Cuba, Day 01-02
Arriving in Havana and Getting Acclimated
We met our group in Miami and took off in a charter flight to Cuba. We were all so excited. This has been a dream for many of us for a very long time. Finally we were headed there.
Arnie and I were seated on the starboard (right side), so we didn’t get as early a view of Cuba as others. Still, it was great to look down on that long strand of sand that greeted us on our side.
Customs was pretty easy, although I was asked a few questions, probably because I was listed as the group leader.
We were greeted by our HavanaTur guide who is just wonderful. With smiling eyes and a great sense of humor, we could not ask for more. A former teacher, she is very informative and also very helpful.
HavanaTur has to OK our itinerary before we can head to Cuba on a people-to-people, cultural tour.
The first afternoon, after a nice lunch, we walked around Viejo Havana (old, historic Havana). With us are two Cuban professional photographers. Absolutely delightful, and they know the routes to take us to the various locations on our tour.
Because the Internet can be excruciatingly slow (or now and then), and because I first got on this evening after two days here, this blog will be short, but I’ll share a few more images.
Our photographer friends took us into one of the once-grand houses of Havana. The textures and sense of bygone elegance were wonderful.
An old window and piece of cloth captured my attention.
The Church is a very large part of Cuba and her history, and this one was on our itinerary.
We also went to a boxing training ring. The teacher was in his 60s and as fit as the younger men and women he was teaching. This boxer caught my attention with the intensity of his concentration and eyes.
There are so many pretty colors in Havana, some fresh such as this one, and some faded and awaiting a new coat.
There is a lot of restoration going on in Old Havana. New electrical and water lines are being put in, cobbles are being replaces or reset on the streets. Still, the work is done in the old-fashioned way … by hand, carefully done.
We have found the people of Havana to be very friendly. They love Americans, and we get thumbs up, and “New York!” It is a joy to be here, and we can’t wait to learn more.
Next: When we can get online! And yes, we LOVE comments
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You may or may not know that Cuba has a rich history of success in the amateur boxing ring and plenty of olympic gold medals over the years to show for it. the name i remember most vividly is theofilio stephenson (sp?). ask your guide or local photo pros about him. he was basically the cassius clay of cuba.
BC,
We don’t know his name, but apparently, we have been watching the next Cuban Cassius Clay training. There are even a couple of women boxers we saw both weeks!
L&Hs,
DDS
Great to see these first photos. We didn’t know if you’d be able to post from Cuba or not. Looks like we will be back when you are. Lots to share. XOXO J&E
Jan and Ed,
Great to hear from you. The experience has been fabulous, albeit not without some changes here and there. The people are so open and friendly, the music compelling, and the food very tasty and varied! Yes, really!
Can’t wait to see you two and why at the same time!
Hugs,
TBC
I’m packed and ready to go! Your blog and photos have me “chomping at the bit” to get there. Thanks for sharing the first few days.
Bill,
Well, look at the calendar. March 1-8 are next year’s dates!
Take care,
TBC
I am so excited to follow your trip to Cuba!!! Cuba is also a dream destination for me as I’ve wanted to go there for quite some time. I bet it is a photographers dream! Just joined your FB group too. Do you also do Instagram? If so let me know as I’d love to follow you there.
ThirdEyeMom,
So glad you are enjoying the blog, and welcome to the FB group. It may take awhile to be “accepted” because of Arnie’s lack of time to get on the Internet. It will happen, though, so please be patient. We do not do Instagram, however, because of the rampant stealing of images.
Thanks! Yes that is true and something I never thought about. I am just an amateur who loves to share my travels and pictures so for me, it is my pleasure if people enjoy it. If I ever become more professional, then I’d have to consider it! Thanks for the heads up! 🙂 Nicole
In New Hampshire living vicariously through your adventures in Cuba. I am starting my savings fund to hook on to the March 2014 Cuba adventure. Looking forward to your future posts. Safe travels to all of you!
Linda,
We already have our dates for next year and are so excited to be returning. Plans are already underway!
Take care, and thanks for writing,
TBC
Very exciting to see Cuba through your eyes and lenses. Looks like a most intriguing place that most of us will never get to visit. I love hearing about the people and seeing your photos.
Dee
Thanks, Dee.
It really is an exciting place to visit. There is such energy here, and the people are so friendly.
Thanks for writing, and
Take care,
TBC