Viñales is to the north of Havana and was 8 hours away from Trinidad, again we relied on the trusted Viazul Bus to get from Trinidad in the middle to Viñales in the north of the island. Viñales Valley is a UNESCO world heritage site and has been protected since 1999.
Being in Viñales actually felt like being in another country, the valley was unspoilt and some part appeared to be unchanged since pre-historic times.
The weather
The weather in Viñales was much cooler than any other city we had visited. The weather was cooler at between 25-27 degrees with a breeze whilst we were there.
Where I stayed
Casa León León
We stayed in Casa León León an amazing Casa particular with a great host. Leon who is the owner is an elderly man you would want to spend hours talking to and he was so lovely that he rode his bike to come meet us at the Viazul terminal to bring us back to the Casa. We had a large double room with two double beds with our own bathroom. Breakfast as with the other Casa’s we stayed in was delicious, Cuban breakfast rocks. We paid CUC60 for 2 night, I really recommend this Casa. Address: Calle Adela Azcuy # 45, Vinales, Cuba Tel: +53 48 796380
Casa Leon Leon, Vinales, Cuba
What I did
To fully explore the Island we bought a hop on hop off Viñales bus tour ticket for CUC5, the bus takes you along most of the major tourist attractions in the valley and the ticket lasts the whole day.
Jardin Botanico de Caridad
Viñales is rather small, so the centre is only 15 minutes walk from end to end. Jardin Botanico de Caridad is a five minutes walk from the central plaza. The jardin (garden) is beautifully kept and a great place to lose ones self. Viñales is already a quiet town so the jardin feels like a sanctuary within a sanctuary. However there was one weird thing about the jardin in that they had dismembered doll parts all over the place, it was initially scary but soon it became normal to see the creepy little doll heads, legs or arms hanging in an amongst the beautiful plants.
Jardin Botanico de Caridad, Vinales, CubaCreepy doll, Jardin Botanico de Caridad, Vinales, CubaJardin Botanico de Caridad, Vinales, CubaJardin Botanico de Caridad, Vinales, CubaJardin Botanico de Caridad, Vinales, CubaJardin Botanico de Caridad, Vinales, CubaJardin Botanico de Caridad, Vinales, CubaMe in Jardin Botanico de Caridad, Vinales, Cuba
Cueva del Indio
We chose to use the boat at a cost of CUC5 to get through the caves, lets just say the queue to get on the boat lasted longer than the boat ride through the caves itself. Nevertheless the experience was worthwhile and after disembarking from the boat we got a chance to walk though and explore the adjacent ranch whilst we waited for the hop on hop off bus, there is also a bar, restaurants and souvenir shops to keep you entertained.
Cueva del Indio Boat, Vinales, CubaCueva del Indio, Vinales, CubaCueva del Indio, Vinales, CubaCueva del Indio, Vinales, CubaCueva del Indio, Vinales, CubaRancho San Vincente, Vinales, CubaRancho San Vincente, Vinales, CubaRancho San Vincente, Vinales, CubaCueva del Indio, Vinales, CubaMe at Rancho San Vincente, Vinales, Cuba
Mural de la Prehistoria
The entrance fee to see the mural up close was CUC3 and the ticket entitles you to a free drink at a bar. This attraction is bitter-sweet in that because we came to see this attraction I got to taste the best Pina colada I have ever tasted. Once we looked at the less than impressive mural which we could see from the road we had 1 hour 20 mins to wait until the next bus so we decided to explore the area, we did a small walk up the side of the mountain and then walked into the neighbouring village where most people grew coffee. After that we went to the bar and indulged in the cocktails, the bar man liked us and was very generous with the rum serving and gave us multiple free refills.
