Tag Archives: Cuba

Cuban coffee and Havana Nights…and Everything in between

Gallery July 18, 2017 Francine

Perhaps it began when I would frequent Miami a few times a year in my 20’s. Late nights with Media noches and morning hangover cures with Cuban coffees in the hot SoBe sun. However it came about, I have longed to experience Cuba. I was intrigued by the people. By the endurance and strength of the country that was just next door.

Finally! The gates have opened. The time has arrived for exploring Havana. So off I went, with one of my life long friends from school. Apparently this was part of our continued education in embarking on this journey to Cuba together. For we learned that there’s much more to the country than what we had even bargained for. So much so that it can only truly be experienced by experiencing it for yourself. Nonetheless, I do have suggestions to get you started on your very own journey:

Having only studied French, oddly enough, I always had a deep connection to Latin cultures and countries and was thrilled for the opportunity to engage with and start to learn more about my neighbors also while working my best Spanglish. Though fortunately, most speak English, so Spanish is not required, though serves more as a courtesy.

El Malacon– We enjoyed the sights of the Malacon in a classic convertible, salsa music blasting, wind blowing in our hair. Though if you’re feeling like a promenade on this famous sidewalk, sunset would be highly suggested.

El Floridita- The spot for Daquiri’s. Made famous by none other than the Daiquiri king himself, Ernest Hemingway. Located just off Havana’s Parque Central. Try and score a table or bar spot for the nightlife. Live music and energy for days, this place will have you feeling like a local. (even though tourist are all that you see- all around)

Almacenes de Deposito San Jose- Looking for something unique with local flavor and culture, then shop here for some of the best in arts and crafts within Havana.

Cigar Factory- (I mean did you not expect to see this included?)

Museum of Rum- Avenida del Puerto 262, esq. Sol, Habana Vieja Ciudad de La Habana.
Need I say more?
El Museo del Ron Havana Club

Finca Vigia- Finca Vigía Km. 12 ½, La Habana, Cuba
The Cuban home of Ernest Hemmingway. Although we didn’t include this on our journey, if you’re a devotee to Hemmingway, then this is not to be missed. As it’s just 15 miles outside of Havana proper. Hop in a classic car and make your journey east to find his former casa. It’s said his home offers spectacular views of Havana!

Hotel Nacional-Calle 21 y O, Vedado, Plaza, La Habana 10400, Cuba
Located in the heart of Verdado for the last 80 years, this hotel has endless history and has welcomed celebrities and visitors from all over the globe. Hotel Nacional is a symbol of great pride for the city and serves as a central location for indulging in some local Rum, along with live entertainment most nights.

O’Reilly- #304 | Habana & Aguiar, Havana, Cuba
+53 5 2644725
Nothing like a quick run in for lunch with Jillian Michaels. Well, not actually dining with her, though we shared a few moments of connecting over Cuba in this quaint little restaurant. This place is thee place. A true hot spot- great energy, ceviche and cocktails!

Paladar– at time of writing this (2018), is the only privately owned restaurant, as all others are owned by the government.

Life, Travel

a Gringa in Havana

July 15, 2017 Francine 2 Comments

My love for Latin culture runs deep. The irony is I have no idea why. I grew up with German roots in Lancaster, Pennsylvania and yet a salsa song comes on and you’d think I’m busy celebrating my very own Quincenara. I’ve been fortunate enough to enjoy many incredible adventures to Latin countries- from Colombia to Costa Rica and now to Cuba. I’ve wanted to go to Cuba for so many years I’ve lost count. When Obama opened up travel, I was thrilled for the chance to finally learn more about this country, it’s people, arts and music and get the Real Real on this country.

Needless to say, I was a bit…..hmmm, how shall we say, oddly surprised?

I know my expectations might be slightly off- The spirits of Buena Vista Social Club Streets playing throughout the streets, while couples dance Salsa with reckless abandon. Instead, it was more like streets ripped apart, riddled with trash, clearly uncared for, for decades. This country has endured a lifetime of entrapment, not only NOT moving forward….not staying as-is either, as nature still manages to take its course in dilapidating and further breaking down not only the land, but also the former captivating architecture that Havana is so known for. This stunning beautiful buildings crumbling all around. And not just in the outer areas- the inner cities that welcome tourists. It is not hidden, as may be the case in other cities. People residing in buildings that have no windows, floors consisting solely of rubble. Trees growing out from where the foundation used to be.

Inspired and stunning architecture still remains within the soul of this city. Even if most of the buildings appear to be blown out- as if a war had taken its toll. Though in reality, most of these buildings being owned by the government and unfortunately not upkept by its residents has turned this great potential into a sad reality.

