Memories and hints of a travelling IT professional.
Cuba is a paradise for lovers of old US-American cars. Everywhere you can see old Chryslers, Chevrolets and Fords cruise the country. If you call a taxi it might by a trip 60 years into the past. During the Cold War the US created a trade embargo in 1960 and the people kept and repaired their classic cars. Continue reading “Ride a Chevrolet”
Coppelia is the state-owned ice cream parlor in Cuba, offering different flavours of ice cream – highly appreciated on hot days. The store in La Habana, Cuba has 400 employees and serves 35.000 customers a day. Coppelia was created by a project led by Fidel Castro who wanted to introduce dairy products into Cubas daily life. Continue reading “Coppelia”
The Museo de la Revolución is a museum in La Habana, Cuba. It is located in the neo-classic presidential palace, decorated by Tiffany & Co. of New York, United States. The last user of this building was dictator Fulgencio Batista; when the Cuban revolution succeeded it was turned into a museum. Continue reading “Museo de la Revolución”
The Hotel Nacional de Cuba located at the Malecón in La Habana, Cuba is a national institution – and was for me the best location for my 30th birthday. It was opened in 1930, closed after the revolution and only used to host diplomats and government officials until 1991 when Cuba reopened for tourists. Continue reading “Hotel Nacional de Cuba”
El Capitolio in the center of La Habana, Cuba is the former parliament of the island. It was built in 1929 and served for that purpose until 1959. It is currently under restauration and in 2018 the parliament shall move back in. People often see similarities in architecture with the Capitol in Washington, US. In fact, both buildings copy the style of St. Peter’s Basilica in Roma, Italy. Continue reading “El Capitolio”
The hotel Riviera at the Malecón in La Habana, Cuba was my first hotel on the island. I chose this hotel not only because of its wonderful location, but also because of its spectacular history. It was opened in 1957 and its 21 floors still preserve the style of the 50s. Continue reading “Hotel Riviera”
Malecón is simply the Spanish word for a wall at the shore of the ocean. Often it is a wall next to a street built afterwards in front of buildings close to the ocean. When using the word most people think of the Malecón in La Habana, Cuba – but most cities located at the shore on Cuba have a Malecón. Continue reading “Malecón”
The airport of La Habana, Cuba is old-fashioned but functioning well. 70s style wallpapers, shabby toilets and a non-waterproof roof give you a reminder where you have landed. It is named after the famous liberator of Latin America, José Martí. Continue reading “Aeropuerto Internacional José Martí (HAV)”