It’s definitely not a place that comes to mind first, when picking a holiday destination… and probably rightly so. Cuba is vastly different from most places I’ve travelled to.
Travelling to Cuba requires an open mind, a love for unusual travel and at least a vague grasp of the Spanish language (unless you have a guide/interpreter).
Our mom and daughter trip to Havana Cuba in January this year was thrilling. From learning to Salsa at a top dance school in downtown Havana… to a mojito making mixology class in a neighbourhood farm-to-table restaurant, my daughter and I had a blast.
Despite a very challenging daily life, we learnt so much about this resilient nation. The people are warm, friendly and welcoming, As South Africans, we get it… they deal with load shedding, water supply issues and more. Life can be hard and joy is a choice for locals.
But the colourful character and lively music that fills the streets, easily rubs off on every person who chooses to soak up this culture.
Driving in and taking photos of the old cars was a highlight for us. It really is a step back in time.
Seeing what once must have been grand marbled mansions, now crumbling but still filled with character was awe inspiring.
The lack of retail and commonly known chain stores is so refreshing! Finding a hidden gem of a local coffee shop with incredibly good coffee felt so fabulous.
Dinner at La Guarida in a magnificent mansion was outstanding. Being two girls travelling alone meant that others always seemed to look out for us. We befriended diners and met like minded adventurous holiday makers.
Saint Augustine Was so right when he said: ‘The world is a book and those who do not travel, turn only one page.’
Cuba is one of those highly unusual, off the beat and track, slightly more adventurous destinations and one that I would highly recommend not missing out on.