As you walk the streets you can feel the pain this city has endured. From the many years of revolution and take over from other countries. This is not a city to be taken lightly. For it’s people have incredible heart and determination. Not to mention loyalty. To my surprise everywhere I turned was either the image of Che or a memorial of sorts for their recently lost Fidel. I’ve never been to a communist country before this excursion and I was apparently a bit surprised to learn, experience and bear witness to life within. And yet with all of this said, this place is still hopeful. The locals offer smiles beyond the struggle. With the spirit and soul to believe that one day Cuba can truly be Cuba Libre.

Life, Travel

Created in Cuba. 99% Diseno Cubano

June 11, 2017 Francine

When traveling I often search high and low to find something that truly speaks to not only the country but also the culture of its people. I didn’t have any great expectations when going to Cuba, except for the typical Cuban souvenirs of cigars and rum. To which I returned with neither of them. Throughout my travels, I often have a hard time trying to find the right purchases that truly speak to the country. Visiting Italy and France were surprisingly disappointing when hoping to find unique couture that spoke to their incredibly rich history of fashion. And it seems across the world we have become so global that these same brands make their appearance around the world. From the H&M’s to the Zara’s of the world. Believe me, I mean no disrespect as I’m happy to support them too. However, when I travel I want something authentic and hopefully something that ultimately benefits its people who reside there. And in this case, I FINALLY was successful. Although we truly happened to stumble upon this place, it was a total diamond in the rough. For many of the streets throughout Havana can be a bit questionable in places. This is what gives this places its rich flavor and diversity though finding this little place, Clandestina was certainly a welcomed and celebrated discovery.

Clandestina is a boutique that offers upcycled EVERYTHING. From t-shirts, to cosmetic bags and totes- their entire inventory had lived a previous life as something else before. Since I am such a bag lady I decided a Cuba cosmetic bag was an essential take away from this adorable store. I also found the “need” to purchase a neon green handkerchief donned with T-Rex all over it. (Imagine, the heat in Havana is so intense, I justified this purchase by thinking I’d use this to keep myself dry in the humidity of the city) Haha. Whatever helped justify something I didn’t truly need. Though I felt the need to support this business. Not only was it a way to repurpose but also a new hope for Havana- cleaning up what otherwise would end up in the trash and instead offered the elderly of Cuba a chance to make money. So, apparently my purchase was justified from the moment I walked in the door. Besides, we were on a People to People trip- no better way to contribute than in supporting and promoting their efforts and forward thinking.

It was apparent through this trip that many are trying to move Cuba forward, past all the struggle and open to creating new opportunities for all. We rented an AirBnB and on the last day of our stay, the woman who came to clean our place told us about the reality of making money in Cuba. As she sat at the table folding white paper and glueing them together to make envelopes for Tourist to purchase items from the locals- like myself. I noticed I already had many of these same bags in my possession from shopping the local markets, that she had made for the tourists. The sad part about it all was that she had to make 100 of these envelopes to make $1.00. Talk about perspective. This is where you truly dive into the culture and it’s people to see how people are living across the world. She was such a hard worker with the most incredible spirit. Instantly my friend and I realized here was another chance to give back to the people of Cuba. We left her Nike’s, Michael Kors sandals, a boat load of toiletries and so on. It was the least we could do to support this woman who was striving to make a difference in her life however she could. She showed us the incredible spirit and dedication to keep moving forward to create the Cuba that this society has yearned for, for lifetimes. Cuba Libre!!

For your chance to support their efforts-
http://clandestinacuba.com

Culture, Travel

An unrealistic Romance with a place called Cuba.

Gallery June 9, 2017 Francine 2 Comments

Needless to say, I was a bit…..hmmm, how shall we say, oddly surprised?

I know my expectations might be slightly off- The spirits of Buena Vista Social Club Streets playing throughout the streets, while couples dance Salsa with reckless abandon. Instead, it was more like streets ripped up. Riddled with trash. Clearly uncared for, for decades. This country has endured a lifetime of entrapment, not only NOT moving forward….not staying as is either, as nature still manages to take its course in dilapidating and breaking down not only the land but also the buildings. This stunning beautiful architecture crumbling and dilapidated. People residing in buildings that have no windows, floors of rubble. Perhaps even a tree growing out from where the foundation used to be.

Inspired and stunning architecture still remains within the soul of this city. Even if most of the buildings appear to be dilapidated, blown out- as if a war had taken its toll. Though in reality, most of these buildings being owned by the government and unfortunately not upkept by its residents has turned this great potential into a sad reality.

As you walk the streets you can feel the pain this city has endured. From the many years of revolution and take over from other countries. This is not a city to be taken lightly. For it’s people have incredible heart and determination. Not to mention loyalty. To my surprise, everywhere I turned was either the image of Che or a memorial of sorts for their recently lost Fidel. I’ve never been to a communist country before this excursion and I was apparently a bit surprised to discover, learn, experience and bear witness to the life within. And yet with all of this said, this place is still incredibly hopeful. Mangrove trees line the streets. A colorful life exists around them. And the people, who offer beautiful smiles, despite the struggle are filled with the spirit and soul to believe that one day Cuba can truly be CUBA LIBRE!