Old Havana – Habana Vieja (by Beenie Girl)

I have taken a few trips to Old Havana since I have been here and it is so charming! Old Havana contains the main area of the original city of Havana. The positions of the original Havana city walls are the modern boundary area of the Old Havana.

Sites and sounds

The city was built in baroque and neoclassic style. Street after street is lined with wonderful colonial style buildings. Many buildings had fallen in ruin, but a number of them have been restored or are being restored. Old Havana was also made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982. I lament the condition of some of these buildings and stand in awe at the magnificent condition of many others. It makes me think, what a wonder Old Havana would be if Cuba had the access to construction materials that many other countries (including mine) take for granted. I took so many pictures of the buildings and other monuments, I need to go back and take some more, because some of them are just absolutely beautiful. But then again I love old buildings like this; it may not be everyone’s kettle of fish.

While walking through the squares and narrow cobble-stoned streets of old Havana and soaking up the sights, I hear music. In Cuba, the melodic strains of music are constantly in the air and Old Havana is no different. Music is always playing somewhere – a small band, a solitary guitar player, a group of singers, someone’s radio blasting loudly. It’s like a movie with the soundtrack in the background.

So, in the spirit of creating a colonial atmosphere, there are people giving horse carriage rides around the city. Now everyone knows I love horses. Ask Sylph and my boy in Caracas, whenever there was presentation of credentials back home, I am most present – not to see which country is presenting, but to feast my eyes on the policemen on horseback! No, that didn’t come out right, maybe I should say – to feast my eyes on the horses the policemen are riding. (ok, better) So these people come offering us a horse carriage ride and somehow I cannot help but be distracted by, how can I say this like a diplomat, distracted by the means which they are utilizing to prevent the deposit of horse excreta throughout the city. These people have a crocus bag strategically tied in a convenient area between the carriage and the horse to catch droppings as the horsies clip-clop-clip-clop around the city. I find it ingenious and funny enough to take a picture! Hehehe I know I am idle, right?

Adventures in China Town

Yes you read right, Cuba has a China Town too. I was like no man, allyuh jokin, but yep it’s true!

I went and I ate in one of the restaurants and I didn’t get sick next day which is a good sign, right? LOL The food was tasty and my food was nice and hot, especially since I had to make them do over my order (without the cheese like I ordered *rolls eyes*) But you know what I saw in China Town (and this will make you laugh Rosel) A BOOTLEG DVD VENDOR. I felt like I was on Independence Square man. I was dying to take a pic, but the man look at me with such fright I say poor man musbe think I going to sell him out to the police, so I spared him. LOL 

This place is downright interesting. Trust me I walked the equivalent of 6 miles that day in old Havana (yes I checked the pedometer on my cell phone) and it was hot and I was still smiling at the end of the day and we all know how I hate walking. Trust me this blog has a part two because even as I type I realize there is sooo much more I need to talk about!