Hey Jenny,

That's awesome!  So I was there in Fall 2001 (was that really 9 years ago?!) with Semester at Sea. We had a unique experience as we got to meet Fidel Castro, get taken around on private trips, etc.  However, one of the greatest times I had in the city was simply renting a horse drawn taxi (I hope they still have them) and letting our driver tell us all about the city and take us to little nooks and crannies.  He took us on walking tours of many of the town squares (there are so many) and gave us a history lesson that was quite impressive.  Maybe we got lucky but he was literally one of the best parts about the trip.  We met up with him everyday.

We obviously met him in the harbor when we ported but I'm sure they are going to be everywhere.  Definitely see the Universtiy of Havana.  it's gorgeous.  I only had three days there but for the most part we would get lost in the narrow city streets, go into coffee bars and chat with the locals.  Everyone is so ridiculously friendly and warm.

We also ended up going to the beach one afternoon which won't be difficult for you to do.  Some people rented a house on the beach for peanuts and it was quite the spread.  I don't know how much time you have down there but a beach home could be a nice respite.

So, unfortunately, I don't have much more than that.  As I re-read my email I'm picturing you going, "Ohhhhh k, so what should I SEEEEE?"  BUt all in all the city is a joy.  It's as if it was frozen in the 1950's without all the commercialization that our city (for one) has been splattered with.  You are gonna have a blast!

I'm not too far behind you on a trip.  I'm going to Cartagena, Colombia in Feb.  I can't wait.  If you ever want to chat more about Havana, travel or whatever, let me know!  We can do it here, grab a coffee or whatever.  Being able to travel is the greatest gift ever and I love sharing stories, insights and how-to's with anyone that shares that passion.

In fact (shameless plug), my friends and I just founded a film festival aimed directly at travelers: www.nomadingfilmfest.com  If you're going to be in Cuba, you should surely record some of your adventures and submit!  Travelers unite!

Jenny, thanks so much for reaching out, I hope I've been able to help.

Here's to hoping your day is nothing but smiles!

Best,

Bassam

Posted Dec 01, 2010

Jenny,

Bassam and Matt have pretty much covered the best bits. I loved wandering the streets of old Havana. The people in Cuba are the best part of that crumbling country. There are loads of museums, I think Havana must have more museums than any city I have ever visited, but with great weather and such wonderful people, it seemed a shame to spend time in the museums.

One thing I will plug is the art scene; it is exploding in Havana. There are galleries and artists of all types all over the place. That was very exciting to see.

Matt and I went through a group called Global Exchange. I have mixed reviews of that experience. If anyone has questions about them specifically then I'll fill in with my comments, but for now, I'll just say that Cuba was an amazing experience and I really hope to return soon.

I'm a sucker - here's my Chevy photo taken on the first day in Havana.

Posted Dec 01, 2010

Really? Nobody's mentioned dance or music yet?  Those are some great answers and when i go back I'll have to check some of those places out.  I've been to Cuba the past 2 summers for a couple weeks each to dance - Cuban salsa and folklorique dance. How long are you going to be there?

Definitely check out these clubs if you are a dancer and if you aren't you might want to start taking some Cuban Salsa lessons now (in NY: Chris & Evelyn www.salsainternational.net):

Casa de la Musica, Cafe Cantante, Hotel Capri

Musicians, bands to look for: Los Van Van, Maykel Blanco, Havana de Primera, etc.

I also particularly enjoyed: staying in a casa particular, taking private dance lessons, the beaches, the river, and i traveled to Santiago de Cuba (but i personally prefer Havana for the music), eating in Chino Barrio (chinatown) when sick and tired of ham and cheese.

Enjoy! You're going to love it there.

Tabitha

Posted Dec 06, 2010

I had a memorable visit to the oldest boxing gymnasium, Rafael Trejo Gymnasio. Calle Cuba, 815, Vieja Habana. Go and enter! Don't be shy! Here's a picture I took in 2006!! Very kind coach !

