Mélange Travel & Lifestyle Magazine October 2017 | Page 199

Cuba, “Old World Charm”

People who have visited Cuba are usually excited
about the island’s old world charm. This is very
true of Havana, the capital and outside of the
capital you have the exotic beaches, so by visiting
Cuba you can experience the best of two worlds.
Havana’s old world charm lies mainly in its unique
blend of architecture, the sight of American
vintage cars coursing through the streets, its
opera, ballet and concert performances, retro
bars and restaurants - the list continues . . .
For those visitors wanting to experience the best
of the old world charm, visits to the Habana Vieja,
or old street, is recommended. As they wander
around throughout the day, visitors will be able
to enjoy the island’s unique blend of old colonial
buildings and run-down apartment blocks, all
colourfully painted. At night, the bars and other
entertainment venues will fill the streets with
music. It’s time to dance.
Apart from Cuba’s most famous characters, Fidel
and Che, Ernest Hemmingway is also known to
have been well acquainted with the island. Many
visitors follow the “Hemingway Trail” which takes
them to the Belquita Del Medio bar, said to be the
birthplace of the Mojito and El Floridito, which is
considered to be the home of the best Daiquiri in
Havana.
Like most of the Caribbean islands, Cuba is
surrounded by beautiful, sandy beaches. The
ones close to the capital are frequented by locals
as well as tourists, giving these beaches a vibrant
atmosphere which cannot be experienced if one
merely stays within the confines of their resort
without venturing out to experience the local
hangouts. Many tourists still opt for the more
traditional Caribbean beach experience and so
they spend time at Varadero which is famous for
its white, powdery, sandy beaches.
Many visitors return to Cuba. Some of the more
astute visitors opt for a few days stay in Havana
and a few in Varadero, combining the best of old
world charm with the island’s exotic beach life.
Cuba, “Old World Charm”