People-2-People In Havana, Cuba
- Nov 23, 2017
- 8 min read
Updated: Jul 9
As an empty nester, there is so much world to see, explore, and be intrigued. I am a travel enthusiast, and my passion for traveling has enabled me to visit numerous beautiful countries. I’ve been blessed to travel by land, air, and sea to reach these beautiful bucket list travel destinations. I must say, however, that my trip to Cuba was one that has inspired me in ways unimaginable, and I’ve been blessed with the ability to give others the same opportunities I’ve received, albeit at a cost; however, trips of this kind are worth exploring!
PRESIDENTS
Cuba is one of the most colorful and authentically cultured places I have visited but unlike its sister Caribbean islands, it takes a little more planning.
On December 17, 2014, President Obama made a statement to shift the relationship the US had with Cuba, which lightened many hearts. And according to Benny Johnson of Babaku Blog The policies, enacted in the twilight of Obama's last term, brought sweeping changes to U.S.-Cuban relations. The Obama policies lifted broad American trade and travel to Cuba while opening up the isolated communist nation to the first world. One of the five differences between former President Obama and our current President Trump Cuba policies is that under President Trump as of June 17, 2017 he executed the order to strictly e
nforce what types of travel are allowed to Cuba-- People-to-people educational trips will now be strictly enforced. The crackdown is intended to limit the free flow of American dollars into the communist coffers. According to Fox News. “The Trump administration also says it will strictly enforce the 12 authorized categories allowing American citizens to travel to Cuba – banning one particular type of travel, known as individual “people-to-people” trips.
Obama eliminated the tour requirement, allowing tens of thousands of Americans to book solo trips and spend their money with individual bed-and-breakfast owners, restaurants and taxi drivers. Under President Trump the rules require a daylong schedule of activities designed to expose the travelers to ordinary Cubans.
ARRIVAL
Excitingly arriving by cruise ship, Empress of the Seas, and checking in after scanning my blue SeaPass card, I entered the line for my passport and Visa to be examined and stamped for entry into the country. Then, through a TSA-like line where the employees resembled either high school seniors or college freshmen, my backpack and body were scanned. Finally, heading to the line to exchange my funds to CUCs, I proceeded to the steps that would lead me to the grounds of the Capital of Cuba. The weather was pouring rain, humid, but that was not a distraction for me because I had my travel raincoat in my backpack. I arrived on the first floor of Terminal Sierra Maestra, located in front of the Plaza de San Francisco de Asis in Old Havana. With my black and white hi-top Vans, a good pair of walking shoes being a requirement, a full belly, a water bottle, and my body smothered in SPF 45 sunblock and bug spray, I was ready to experience this island.
TERMINAL
Upon exiting the terminal in Havana, just a few steps to the right was the Malecón, a seawall that stretches approximately 5 miles along the coast of Havana. Of course, each country has its own eccentricities and unique character, and depending on where you sit, it’s also a spot for free Wi-Fi. I mean, who wouldn’t appreciate free WiFi while exploring a country as majestic and beautiful as Cuba?! Outside the terminals, there were also numerous transportation options, including buses (both public and charter), coconut cars, horse-drawn carriages, bicycles, and carts, as well as yellow taxis, all of which were plentiful and open to negotiation. This makes the idea of travelling so intriguing to me, as what better way is there to explore a new country than to immerse yourself amongst the locals?
Sometimes, the story of someone visiting firsthand may help you create a well-informed thought on whether to go and enjoy some Salsa dancing, with the sweet scent of wonderful and authentic Cuban meals wafting through the air in all its majesty. However, let me tell you more about my trip to this truly remarkable country, amidst all the speculation and open statements.
AM TOUR
I caught my AM tour bus outside the terminal. I began my exploration of the city, which took me to many of the island’s highlights, including Plaza de la Revolución, also known as "Revolution Square", China Block, Al Capone’s first hotel, and the Lion statues on the Prado Promenade. Landmarks like Cementerio de Cristóbal Colón (cemetery), located in the heart of Havana, were named after Christopher Columbus, a 150-acre cemetery that holds over 800,000 graves, is a must-see monument. Some may not find this landmark noteworthy during their travel to Havana, Cuba, but I sat up in my seat to view this national treasure. I am intrigued by the architecture and history of Cementerio de Cristóbal Colón (cemetery), it is like a miniature city of marble, bronze, polished granite, angels, and crosses, rich in symbolism. It was named after Christopher Columbus, a 150-acre site that holds over 800,000 graves, with more than 500 major mausoleums, chapels, and family vaults, and took 15 years to build—a must-see when visiting Cuba.
