We again procured free bus tickets from the resort. After studying a map I purchased at a hotel in the Central Plaza we realized that we needed to stay on the bus longer, getting off near the waterfront to get to La Habana. Once off the bus we split up. Kathy, Vic and Jerome wanted to go to the museum de Revolution and Tom had no interest in going. We strolled down to the famous Malacon, a sea wall built to protect the city from North winds. On a sunny day people are strolling, picnicking, fishing and romantically involved along the waterfront. I had come down with a cough last night so I acted like a local, lying down in the sun for a short nap. We continued our walk back towards the central shopping area of La Habana finding a wonderful spot for lunch. The restaurant, Palacea de Artisea was in the center of a building with shops on the second floor area that overlooked the restaurant. The food was really good and the music was thoroughly enjoyable. We ate full meals and had drinks for a total of $14.00!
Following lunch we made our way through the artists district and wondered around a square where venders set up their booths selling books of all kinds. Most though were political or historical in nature. Then it was off to the Floridita. one of two famous bars because they were hangouts of Hemingway. His drink of choice at the Floridita was a daiquiri. While enjoying our daiquiri and visiting with a couple from England the rest of our group walked in. They said they thought they would find us in here.
We enjoyed a drink together then headed for the last bus to take us back to the marina.
This is a photo of the Russion Embassy taken from the bus. It is supposed to be in the shape of an Old Russion Sword. If you study it you can see that the top is the handle. The Russions had come in saying they would help the Cubans. They took ravaged the sugar cane fields and when the crop was no longer profitable because Cuba was no longer the only country with a bumper crop they left. The Habanaros(Cubans) call it the stab in the heart building.
Books and posters sold in booths all around a very pretty tree lined square
Kathy being entertained at the book sales
These flag poles are directly in front of the US Embassy. In 2003(not sure of the year) a electronic moving sign was put up on the building that wished everyone a Merry Christmas. In direct response the Cuban government put up all the flag poles and put black flags on them. When the Americans took down the electronic sign the Cuban government took down the black flags. Now whenever it is a holiday the Cuban flag is flown on all of the poles.
This is a plaque erected by the Cuban government admonishing the Americans for their bold advertising of Christmas.
The United States Embassy. We were told that the Americans do not occupy the entire embassy anymore. No one could verify.
This is a cement park adjacent to the embassy that is used for rallys and other open air events.
This is an area along the edge of town facing the harbor. In the days the Spanish occupied Cuba this was the end of land. The cannons actually looked out over the water to protect the harbor
you can get an idea of how much has been filled in to extend the island. About the length of four football fields has been added.
The flying saucer looking thing is a city water tank.
A government building with metal outlines of the three officials. Castro, Raul, and Batista
We wondered in a hotel/restaurant on the main square that had a bar on the rooftop. It was very elegant inside as you can see.
Views from the rooftop bar
The rooftop bar
ornate railing on the rooftop
Vic chillin on the rooftop
The Floridita
locals fishing on the Malacon
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