Posted Dec 01, 2010

Lots of great answers. 

Cuba is one of my favourite places!!!! (was there last year)

Though someone mentioned how bad the food can be,  I didn't see mention of a way around this...

Make sure to NOT eat at the government run restaurants which are awful. And, to add insult to injury, usually overpriced with terrible service.  Eat at the private restaurants, either at your casa particular or at the Paladars.  The meals we were served at the Paladars and Casas were some of the most delicious ever.  Cuba has a bounty of wonderful produce that is grown organically. Absolutely delicious! It is just a matter of finding a place where that is capitalized on!  :->

I mentioned the Casa Particulares: I definitely recommend staying at them if you are looking to connect with the Cubans and have truly unique and memorable experiences. 

Have a great trip!

Posted Dec 16, 2010

Just got back from two weeks in Cuba.  We had a set itinerary due to the method of travel (went there legally from the US).  In Havana there is a lot to see.  If you like buildings, cars, etc, make sure you visit "old havana" and walk around.  People are very friendly, and most people have no problems with pictures.

Another alternative to the horse drawn carriage is to take one of the "yank tank" taxi's, and the driver will give you a history of the city while driving you around.  If you are there on the weekend, you should definitely walk down the Malecon.  If you do it in the day time, the kids dive into the water from the Malecon below the Hotel Nacional.   You will recognize the place from other images.  But the the evenings are when the place comes alive.

Quick warning, go with low expectations for food.  I had good food at La Bodeguita del Medio, which I expected to be much more of a tourist trap.  If you like Rum, you can sample a number of different ones.

A little self promotion, but if you go to http://www.mattdrown.com/ you can see some of my photos from cuba, the side benefit is that they are all geotagged, so you can click on a photo, then check out where it was taken, this may help you find some locations to go see.  You can also check out http://www.neeleymain.com she was with me.

If you have other questions, feel free to ask.

(The image of my Chevy isn't showing up, here's the link - http://www.mattdrown.com/photos/cuba2010/20100902-1633-11057.jpg.html)

Posted Dec 01, 2010

Boy, you got some good answers above.  I was there in 1990 for a week, flying R/T from Mexico.  We stayed in downtown old town.  I suspect it was quite different there then, than now.  However, it sounds like the people haven't changed.  They are among the friendliest people of all cultures in the world.  We befriended several young people while there as they are everywhere and everyone wants to talk to foreigners to practice their English.

One young man took us to his apartment to meet his girlfriend.  He was a drummer and played with several friends in a band.  As Cuba is on the free-world's "do not trade" list, the people do not have the means of getting anything.  He was a drummer without drum sticks.  When we returned from our trip, we sent him a pair of sticks in the mail.  We don't know if he ever got them as the post office there goes through everything.  

Where I'm going with this is;  If you have any interests of your own (music, art or whatever)  take along some small gifts such as paint brushes, drawing pencils,  or whatever to give away to needy (they're all needy) people you'd like to help out.  It's not the money, it's the system.  They literally can't get anything.  

While you're walking around, step into some of the stores and see what is available for them to purchase.  Unless things have changed drastically, there is next to nothing on the shelves.

So, that's my little tip.  The country has been frozen in time but the people are warm and friendly.  It's like being in a gigantic ruin site of the 50's.  If you've not visited a communist country before, you'll be in for an eye-opener!

Have a good trip

Steve 

Posted Dec 02, 2010

Outside of Havana I really enjoyed the Pinar del Rio area on the west end of the island and the city of Trinadad on the south-central coast.  In Havana I would definitely visit the old high-rise factory (can't remember the name) where they still make the famous Cuban cigars.

Posted Dec 02, 2010

go to http://idharmabums.com and see out trip.. we  really had fun.

Posted Dec 03, 2010

People watch and strike up conversation while standing in Coppelia's long line to get ice cream.  It's on the Rampa across the street from the Habana Libre.

Posted Dec 07, 2010