EL FLORIDITA
On our way out, we actually stopped in the Earnest Hemingway suite. I don’t think it actually gets used, I believe it’s just there for show and private viewings.
Our last stop was the El Floridita. This bar was walking distance from the hotel. This still-very-swanky place is supposedly the birthplace of the frozen daiquiri by the Spanish immigrant Constantino Ribalaigua who later became the owner of this bar in 1918. Now this place is old school y’all. All the bartenders were dressed the same. White slacks, white shirts, red ties and of course the famous red aprons for the bartenders and the red jackets for the servers. Now, with a daiquiri being one of the most simple drinks to make (rum, sugar and lime juice), due to the freshness of everything, this was heaven in a glass and I can see how Hemingway had 15 of these a night. They were also only like $2 there, but this would easily cost $12 in the average upscale American cocktail lounge. Most people visit there to get the famous daquiri, but the restaurant is also known for their fresh seafood.
This place housed many pictures of Hemingway everywhere, including some with Castro. It also included a bronze bust of him and statues.
All in all, I left Havana feeling very inspired about traveling more, eating more and writing more. Trips like these are the exact reason why I love traveling and of course as I mentioned multiple times, try and become a better writer. Like Hemingway, I try not to add too much “fluff” to what I’m trying to say and try to provide real emotion about these opportunities, but still be rough around the edges. Maybe I should start blogging more with a mojito always in hand??
#thegeekytraveler
by Mike Sylvester