While I only paid 10 CUCs for my bus tour, it was worth so much more. Imagine the deals and steals that travel abroad has in store for you! The featured trip will not only serve as a fun escape but also as a way to develop a viable People-to-People tour, providing all the information you need firsthand from the most cultured individuals on the island. Starting my day with a bus was an excellent way to get my bearings in the city and see areas and structures that wouldn't be on my afternoon walking tour.
PART 2 OF AM TOUR
Returning to the terminal, I haggled a ride with one of the drivers in a classic car for 15 CUCs to visit the Christ of Havana and the Castillo de la Real Fuerza (Castle of the Royal Force). The Christ of Havana represents Jesus of Nazareth, located on a hilltop 167 meters above sea level, offering a spectacular view of the city from that point, with a clear view of the other side of the bay. You can see most of the prominent Havana buildings, including El Capitolio. The Castillo de la Real Fuerza (a castle) was as massive up close as it looked afar. The Castillo de la Real Fuerza is the oldest fort in the hemisphere. It’s a part of the old Havana facing the sea, and it’s so exhilarating to touch and walk through.
My classic car was clean, air-conditioned, comfortable, and the driver was pleasant. Whether you are a car enthusiast or just an individual who appreciates the authenticity of a Cuban beauty, these cars are a sight to behold. Think back to Fate of the Furious, the Fast franchise always seems to find a way to outdo and outshine their endeavors, giving fans breathtaking and jaw-dropping views, and the epic ride started in none other than Cuba! The honor exhibited by the Cuban natives in helping Dominic Torreto in his time of need is true to their people.
PM TOUR
Havana is a city of pedestrians. Most of the city's major attractions can be reached on foot, especially in Old Havana's Centro district. Most attractions are relatively close together, and walking gave me a taste of the Cuban culture. It’s hard to get lost, considering most of the streets are organized into grids. I met my tour guide, Franklin, on the corner of Paseo de Marti, and because I arrived early, I was able to enjoy some live entertainment. Down the aisle and on the streets were lots of laughing, conversations, stores, and, of course, a little panhandling.
My tour guide, Franklin, arrived to begin my PM tour, and it began with my second ride in a classical car, but this time it was a sky-blue convertible. By now, the sun is out, the cool breeze is blowing in my face, and some beautiful Cuban music is streaming out of the car’s radio as we ride down Prado Street towards El Capitolio, the Cuban Capitol building.
The streets are narrow, full of people, music, and stray dogs are plentiful. In my opinion, Havana is like a big family reunion. My interaction with Cubans was always a comfortable experience for me, they spoke with pride when they talked about their country. As a matter of fact my tour guide Franklin, spoke of his days as an attorney, to be specific a prosecutor. When I asked why he transitioned from being an attorney to a tour guide, he said he was always stressed and found the job to be quite intense. As a tour guide, he was able to educate people about his country, which takes me back to the honor and truly authentic experience that awaits you on the upcoming 2018 trip to Cuba. While he is open to visiting the States, he said he will always return to Cuba because he loves his country. Could there be anything more genuine and beautiful than that?
FINALLY
One of the main reasons why I love traveling so much is that it allows me to learn about the world in a deep and meaningful way. The transition from having a child at home to becoming an empty nester can be challenging for some. Still, I say take the leap, explore, broaden your horizons, and rediscover yourself while learning about all that the world has to offer. In Old Square (16th-century Plaza Vieja), a bright and eclectic large square surrounded by restaurants. I found young boys playing the European football game at which time my tour guide jumped right in as if he was a part of the game, afterwards he turned our attention to an iron statue “Hold My Fork While I Mount this Rooster” which was a naked female on a rooster holding a pitch fork. We saw other highlight statues such as Carols Manuel de Cespedes in the Plaza de Armas in Old Havana, Spanish dancer Anthony Gades in la Plaza which also where I enjoyed some fresh coconut, Old Havana's Johnson & Johnson Pharmacy (also known as the Farmacia Drogueria Johnson in Spanish) is located in the heart of the city, and the famous Ernest Hemingway Bar the El Floridita Bar. While these were just a few of the highlights I experienced during my walking tour, my guide spoke passionately about each. Franklin was not only an attorney in the generic sense of the occupation, he also speaks three languages fluently, which is noteworthy and I believe a testament to the Cuban educational system, which is free to its citizens.
WHY TRAVEL
Travel for me is an experience just as much as the destination’s offerings. ultimately, it all depends on your purpose for traveling, and for me it’s to see and experience the destination. That's exactly what I did when I visited Havana, Cuba. A bonus is that when I travel, I get to experience firsthand locations and vendors that I may or may not add to my Rolodex for my clients.
The most important tip I can give you for planning your vacation, whether it's a trip to Cuba or any other travel destination, is to seek what you truly wish, be fully informed about all the happenings, be mindful of the laws as they apply to that destination, and prioritize your safety.
Bye for now.
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