We were lucky enough to go on two cruises to Havana, Cuba while cruises were still allowed by the US government.

We rented a driver with a guide in an old Chevy convertible to see Havana for four hours. The driver spoke perfect English and informed us about Cuba the past and present history, and how grateful they were for the American tourists on cruise ships being allowed into the Country. It helped revive tourism and allowed for the travel industry to make a decent living including tour guides, gift stores employees, as well as bar and restaurant workers, it changed their lives for the better. Some people who heard we went told us that we were supporting the corrupt government of Cuba, but we believed we were supporting the oppressed but very proud people living there who were so happy to welcome us to their Country who were just trying to survive a depressed economy that got much worse once we stopped cruises from there and then Covid hitting them on top of that.

We were driven all over Havana, and then went to a cigar and rum factory and bought some rum to bring home for gifts. We drove down a pretty stretch of beach but were not allowed to spend time there. There were only some categories that allowed us to travel to Cuba like family visits; official business of the U.S. government, foreign governments, and certain journalistic activity; professional research and professional meetings; educational activities; religious activities; public performances. We were allowed to visit for educational reasons so laying on a Caribbean beach was not considered learning. We were allowed there to get to know the people, their culture as well as the history of the Country and we loved our short time we had there on both cruises.

At the end of the tour we had the driver stop at the famous Hotel Nacional de Cuba, an historic Spanish eclectic style hotel that opened in 1930. Located on the sea front of Vedado district, it stands on Taganana Hill, offering commanding views of the sea and the city. Hotel Nacional De Cuba is a hotel steeped in Cuban history and has played host to countless celebrities and politicians over the last several decades. We walked around the hotel and then went to the outdoor bar area for their famous pina coladas. (a little too much rum for me)

We asked why there were so many old classic cars in Cuba and were told the reason behind the abundance of old cars was due to the U.S. embargo in 1962, which prohibited any exportation and importation or commerce between the U.S. and Cuba, including cars.In the early 20th century, the United States was the leading supplier of vehicles for the island.

However when Fidel Castro took power in 1959 in response to Castro’s economic policies, the US government imposed a trade embargo that made it impossible for Cubans to access American cars and mechanical parts. Interesting enough with no new cars and car parts entering the country, the car owners needed to be innovative to keep the cars running even having to use mismatched parts from Russian vehicles to repair old American cars. Now it’s estimated that 60,000 classic American cars ride on Cuban streets. Many of them are 60 or even 70 years old. It was fun and interesting to see all of them on the streets.

The Plaza de la Revolución Square in the municipality of Havana, named in the same way, is one of the largest public squares in the world,a place of great historic value as it has been the scene of several of the main events throughout the Cuban Revolution.

Next we drove over to an area called Fusterlandia, it is a hidden wonderland of mosaic tile and recycled art just 20 minutes outside the city center in Havana, Cuba. If you’re looking for a place that’s unlike any other you’ll see in Cuba and captures the true resilience and spirit of the Cuban people, look no further than this area. They gave us about 30 minutes to walk around and go into the different art galleries. The location is residential and home to Jose Fuster but the project expands beyond his home to encompass the whole Jaimanitas neighborhood, with more than 80 neighbors allowing Fuster to decorate their homes. It was fascinating to see this neighborhood and we were able to buy a few pictures to bring home done by the local artists there.

If we are ever allowed back in Cuba we would love to go and explore other areas of the Country, we have heard from our Canadian friends there are some really pretty beach areas outside of Havana.