks: The food was amazing! I can only say this because I got used to it. At first, I was a bit reluctant but I was determined to immerse myself in the culture. I ate the local food through out my stay which is mostly rice and beans/peas. Oh Mojito! I had it everyday till I left. Honestly, it was nice everywhere but the best one I had was at fantasy night club.
Nightlife: I was surprised that Havana had a nightlife, We partied cuban style, imagine hiphop with island music. It was mental! My favourite is still the salsa and clubbing at fantasy club. Fantasy club was so good, they played all the Caribbean jams, such a happy place.
I would like to say what people say about Cuba about being dangerous, isolated and the people being uneducated because its a socialist economy is very UNTRUE. Cubans are educated with very good professions and they have a functioning government. There are schools, hospital, electricity and the government do look after it’s people.
Overall, Cuba has its own kind of beautiful and i can’t even fault this place. I am looking forward to my next trip already.
