American Classic Cars in Cuba

 One of Cuba's most distinctive anachronisms are the classic American cars from the 1950’s and 1960’s - Studebaker, Oldsmobile, Chevrolet, Ford and Dodge cars are seen cruising on all streets and highways – giving me the feeling as if I had just momentarily stepped back in time. Photographing these gems were simply a delight for me - a paradise of classic cars - reminding me once again of Goa of the 1950’s.

 

 

Moonrise and sunset at Varadero, Cuba

A day in Old Havana - (Habana Vieja) Part 2

Day trip to Havana - Cuba (2)

 A walk through the cobble stone streets of Old Havana after a wonderful lunch at a lovely homely family restaurant that reminded me of Goa. Walking through the quaint streets of arched facades in various pastel shades of green, pink and yellow, sounds of Cuban salsa music, permeating through the arched doorways and windows of restaurants, and tourists shopping along the streets for a souvenir of handicrafts at the Plaza de San Francisco de Asis. An overall short, but great experience of Old Havana or Habana Vieja. Memories to cherish in the company of our jovial and happy little group of friends.

 

 

A day in Havana, Cuba.

Day trip to Havana - Cuba (1)

Leaving the hotel in the morning from the east of Varadero, driving along the scenic boulevard 32 km towards the province of Matanzas to the east of the Varadero peninsula, a photo and souvenir stop at a lookout point at Mirador Bacanayagua, overlooking the highest bridge in Cuba. A magnificent view of the Yumuri Valley. Listening to traditional Cuban music, enjoying a piña colada in a scooped-up pine apple. A panoramic tour of Metropolitan and Modern Havana. A scrumptious lunch in a homely atmosphere of a Cuban house in the locality with a trio of traditional Cuban musicians. At noon – a walking tour through the historical center of Colonial Havana a.k.a. Havana Vieja or Old Havana – free time for browsing, shopping or just wandering along the narrow cobbled streets of good Old Havana. On a return ride along the way to the hotel at sunset in Varadero, a brief stop to pay a visit to ‘La Casa de Al’ - the vacation retreat (supposedly) of Al Capone – an old stone mansion. A gigantic framed photo of this house was in fact hanging on the wall of our hotel room.

 

A Trip to Cayo Blanco on the Catamaran

Cayo Blanco - (White Island) - off Varadero - Cuba.

A day long trip to Cayo Blanco to the east of Varadero. Sailing on a catamaran from Marina Chepelin amid turquoise waters surrounding Varadero peninsula. Stopping at a coral reef for snorkeling enthusiasts. Dropping anchor off the gorgeous and virgin beach of Cayo Blanco – a small island surrounded by mangroves – to enjoy a delicious lunch with several options of seafood - lobster, fish, shrimp, squid. Listening to traditional live Cuban music, dancing, games, and swimming in the ocean. Exceptional and lively tourist guide on board the catamaran with music and games on the way back to the Marina brought to a close a wonderful and enjoyable day just before sunset - a vacation with my dear wife Edna - and a surprise trip planned by my daughter Dahlia.