We decided the plan for the evening would include: strawberry daiquiris at Hotel Inglattera, dinner at La Floridita, and salsa dancing at La Casa de la Musica Centro Habana.
First, we met Marc at the Inglattera, which is another one of the finest hotel’s in Cuba. It is located near Parque Central and proudly holds the honor of being the oldest hotel in Cuba with an incredibly rich history you could spend days learning about. Having said that, the Nacional is still my preferred hotel.
While we sipped our strawberry daiquiris a salsa band played and when the first intoxicating trumpet notes of “El Chan Chan” began it really hit me that I was actually in Cuba; a country I had been dreaming of visiting for such a long time. In that moment, I wished all of my loved ones could be there with me experiencing this as well.
Then we dined at La Floridita, or commonly known as ‘Hemingway’s hang-out’. I love the simplistic way that Ernest writes. He is able to vividly capture one’s imagination with only a few words. Apparently, while he was creating “The Old Man and the Sea,” a novel about a Cuban fisherman who refuses to be defeated by nature, he would eat at the restaurant often. And even though it was a tourist trap, as a beloved fan, I still wanted to visit the places that he frequented during his time in Cuba.
Once satiated, we headed over to dance at La Casa de la Musica Centro Habana. Along the way we encountered a Cuban man whom begged us to bring him in the club with us. According to him it had been his life long dream to dance inside there and the only way a Cuban could enter was with the permission of a tourist. Marc told him that he would pay for his entrance fee under one condition: he had to discuss Cuban affairs with us over a couple of drinks. The poor guy agreed not knowing what he was getting himself into! Marc and I could talk about that kind of stuff for hours and hours.
La Casa has a fantastic reputation for being the best salsa club in La Habana, as they bring in the top-name bands, but I was not really impressed. It was not the real Cuba; I wanted to dance where the locals danced. So, my only choice was to grab the fellow that came in with us to the dance floor to practice my terrible salsa skills. Thankfully, he was not too embarrassed with my moves. I vowed after that evening to take classes some time during our last days in Cuba.
On our taxi ride back to our casa we noticed that the locals were out in the streets celebrating in full force. Revolution Day was only a couple of days away.
Despite the fact that the noise outside was quite loud, Kristin and I fell soundly asleep from our long, but completely unforgettable day.
Pingback: Tweets that mention My Beautiful Adventures » Blog Archive » Cuba: Day 4 (Part 4) -- Topsy.com
FUN!!
Wow! Cuba sounds and looks amazing!
the architecture there is just absolutely amazing. i think my pictures would be filled with buildings!
Between the dark tans and the tropical drinks, I would like to go to Habana NOW please.
Also, I just saw Kyle’s ad in your sidebar – that’s me! At least we 3 are together on the internet if not in person 🙂
We should have totally used cigars in your boudoir sessions, lol! I LOVE those pictures of you. So cool!
Look at our sunburnt faces (and my chest!)! Remember how we were all above sunscreen, then spent a day on La Playa del Este and came back looking like raccoons?? Idiots, we were! =)
Perfection!!!!!!!!!!
Great information! I’ve been looking for something like this for a while now. Thanks!
i would love to try salsa dancing in Cuba, I heard it was completely different from Colombia.
BTW was the cigar good, or gross?
Cuba? WOW!
Smoke’em up, girl!
Looks like a perfect day. Love the Hemingway references.
Pingback: World Spinner
That is one tasty lookin cohiba! I do loves me a good cigar…smoke em if ya got em girls!!
You have the most fun trips, Andi! Someday I want to travel with you — and Kristin!!
How cool that you got to hang at Hemmingway’s old haunt!
Enjoyed the video. The quality of the musicians in Cuba is insane.
Sounds like a blast!
Great Stuff!
I want to go to La Floridita right now.
I’d love to salsa with you, haha 😛 But you need to teach me, I suck at dancing 😉
Oh my gosh looks so fun!! You guys are so tanned! I would’ve died to hear El Chan Chan via a live band in Cuba–THAT sounds incredible!
I’ve loved your entire Cuba series! Your photos are wonderful–I particularly love the one of the sun hitting the margaritas 🙂
That looks like so much fun!
You’re adorable in your pink dress and you smoke cigars! I have got to make it to Cuba one of these days…
Gorgeous post!
Gorgeous posts as always!!!
Thanks for sharing traveling experience of Cuba.You arelooking awesome in pink
wow clubing in Cuba? That’s so different and fun 😛
I LOVE your sense of writing.
Love this Cuba series!!!
Loved this post!
Your writing is superb!
I’d have to give blessing with you here. Which is not something I usually do! I enjoy reading a post that will make people think. Also, thanks for allowing me to speak my mind!
Fabulous post!
Great post!
Que fabulosooooo!
Gotta get myself to Cuba NOW!
Gorgeous post!!!
What a fabulous post!
Love this Cuba series!
Pingback: Georgia
Great trip and an amazing adventure, seems you really had a great time. One of the places I have always wanted to visit, really have to go soon before it changes.