The most amazing 48 hours in Havana, Cuba

Cuba is definitely one of the most unique places in the world. It's definitely shrouded in mystery to Westerners and even Singaporeans (hello Singaporeans haha). Basically Americans can't yet travel to Cuba on a tourist visa, and there's a lot of history and culture to imbibe from the streets.

 There was no internet, and super low-speed wifi cost 14 euros for 2 hours. They didn't accept our Amexes, and we didn't bring much cash. When we were so poor, and trying to have to decide whether to get a beer or water / watch a show or have dinner, we really appreciated our surroundings a bit more. The people of Cuba are really the highlight, they have so much warmth, and almost everywhere is filled with Cuban oldies that I love. 

the warmth of a cuban smile :)

the lovely walkways

 There were quite a few strays around, and it was heartbreaking, because I'm a massive dog lover. But they were all so cute.

My friend only did a stage in Alain Ducasse, so she knew basic French. So while this guy didn't no English, and she didn't know Spanish. They communicated their happiness, worries, sadness, and memories through hand gestures and smatterings of French and Spanish for an hour or so. 

It was amazing that people are so open and friendly. 

I loved the architecture of Cuba.

Recently, the Cuban government eased restrictions on Paladar. Paladar is a traditional family-owned restaurant. It used to be illegal until the 1990s. Recently, however, the government has eased specifications on the seating plan / number of menu selections available. And there has been a subsequent rise of paladars for visitors to interact with local Cuban families, and there is an array of paladars to choose from. They are typically a room in a family's house or perhaps the verandah or balcony.

We went to Donna Juana and they sent a car to pick us up. I hazard I guess that it's the family's car.

The menu was extensive and they even had fresh pulpo (octopus), and selections of the sea and the land. As we were cash-strapped, we ordered 1 main course to share among the 3 of us. And 1 bottle of water, which was insane since it was really hot. 

But the owner and waitress understood or got the hint that we were financially tight, she came up to us and said "Hey, I'll give you all the drinks free. What do you want? Mojito? Jugo de naranja? Fresh Juices? Cervicera? Beer?"

We were emotionally so touched by her generosity, and even though we only paid for the main course. She didn't judge us, and she was patient and friendly while talking to us. And even helped us to arrange transport to our next location.

When we travel to other places, we are often so touched by the kindness and generosity of strangers. And I hope that, I too, in the future, can help another stranger feel better / more comfortable. And although we all come as strangers, we all leave as friends.

We were allowed to freely roam around the restaurant owner's house. And play with her 3-year old daughter, Emily. Who was beautiful and fun, and opened all our iphone apps. And danced and singed for us. Too cute.

We were brought to the Revolution Square by a driver, who had Che Guevara tattooed on his arms. He couldn't speak, so he made animated hand gestures to us regarding himself. I would like to think that we got the gist.

You would be hard-pressed to find a Cuban car with A/C.

 We then headed to Revolution Square, where there is a museum you can enter for 3 pesos. There is also a live singing club that we particularly enjoyed.

If you're being cheap like us, you can sit an open-air Coco Taxi. I particularly liked it as it reminded me of living dangerously on tuk tuks and motorcycles. As he zipped rapidly through all the nooks and crevices of the streets, accelerated above pot holes, and made rapid swerves to avoid near collisions

This is one of the largest cemeteries in the world. Taking pictures may not entirely be appropriate but the cemetery was really really beautiful. Each headstone was carved so intricately, I felt like they really dedicated so much and respect the people who died.

There was a church in the cemetery too.

When we finally died of thirst, and found a restaurant that would accept our credit cards. We went all out and ordered beer, mojito, juices, ice-cream, water, sparkling water. LOL.

And there was a small band that was singing. We bought them beer too. And I kind of felt bad for them singing under the heat. And I was emotionally touched by the music. So I gave them what little cash I had left LOL. :')

HOW ABOUT YOU! :) DO YOU WANT TO GO TO CUBA NOW? THIS POST IS STILL A WORK-IN-PROGRESS BECAUSE I HAVE TO RUSH TO WORK NOW. :)

BUT PLEASE LET ME KNOW ABOUT YOUR TRAVEL EXPERIENCES / THOUGHTS!