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My followers are now acutely aware of my love of Cuba and specially, Havana. I have moved on from staying in hotels, to renting apartments, and now sharing an apartment with my best Cuban friend. This apartment will be available for rent as soon as the new rental licences are issued in December 2018. It will be listed on Airbnb and Booking.com.
Change is always the word of the day in Cuba and many folks in Havana are seeking new opportunities in a variety of new ways. Retail sales of clothing, escooters, motorcycles, and food are providing families with the extra cash they so desperately need. During this last trip, I could not believe how many escooters were on the road. They are being brought in from Panama and are sold for around $1750.-$2400. CUC depending on the type of battery used. This is a huge expense for a Cuban; however, if one is renting space in one's home, holds down a few jobs in tourism-related businesses, then this handy form of transportation is obtainable.
Another new business is the sale of clothing and household items purchased in Guyana. Cubans can easily obtain a visa to travel to this country which offers cheap clothing, accessories, and household supplies. Women travel in groups to Guyana (safety in numbers) and stay for a week during which many bags are filled with necessary items for family and friends as well as newly acquired customers. I must say that Cubans are dressing really well these days due to this new influx of trendy clothing.
Tourism has always been a huge source of income for Cubans and the government. Tours are always readily available but there is one company that stands out. My friend Marissa owns a company called MariMundo: marimundo.com. The reason this company is unique is that Marissa will tailor make an itinerary that suits each tourists' needs. Want to visit Marissa's family tobacco farm in Pinar del Rio? How about horseback riding, ziplining, fishing, or beach time? Would you like to ride in a vintage pink Cadillac, go clubbing at all the newest spots in Havana, eat at the best restaurants, need taxi service, a place to stay? The list is endless and so are Marissa's contacts.
Marissa's blog will inform you about all aspects of Cuban life, what to bring for Cubans, and for all of our American friends, how to still travel freely (yes you can) to Cuba.
Follow Marissa on Instagram: mimaincuba
You will love her and her cocker spaniel puppy.
The music scene is always thriving in Havana. The newest and hottest group at the moment is Cimafunk. The band's lead singer, composer, and performer extraordinaire is Erik Alejandro Rodriguez. He is a modern day James Brown and is by far the coolest dude in Cuba. The band's album, Terapia can be found on iTunes and believe me, I listen to it constantly. I am trying to bring the band to Canada and find Canadian representation for them because they are superstars. Let's make this happen my dear readers.
The Vedado area near the Almendares River is becoming the hottest area in Havana. The neighbourhood is beautiful, quiet, yet full of great street life. There are great restaurants, grocery stores, beautiful homes, as well as music venues such as FAC, Casa de la musica (on the other side of the river in Miramar), as well as small restaurants that feature local musicians. The upscale restaurant of El Cocinero is attached to FAC (which also has a great restaurant). If you want tasty but inexpensive Cuban food, I highly recommend Karma. And of course, the place to mingle with the coolest people in Havana while sipping a latte is Cuba Libro. This local hotspot is always buzzing with art exhibits, book launchings, as well as stimulating discussions with owner Conner Gorry. The cafe also supports so many worthwhile local causes which is another reason to be a frequent customer at this sweet little corner of this hood.
Change is always the word of the day in Cuba and many folks in Havana are seeking new opportunities in a variety of new ways. Retail sales of clothing, escooters, motorcycles, and food are providing families with the extra cash they so desperately need. During this last trip, I could not believe how many escooters were on the road. They are being brought in from Panama and are sold for around $1750.-$2400. CUC depending on the type of battery used. This is a huge expense for a Cuban; however, if one is renting space in one's home, holds down a few jobs in tourism-related businesses, then this handy form of transportation is obtainable.
Another new business is the sale of clothing and household items purchased in Guyana. Cubans can easily obtain a visa to travel to this country which offers cheap clothing, accessories, and household supplies. Women travel in groups to Guyana (safety in numbers) and stay for a week during which many bags are filled with necessary items for family and friends as well as newly acquired customers. I must say that Cubans are dressing really well these days due to this new influx of trendy clothing.
Tourism has always been a huge source of income for Cubans and the government. Tours are always readily available but there is one company that stands out. My friend Marissa owns a company called MariMundo: marimundo.com. The reason this company is unique is that Marissa will tailor make an itinerary that suits each tourists' needs. Want to visit Marissa's family tobacco farm in Pinar del Rio? How about horseback riding, ziplining, fishing, or beach time? Would you like to ride in a vintage pink Cadillac, go clubbing at all the newest spots in Havana, eat at the best restaurants, need taxi service, a place to stay? The list is endless and so are Marissa's contacts.
Marissa's blog will inform you about all aspects of Cuban life, what to bring for Cubans, and for all of our American friends, how to still travel freely (yes you can) to Cuba.
Follow Marissa on Instagram: mimaincuba
You will love her and her cocker spaniel puppy.
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| beautiful Marissa |
The Vedado area near the Almendares River is becoming the hottest area in Havana. The neighbourhood is beautiful, quiet, yet full of great street life. There are great restaurants, grocery stores, beautiful homes, as well as music venues such as FAC, Casa de la musica (on the other side of the river in Miramar), as well as small restaurants that feature local musicians. The upscale restaurant of El Cocinero is attached to FAC (which also has a great restaurant). If you want tasty but inexpensive Cuban food, I highly recommend Karma. And of course, the place to mingle with the coolest people in Havana while sipping a latte is Cuba Libro. This local hotspot is always buzzing with art exhibits, book launchings, as well as stimulating discussions with owner Conner Gorry. The cafe also supports so many worthwhile local causes which is another reason to be a frequent customer at this sweet little corner of this hood.
This funky little neighbourhood is located between Lines and Calle 23. It begins after Paseo and ends at the Almendares River. Every street has something great to offer so take some time to stroll around the area and enjoy. You won't be disappointed.
