Cuba follow-up

OK, busy planning the next adventure but found some time today to do a Cuba follow-up.

Would we go again: yes, for sure, especially if restrictions are further lifted for USA travelers.

The various excursions we booked were well done as we were able, in limited time, to see 3 big chunks of 3 cities.  Group sizes were small, guides spoke good English, time was provided to do things on our own, and as a bonus, we were able to get out of the big cities and see some less traveled places.  Oceania?  Worth it for sure.

Now, the particulars:

--miles traveled: 1785

--countries visited: just 1, Cuba.

The countries visited together list now stands at 29:

Canada (every province except Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Newfoundland and Labrador)
China
Colombia
Costa Rica
Cuba
Denmark
England
Estonia
Faroe Islands
Finland
Greece
Guatamala
Hong Kong
Iceland
Italy
Japan
Latvia
Macau
Mexico
Mongolia
Norway
Panama
Russia
Sweden
South Korea
Norway
United States (every state plus Puerto Rico, except Alaska, Hawaii, and Montana)
Vatican City
Vietnam

Havana by night

Last night in Havana and Cuba.  We went to the famous Tropicana night club, and let us tell you, that place is crazy.

Here's the best way we can describe it.  Ever been to Disney World and seen the animatronic tropical animals show?  You know, the one with the talking toucans and other exotic birds?

Well, the Tropicana is the human version of that, dressed up in in lots of elaborate costumes with music, singing, and dancing.  To the eye and ear it is completely data overload as the show last 90 minutes and it is a non-stop tropical barrage.

Couple pointers if you ever attend:  when entering, the staff attempts to extract 5 CUCs (the tourist currency in Cuba) for the right to take photos.  Don't pay.  We didn't and took photos all throughout the show with no hassle.  The entry fee entitles you to a glass of champagne, a bottle of rum (Havana Club 7-year Añejo, a decent choice), a few cans of cola, flowers, and cigars.  Service was greatly improved by the discrete use of tipping, even in small amounts of say 1 or 3 CUCs.  The show takes place out doors, so keep an eye on the forecast for rain.  Seating is tight, but again, a small tip got us a table to ourselves.

We are now headed back to Miami, smooth seas, cooler temps and plenty of sun today...

Havana by day

Toured around Havana today.  Traveling by and old Ford, first stop was Revolucion Square and then through Miramar before stopping at Hotel Nacional for a mojito.  Afterwards, we walked around Plaza de Armas and Old Habana.  Of course, we found plenty of friendly cats and lots of books...

Weather was perfect, slightly overcast and about 80 degrees with a breeze.  Found the perfect spot for coffee before heading back to the ship.

So long Cienfuegos, on to Havana

We left Cienfuegos after a fun 2-day visit.  Internet has slowed to a crawl, so posts have ben delayed a bit.  Yesterday we were at sea all day, a relaxing respite for sure.  On to Havana, in fact, appears that as of the time of this posting, we have arrived, updates to follow.

Trinidad, Cuba

Traveled yesterday to Trinidad, Cuba, about a 90 minute drive east of Cienfuegos.  Trinidad is an old Spanish town: lots of cobblestone and tile roofs.  Also, lots of tourists, but if you look around closely, there's plenty of stuff to do that isn't a tourist-trap.

Visited one of the original ornate palaces/houses: marble floors, nice courtyard, nice watchtower.  Be sure to check out the the palace kitchen and display of old copper pots and mortars.

Made it into one of the cathedrals which sits next to a nice stairway place lined with flowers and a cafe.  Drove past an abandoned cathedral that seemed really like a place to explore, but didn't have time to stop.

Walked from there to find Cafe Fortuna, a tiny bar/barista.  Highly recommended, this is what you come to Cuba for, it sits a block away from the town square.

Later, we visited the square around the town city hall before heading back to Cienfuegos.