Mural de la Prehistoria, Vinales, CubaMural de la Prehistoria, Vinales, CubaGrounds of Mural de la Prehistoria, Vinales, CubaCaves at Mural de la Prehistoria, Vinales, Cuba
Hotel Los Jazmines
This hotel is worth stopping off at for the best views of the amazing valley. From here you can really see the prehistoric rock formations that make the valley really special. There is a souvenir shops and a restaurant to sit and relax and get away from the afternoon sun. I also believe for a small fee you can use the hotel’s swimming pool. There is a village nearby so if you are curious you can take a walk into the village like we did.
View from Hotel Los Jazmines, Vinales, CubaView of Vinales Valley from Hotel Los Jazmines, CubaView of Vinales Valley from Hotel Los Jazmines, CubaView of Vinales Valley from Hotel Los Jazmines, CubaHotel Los Jazmines, Vinales, CubaMe at Hotel Los Jazmines, Vinales, CubaCow at Hotel Los Jazmines, Vinales, CubaVillage near Hotel Los Jazmines, Vinales, CubaVillage near Hotel Los Jazmines, Vinales, Cuba
Walking around
We walked around and explored the quaint little town, aimlessly wandering is a great way to explore and find great things.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, Vinales, CubaBeautiful House, Vinales, CubaPink House, Vinales, CubaCuban Cowboy, Vinales, CubaCubans commuting, Vinales, Cuba
Food and Drink
D’Bliss Restaurant
This was one of the most reasonably priced restaurant in Viñales and the food was very delicious hence why we eat there both nights that we were in the town. My meal with a glass of beer cost CUC8.
D’Bliss Restaurant, Vinales, CubaMeal at D’Bliss Restaurant, Vinales, Cuba
Bar 3 J
This was a cool bar that was bustling every night with tourists and locals alike. The daiquiris were to die for and only CUC3 and that’s why we went back a second night.
Inside Bar 3J, Vinales, CubaAmazing Daiquiris at Bar 3J, Vinales, Cuba
Review of Viñales
This town was the perfect stop after the craziness of Santiago de Cuba and the activities in Trinidad, as we were getting towards the end of our trip Viñales was a welcomed change of pace and a great place to unwind. If you are visiting Cuba try to add Viñales to one of the destinations you visit, it is only 4 hours away from Havana and truly worthwhile.
So what next
The next stop is back to Havana where it all started.
Do you want to find out what we did in Havana for the second time and how we completed our trip to Cuba? Then follow my blog to find out more and you will be notified as I upload more posts.
Prague (Praha) the capital city of the Czech Republic is now in my top 5 European cities. The Czech Republic many consider to be in Eastern Europe but it is actually in Central Europe. The currency used is the Czech Koruna (CZK) and £1 (GBP) equates to approximately 34CZK. One quirky fact is that the Czechs are the biggest beer consumers in the world, and not surprising beer is very cheap in the country and even cheaper than water.
Wenceslas Cathedral
This is an amazing Medieval Cathedral that dominates the Prague skyline, the Cathedral sits atop a hill and proudly overlooks the city with its very mythical and folky vibe. There are long queues to get inside so if you want to visit get there early. I didn’t go in I just walked around the building taking in its magnificence.
The Old Town Hall, Pražský orloj (Prague astronomical clock)
There are many things that catch your eye as you enter the Old Town Square, however none more so than the Pražský orloj (Prague astronomical clock) this is a beautiful clock created by Mikuláš of Kadaň and Jan Mindel and was installed in 1410 on the Old Town Hall, making it one of the oldest functioning astronomical clock in the world. There is a little show that is played on the hour and there is always a crowd gathered to hear the tune and watch the little skeleton take centre stage in ringing its bell. If you are going to visit the square, it is worthwhile to see a great piece of art, science and maths in action.
