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North Bay, Ontario
Canada
My wife and I recently returned from a 10 day trip to Cuba, visiting the cities of
La Habana, Cienfuegos and Trinidad.
We arranged for our Havana accommodation over the internet, selecting the apartment of
Raul and Magaly in the Vedado. They supplied the perfect introduction to Cuba.
We were warmly greeted at the door, ushered to the terrace, and offered cold fruit juice or liberal quantities of ron cubano on the rocks while we got to know one other.
Our room was comfortable, with private bath and air conditioning. Bottled water was provided. Raul supplied keys to the doors so we could come and go as we pleased.
The small elevator to the fourth floor looked old, but performed well. (Upon seeing the elevator, and remembering what we had read about frequent power outages in Cuba, we had some concerns; but in fact, the there were no power interruptions at all during our stay.)
The apartment is located on a wide, green boulevard once home to large mansions and embassies.
The neighbourhood is quiet and safe, and close to a supermercado (so you can stock the refrigerator in the room with fruit drinks or cerveza)
It's a 5-10 minute walk to the Malecon. To reach La Habana Vieja, you can walk or take a "cococab", a 3-wheeled semi-enclosed motorcycle that looks like a large orange - cost for the 20 minute trip was US$4 to La Plaza Central.
Raul speaks English, and was extremely helpful with maps and tips on getting around, where to eat, what to see and how best to do it. He will gladly call a taxi for you if you need transportation to the airport or the Viazul bus station. (The station is absurdly out of the way, but the bus line offers excellent transportation to many cities in Cuba.)
When Magaly learned we planned to go to Cienfuegos and Trinidad, she announced that she had friends in both cities who ran a casa particular.
She called ahead to make arrangements and supplied us with the names and addresses. I must say we were well received and very well accommodated in those cities as well.
We have travelled a fair bit in the last 30 years, but have rarely experienced the hospitality of the people of Cuba.
We will remember our trip to Cuba for years to come, and are especially thankful for the warm welcome and assistance received from Raul and Magaly.
If you're contemplating a trip to Cuba, consider staying here on the Paseo for a fine introduction to the country and it's people. And please, if you go, be sure to take along things (like Tylenol, asthma medication, paper, pens, good perfume, cosmetics) - that are in short supply or simply not available. They will be most appreciated.