Havana - just go with the flow

From Santiago de Chile we fly to Havana via Lima. There we are greeted by Caribbean weather and as we take a taxi from the airport to the city center, we already get the first taste of Cuba. Everything is full of vintage cars! Arriving at our pre-booked hostel, we have to wait because no one is there. However, we are invited directly by a Swiss person to his room and receive some information about Cuba. Later in the evening, we can check in and meet Fine and Luzi. The two take us to dinner and show us an outstanding restaurant (Cuba's cuisine is much better than its reputation!). The next day, we meet Arron and Maria at breakfast, who join our travel group directly. All together, we drive to Havana's old town, finally in an old Chevi. Once there, we split up at first because everyone has their own errands. Max and I take care of finding a Casa for the next few days, as well as a Cuban shirt, Cuban hat, and a cigar. After meeting up with the rest again, we stroll through the streets, have our first Mojitos at noon, and just let ourselves drift. Fine negotiates the best prices for us and we keep finding nice bars. The next day, in the morning, we move to a new Casa in the old town and meet the travel group again around noon. Together with Omar, Wendy, and Mario, a small Cuban family, we head to the beach. We are greeted by a postcard panorama in northern Havana. We set up hammocks and enjoy the refreshing 25°C water! Max and I return a bit earlier because by chance we meet my old math teacher in Havana. After a few relaxed Mojitos, we meet the rest of the group again and have a few more drinks. The next day, we have a full schedule. There is a lot to do before we drive to the airport around 5 PM in a dreamlike vintage car to pick up Max and Bine. The two come to visit and spend their vacation with us in Cuba. With a little delay, we manage to get the two to the city and meet Fine, Luzi, Maria, Omar, and Wendy again in the evening. Omar organizes a cheap restaurant for us and the newcomers get a proper meal and their first Mojitos. The following day, we go sightseeing. We visit the Plaza de Revolution and get a good view of the city. In the afternoon, we meet Fine and Luzi again and enjoy the evening with cocktails. After dinner, we have some rum and celebrate Max's birthday.

We have a relaxed drink at the Plaza and make friends with Frankie and Orange. Frankie gives Max and me a few dance lessons, which I think looked quite funny.

On Max's actual birthday, we head back to the dream beach, this time with proper waves. The evening ends in a relaxed manner on Havana's seafront promenade, where we enjoy the souvenirs brought by Bine (Bamberg beer). The next day, there is a feeling of departure, as we make our way to Santa Clara!

See you soon

Max and Marius