Cuba 1

Hello again

We're back in Havana and have wifi.  Had all kinds of trouble trying to get cash from ATMs and banks before we left.  The guru was clueless when it came to the local bank voodoo. 

Have spent a few days in the Cuban countryside and dived in the bay of pigs.  It was really delightful, especially at a casa particular (home stay) in Playa Larga.  Saw lots of wildlife including boa constrictors, a tarantula and the Cuban national bird in the nearby national park.  

Havana is a beautiful shambles.   The buildings and the cars just as you'd imagine.  We drove back from dinner last night to the sounds of Foreigner blaring in the taxi, the driver playing air guitar and drums while we sang along (yes how does one readily recall such lyrics).

On the food and wine front not much to report.  We ate in the casas mostly and enjoyed simple but tasty Cuban fare.  Lots of soup for entree.  Other than that:
* Cicanero in Havana - unusual however tasty plate of papaya, avocado, goats cheese and walnuts, duck crepe and a nice French rose

Revised and new lessons learnt so far:
Altitude does have a big affect and is not to be taken lightly
Coca tea is nice and does fix the headache
Both Chile and Peru have very nice beer - Austral, Arequipena & Cusquena
If you don't like potatoes or onions, Peru is not for you
Guinea pig is great and you can eat a whole one (deep fried rather than roasted is best)
Cuban beer is best left in Cuba (Domenican Republic beer is another matter)
Outside of Havana is a beer only area (unless you like rum)
Cubans have a fantastic culture, inate honesty and friendliness and a wonderful sense of national pride
If you don't like papaya or avocado Cuba is not for you
There are no tomatoes in Cuba out of season
There is wifi in Cuba if you know where to find it
The addition of a tablet above the rear view mirror enhances your old American car substantially
Skippy is only just being broadcast on TV in Havana
Cuban popular music only has one beat
Lots of stuff doesn't work in Cuba

Photos below are me and my new "Don Draper" hat and Havana at night.