Prague Astronomical Clock, Czech RepublicOld Town Hall, Prague, Czech RepublicOld Town Hall, Prague, Czech RepublicOld Town Hall, Prague, Czech Republic
The Old Town Hall Tower
The Old Town Hall Tower, is one of the most striking buildings in Prague and for a small fee of 120CZK (approx £3.50), visitors can climb or ride to the top to experience terrific views over the Old Town Square and the rest of the Old Town. I chose to use the elevator up but walked down. There is some historical information on Prague and the Town hall and it is fascinating to see how Prague, the Old Town Square and beyond has changed through the times.
View Old Town Hall Tower, Prague, Czech RepublicView Old Town Hall Tower, Prague, Czech RepublicView Old Town Hall Tower, Prague, Czech RepublicInside the Old Town Hall Tower, Prague, Czech Republic
Charles Bridge
This is a stunning bridge with a fascinating history and it is home to various monuments with fanatical folk tales attached. The bridge is an interesting place to visit to people watch, listen to buskers and even buy some wares or souvenirs.
Charles Bridge Tower, Prague, Czech RepublicCharles Bridge, Prague, Czech RepublicView from Charles Bridge, Prague, Czech RepublicMe on Charles Bridge, Prague, Czech Republic
John Lennon Pub and Lennon Wall
After the fall of communism there was an influx of western music and media to the Czech Republic. The Beatles music appears to have struck a cord with the Czech people who had lived with their freedom suppressed for such a long time, the Beatles lyrics on love, peace and freedom was new and refreshing. So inspired one anonymous person graffitied a wall with the word ‘Imagine’, then someone else came along and wrote some lyrics and from there it just grew and grew, of course the local authority saw this as an eyesore and painted over the graffiti but this did not stop people from doing it all over again, and I am glad they did, because not only is it a big tourist pull now but you can also feel the sense of love and freedom and desires etched, written and deposited on the wall.
John Lennon Wall, Prague, Czech RepublicMe at the John Lennon Wall, Prague, Czech Republic
The wall is only a few yards away from the John Lennon Pub where I had an amazing Mushroom Risotto. The Pub is dedicated to the Beatles and is decorated like a British Pub. The bathrooms I found to be confusing because the doors look like the old phone booths. The Czech clearly love The Beatles, however the Beatles never did visit the Czech Republic but their influence did.
John Lennon Pub, Prague, Czech RepublicInside the John Lennon Wall, Prague, Czech RepublicJohn Lennon Pub, Prague, Czech Republic
Prague at Night
The City at night is truly spectacular, the views of Wenceslas Castle from Charles Bridge as the light glistens on the River Vltava makes a beautiful scene. There is also the Old Town Hall, the Church of our Lady and Prague Opera House.
The Charles Bridge at night, Prague, Czech RepublicSt Nicola’s Church, Prague at Night, Czech RepublicPrague Opera House at Night, Czech RepublicLight at Prague Opera House at Night, Czech RepublicPrague at Night, Czech RepublicPrague at Night, Czech RepublicChurch of Our Lady before Týn, Prague at Night, Czech RepublicChurch of Our Lady before Týn, Prague at Night, Czech RepublicOld Town Square, Prague at Night, Czech RepublicOld Town Square, Prague at Night, Czech RepublicI Love Prague, Czech Republic
My Review of the City
I am in love with Prague, it is an amazing city with a great history and culture, it is very affordable to eat, drink and do various activities. I had a great time in the city and I would like to return to explore some more. Prague is an all round great destination for anyone who wants to experience a central European city with a folky and mythical vibe.
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Belfast was the second leg of my trip to Ireland. I was really excited to go to Belfast as it is a city with a complicated history and I wanted to learn more about ‘The Troubles’ and how the city overcame them to be a city on the rise. Belfast is the capital city of Northern Ireland which is part of the United Kingdom, the currency used is the GBP (£).
Cost of my trip
I caught a coach from Dublin to Belfast and it took approximately 2hrs 30mins at a cost of €17. Accommodation cost £45 for 3 nights and my return flight back to London cost £35.
