The ride from the jungle to the river was about an hour and it afforded the three of us time for a quick siesta.
3rd Stop: The River
As previously mentioned, it was comforting to be amongst the locals again, especially in such a serene setting. In case you are curious, never once was I treated rudely or differently because I was American. In fact, whenever a Cuban would discover that I was American they would get really excited and ask me a million questions.
After finishing the tour, we returned to the Nacional to use their glamorous pools and facilities. We figured since Marc was still staying there we should take advantage of his good fortune. Then Kristin and I switched casas back to Sergio and Miriam’s for the remainder of our stay. We decided to revisit Habana Vieja for dinner. I wish that I could remember the name of the restaurant we dined at that night, but the name escapes me now. The food was less than mediocre, which is what you will find throughout most of Cuba, however the atmosphere was superb. They had various types of exotic birds roaming around the restaurant and an excellent salsa band (possibly to distract you from the food?).
Stick to eating at your casas while in Cuba. The food your hosts will serve you will be much cheaper and I guarantee will taste tremendously better, not to mention will be more authentically Cuban.
All I remember about dinner that night is that we had black beans (and asked for plantains and got a blank stare in response!)…oh wait, wasn’t that ALL of our meals in Cuba (until we wised up and ate at the casa on the final day)? =)
I am Loving this series, Andi! Is that a beer they are holding out the window in that first picture? Priceless! I so want to go to Cuba now…I always thought about it but now it’s settled. How great is the watering hole?
These pictures are stunning. I am so jealous of you right now. It looks you are having so much fun!
I agree, the food was super bad in Cuba. I just thought that was because I was staying at all inclusive resorts and that I was being picky… but even the people I was traveling with said the same thing. It lacks a lot of love and maybe because they can’t get the right products because of the embargo or something.
Yes I agree Food in Cuba is medicore on a Good day,your best bet is eating the food your host cooks for you.As you said its cheaper and better tasting than most restaurants in cuba.
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I never been to Cuba. I will tho, very soon. And i know i will have an amazing Safe time with friends and family.. Love to see your having FUN!
Oh wow, the river is awesome!
It looks like you’re having the best time in Cuba! I can’t believe he’s sticking a cup of beer out the window! Is that illegal there?
It’s interesting in many Latin cities people don;t eat out, only at home so it’s very difficult to find good food.
So in love with peacocks and swimming holes and waterfalls and everything about this post!! Just not the bad food, how sad. But also good advice I will take to heart should I find myself lucky enough to get to Cuba!
Love this post!
That peacock is so beautiful!
I like the way that the pictures look so vintagy, goes perfectly with the old style Cuban atmosphere!
LOVE that peacock! You look so happy swimming!
I can’t believe you found a restaurant anywhere, let alone Cuba, where exotic birds were just roaming about… Your life!!
Cuba is so beautiful & the Cuban people warm & welcoming. Glad I had an opportunity to visit the country.
Cool!
Loving the pics. on this series…it’s taking me back to my own time spent in Cuba *** and I totally agree with the food bit – our few restaurant meals were pretty disastrous! But I had some of the best home-cooked rice and pollo EVER at some houses we were invited to. ***
I wanna go! Looks beautiful.
I think I was here too – In this restaurant with exotic birds around there… it looks just the same, but I can’t remember the name neither! wasn’t it also a hotel?
Excellent post.
Viva Cuba!!!
Terrific work!!!
Wow you are so cool!
Gorgeous post & pics! 🙂
When I found this site was like wow. Thank you for being simply amazing!