My Havana Trip Report
- Thread starter ExoticSpirit
- Start date
I have just booked my flight for Cuba. Will be flying into Varadero and taking the Viazul to Habana. I am currently looking for a decent Casa. Any suggestions?
I have always wanted to get down there before el comandante kicks off and things change forever.
The plan is to use Habana as a base, explore the city itself and a bit of the countryside. I hope I can meet some chicas. I am 48, in good shape, speak fluent Spanish. My only thing is I don't relish staying out really late at night, I just don't have it in me any more. Hope I can meet ladies during the day...Non pros would be nice, I just hope that it's possible, I've been hearing so many mixed reports of what it's like down there these days.
I have always wanted to get down there before el comandante kicks off and things change forever.
The plan is to use Habana as a base, explore the city itself and a bit of the countryside. I hope I can meet some chicas. I am 48, in good shape, speak fluent Spanish. My only thing is I don't relish staying out really late at night, I just don't have it in me any more. Hope I can meet ladies during the day...Non pros would be nice, I just hope that it's possible, I've been hearing so many mixed reports of what it's like down there these days.
Farang, I'm older than you and still had the energy to enjoy the night life. You will find your second wind once you visit the clubs and meet all the chicas. Just stay away from my supermodel novia.
P.S. As Senor Draper said, you don't need to go to the clubs but I will PM some info. As for Casas, you can search online I'm told, but we investigated ourselves while down there although I don't have any phone #s. A knowledgeable taxi driver might be able to help you find them or get into touch with someone who knows. In some places of La Habana, you can see them as you drive by the streets. Homeowners like to rent them for supplemental income.
Yes I have a few sites that I have gotten quite a long list of casas, will procede to see what's avialable. I just want to make sure they are girl friendly.
it's quite daunting all the info and areas of Habana to stay in-Old Habana, Vedado, Centro, etc...
I'm looking at perhpas something near the university.
Will be doing an island tour after a few days in Havana, not sure if I will rent a car or do the Via Azul bus thing. I understand a car is very expensive.
PS I am not travelling alone-the actual purpose of this trip is to take my father, who has always wanted to see Cuba- before both he and Castro kick off. So we will try to enjoy ourselves with all Cuba has to offer, if any chicas come my way it will just be a bonus.
My dad is in his mid seventies and loves a good cigar and some quality ron anejo and does apprecite a nice curve on a lady, so we should be ok!
it's quite daunting all the info and areas of Habana to stay in-Old Habana, Vedado, Centro, etc...
I'm looking at perhpas something near the university.
Will be doing an island tour after a few days in Havana, not sure if I will rent a car or do the Via Azul bus thing. I understand a car is very expensive.
PS I am not travelling alone-the actual purpose of this trip is to take my father, who has always wanted to see Cuba- before both he and Castro kick off. So we will try to enjoy ourselves with all Cuba has to offer, if any chicas come my way it will just be a bonus.
My dad is in his mid seventies and loves a good cigar and some quality ron anejo and does apprecite a nice curve on a lady, so we should be ok!
Hey Farang, Happy New Year!
Just my two cents worth: If you're traveling with your distinguished, gentlemanly father, then stick to bigger centers. La Habana, Cienfuegos, Camaguey, Santiago. He'd probably be in his glory at 'Casa de la Trova' in Santiago across the street from Hotel Casa Granda (immortalized in Graham Greene's "Our Man in Havana") where the Buena Vista Social Club musical spirit lives on. Stay in the hotels with him but rent your apartment on the side so that if you meet a little babe, you got a place ready and prepared for you to scoot off to.
Renting a car is not so bad. The trick is where do you leave it when under your care? You always have to hire someone to be watching it for a buck or two a day but you have to stay on top of it always. Via Azul might be the way to go with your Dad. Do the city-hopping thing as opposed to the long stretch from Santiago to La Habana. It'll be more comfortable.
I just might run into you in February!
Just my two cents worth: If you're traveling with your distinguished, gentlemanly father, then stick to bigger centers. La Habana, Cienfuegos, Camaguey, Santiago. He'd probably be in his glory at 'Casa de la Trova' in Santiago across the street from Hotel Casa Granda (immortalized in Graham Greene's "Our Man in Havana") where the Buena Vista Social Club musical spirit lives on. Stay in the hotels with him but rent your apartment on the side so that if you meet a little babe, you got a place ready and prepared for you to scoot off to.
Renting a car is not so bad. The trick is where do you leave it when under your care? You always have to hire someone to be watching it for a buck or two a day but you have to stay on top of it always. Via Azul might be the way to go with your Dad. Do the city-hopping thing as opposed to the long stretch from Santiago to La Habana. It'll be more comfortable.
I just might run into you in February!
Thanks for all the help everyone.
One more question: how to go about getting a cell phone? It seems like the best way to get around all the cat and mouse games would be to use this.
Thanks Don, we will most assuradly spend an evening at Casa de la Troya. Are there any Troya spots in Havana that you would recommend?
One more question: how to go about getting a cell phone? It seems like the best way to get around all the cat and mouse games would be to use this.
Thanks Don, we will most assuradly spend an evening at Casa de la Troya. Are there any Troya spots in Havana that you would recommend?
Check this place out: the music and dancers are great. The food is excellent and it's just steps from Plaza Vieja which is a beautiful section of Old Havana to stroll around in.
http://www.oldhavanaweb.com/restaurants/el_meson_de_la_flota_the_navys_inn.html
You know some good spots Senor Draper. I went with the flow with my partners in crime, so I never brought any tour books or maps. Is old Havana where the Capitolia is? Next time, I want to take a tour bus and explore a little, instead of just relax at the hotel during the day to save my energy for the clubbing chicas.
(What I should've done was take a tour bus with two lovely tourist ladies who worked at a cruise ship during a day).
Some said that rental cars can be problematic if you have an accident (trouble with authorities), but can't ou buy insurance, and what do travel agents say?
(What I should've done was take a tour bus with two lovely tourist ladies who worked at a cruise ship during a day).
Some said that rental cars can be problematic if you have an accident (trouble with authorities), but can't ou buy insurance, and what do travel agents say?
The only taste of music I got (other than at the clubs) was the band at my hotel. They did play that popular song from The Buena Vista Social Club and others too. I bought their CD. The female singer left me her phone #. I never pursued her, but I should have I guess. Ahhh, too many distractions.
If you have a cell phone here, you might be able to use it there. You will have to pay for that. I'm not sure what company you have to activate with with. Cubacell or ETESCA or something like that. Maybe see if they have any info on the web.
My Rogers cell phone just switches over to Cubacell when I'm there. No need to activate. Calls may be expensive though.