Where I stayed
Global Village Hostel
The hostel was located in the university district of Belfast. The hostel is not centrally located but it is very easy to get to the centre with a local bus or it is a 20-30mins walk dependent on your speed. The hostel was very cool, clean and the staff really made you feel welcome. There is a real community spirit encouraged by the staff at the hostel and for £15 a night it was great value for money.
Global Village Hostel, Belfast, Northern Ireland (This is not my photograph)Inside Global Village, Belfast, Northern Ireland (This is not my photograph)
What I did
Ulster Museum
To learn about Belfast and Northern Ireland’s history the museum is a great place to start. The exhibition on ‘The Troubles’ is laid out in chronological order and it offers a great sense of what happened. Aside from the exhibition on ‘The Troubles’ there are other exhibition and collection on display and they are the most eclectic collection and display I have ever seen. Nevertheless it is still a great museum and there is no entrance fee.
Belfast Botanical Gardens
The Botanical Gardens is also home to Ulster Museum so you can visit both attractions on the same day. The beautiful domed conservatory is not very large but it is very interesting and a worthwhile visit, there is no entrance fee to the conservatory.
Christmas Market
A Christmas market was held on the grounds of the grand Belfast City Hall, an iconic building in its own right brought to life by the dazzling lights and various booths and stalls selling everything to make the festive period extra special.
Giant’s Causeway Tour
The Giant’s Causeway is an all day trip for £25, the trip includes a trip to Carrickfergus Castle, a walk along the legendary Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge and culminates at the UNESCO Giant’s Causeway. The drive to the various attractions goes along the gorgeous Antrim coast, offering beautiful and unspoilt views.
Carrickfergus Castle
The stop at the castle was very brief and we weren’t able to go inside but the views were worthwhile.
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
Walking on the bridge is not guaranteed as on days with high winds the bridge is closed, so I was very lucky the bridge was opened. There is a short and easy 1 kilometre hike from the car park to the place where you access the bridge, there is a small fee of £5 to cross the bridge. The views were really amazing and crossing the bridge was one of the best experiences of my life it was scary but exhilarating.
Carrick-a-Rede, Northern IrelandCarrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Northern IrelandMe at Carrick-a-Rede, Northern IrelandView from Carrick-a-Rede, Northern IrelandView from Carrick-a-Rede, Northern IrelandWalking on Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Northern Ireland
Giant’s Causeway
An amazing wonder of nature, it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986, and a national nature reserve in 1987 by the Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland. In a 2005 poll of Radio Times readers, the Giant’s Causeway was named as the fourth greatest natural wonder in the United Kingdom. It was a truly unique sight and well worth the visit, I would like to visit again during summer time.
The Giant’s Causeway, Northern IrelandThe Giant’s Causeway, Northern IrelandThe Giant’s Causeway, Northern IrelandThe Giant’s Causeway, Northern IrelandThe Giant’s Causeway, Northern IrelandMe at The Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland
Other sights and things of Belfast
View from Victoria Shopping Centre Viewing Platform, Belfast, Northern IrelandQueen’s University Hospital, Belfast, Northern IrelandQueen’s University at night, Belfast, Northern IrelandBelfast Dock, Northern IrelandQueen’s Bridge, Belfast, Northern IrelandPart of Belfaast Town Hall, Northern IrelandThe Crown, Belfast, Northern IrelandBeacon of Hope, Belfast, Northern IrelandElmwood Presbyterian Church, Belfast, Northern IrelandThe Albert Clock Tower, Belfast, Northern Ireland
My Review of the City
Belfast is a city that is relatively new as a tourist destination but it is well worth a visit, I recommend going there before it becomes too commercial and things become very expensive. Going out eating, drinking and all the activities I did were very reasonably priced, I am sure this will change once the tourism industry becomes well and truly established. I had a good time in the Belfast even though there isn’t much to do in the city but when coupled with a trip to Dublin like I did, you will be bound to have a fun filled trip.
