Jeanine and I arrived in Havana slightly before noon to warm if not sunny weather. Our first priority was exchanging US currency for CUCs (Cuban Convertible Pesos) as credit cards are not accepted and ATMs are unreliable and hard to locate. Next we hired a taxi to take us to our homestay at Casa la Familia in Centro Habana where we quickly settled in. Our host family speaks no English and our Spanish is not much better making for challenging communication. Eager to get some exercise, we set out on foot for Habana Vieja (Old Havana) by way of the Malecon, a broad esplanade, roadway and seawall which stretches for 5 miles along the coast. The sea was extremely rough and waves were constantly crashing over the wall so we elected to walk on the other side of the road.
One is immediately struck by the contrasts which exist in Cuba. For every beautifully restored colonial era building you can find one on the verge of collapse. For every shop lined, well maintained street you can find one that is literally strewn with rubble and abandoned buildings.
Two thing are consistent, however. Everywhere you go you will see wonderful vintage automobiles and hear musicians playing infectious latin music in the streets, bars, cafes and restaurants.
We rested our weary feet during a late lunch in a nice cafe before continuing our tour. By the time we reached our homestay, rain was threatening so we decided to have dinner nearby. As luck would have it we were one block away from a very fine Swedish-Cuban fusion restaurant. After dinner we were so tired that neither the street noise or sorry condition of our mattress kept us from sleeping like babies.