I decided last year to see Cuba before it drastically changes with mass tourism (that is already pouring in with major cruising ships) and external influences of capitalism. It is not the most convenient destination since we are all a bit spoiled with having wifi on every corner, franchised restaurants, coffee shops and everything that makes us feel like at home. So I prepared myself to be disconnected from the rest of the world and it sure did feel great to travel like in the old days with only paper map and a guide book in my hands.
Being kindly hosted in local’s home was a nice touch to an overall wonderful experience I had in Cuba. I fell in love with old Havana on the very first day. It almost feels like its architecture hasn’t changed much since the colonial times. The presence of revolution spirit is scattered all over town with grafitis and portraits of their great Fidel and comandante Che Guevarra. Unfortunately my broken Spanish didn’t really help to learn much from the locals or get some insights on past and present Cuba.
South of Havana, only 4-5 hours drive in a taxi collectivo (where the only AC u get is an open window and the seat belt is simply a brace position) is a small town of Trinidad, hidden among the beautiful landscape and its turquoise water of the Cribbean. Again I was overwhelmed by the local’s hospitality. Best way to explore the town is on a horseback ride which is still one of the means of transport in rural Cuba.
The best of the blue of the Caribbean is probably the north coast with numerous resorts offering all you can eat and drink packages for unprecedented prices. One of them can be found in Varaderro just an hour to two drive from Havana.
I honestly did not know what to expect from Cuba but I sure did leave with beautiful memories of the people and nature.