If you’ve enjoyed my review or if you want any advice for your trip leave a comment and I will be sure to do my best to help you.
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I decided I need to see more of the countries and cities neighbouring where I live (London) so I decided to take a trip to Dublin in Ireland. The Currency used in Ireland is the Euro, £1 (GBP) is equivalent to €1.30 (Euros).
Cost of my trip
My flight from London Stanstead to Dublin cost €13 (£10) and my accommodation at Abigail’s hostel costs €104.80 (£81.54) for 4 nights.
The weather
It was December so it was cold, I needed my large coat, scarf, hat and gloves. The Emerald isles surely get cold during winter.
Where I stayed Abigail’s Hostel
The hostel was centrally located on Aston Quay with views of the River Liffy. It was decent, the hostel room had an en-suite and the breakfast (included) was typical of continental Europe. The hotel was value for money and I recommend it for ease of access to the main attractions.
Abigail’s Hostel, Dublin, Ireland (This photo is not mine)Inside Abigail’s Hostel, Dublin, Ireland (This photo is not mine)
What I did
Dublin Free Walking Tour
I went on a Sandemans free walking tour, I find this is the best way to learn about a new city, the tour guides are usually history students and they have great knowledge of the city and culture. The guide on this tour was no exception, he was great fun.
Sandemans Free Walking Tour, Dublin, Ireland
Dublin Castle
The Castle is rather unusual in that it doesn’t look much like a Castle in the main courtyard, however the old prison attached to the rear of the castle is a lot more interesting and typical of medieval architecture.
The Courtyard of Dublin Castle, IrelandThe Courtyard of Dublin Castle, IrelandThe Rear of Dublin Castle, IrelandThe Rear of Dublin, Castle
Trinity College
The university grounds are beautiful and steeped in history and culture, I would have loved being a student here. Trinity college is also the home to the exhibition of The Book of Kells and The Long Room library .
The Book of Kells
The Book of Kells is beautifully decorated and written in Latin, it contains the four Gospels of the New Testament together with various introductory texts and tables. It truly is a masterpiece of Western calligraphy, the book is widely regarded as Ireland’s finest national treasure. There is an entrance fee of €10 to the exhibition, photographs are not allowed therefore I have no pictures of my own to share with you, I highly recommend a visit to the exhibition.
Book of Kells, Ireland, Dublin
The Long room
The entrance to the Long room is at the end of the Book of Kells exhibition, it is a fantastic library where the books are arranged by height, it is said finding a book can take a good while. Being surrounded by all that knowledge made me feel smart, the knowledge seemed to seep out and permeate the air.
The Long Room Library, Trinity College, Dublin, IrelandThe Long Room Library, Trinity College, Dublin, IrelandThe Long Room Library, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
The City Hall
The City Hall is a fine example of 18th-century architecture, the exterior is beautiful but the inside is even more impressive, as you walk through the doors you are met with a beautifully painted gold dome. There wasn’t anything to do in building except appreciate the architecture and empty space.
The City Hall, Dublin, IrelandThe Dome of The City Hall, Dublin, IrelandInside The City Hall, Dublin, Ireland
Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMoMA)
The IMoMA is located in a fantastic building on beautiful grounds. It was free to get into the main exhibition.
The IMoMA, Dublin, IrelandIMoMA, Dublin, IrelandThe Rear of IMoMA, Dublin, IrelandGary Hume, Back of Snowman, IMoMa, Dublin, IrelandIsaac Julien, Love Hate, IMoMA, Dublin, Ireland
The Formal Gardens
The gardens are located next to the IMoMA, it is immaculately kept and you can tell a lot of love and care goes into looking after the gardens. It was a dry and sunny day so I sat under the winter sun for while just enjoying the gardens.
Dublin at Night
Seeing a city at night you get a totally different vibe than you would get during the day, Dublin’s vibe was much sexy and somewhat romantic especially around the River Liffy.
Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin, IrelandDublin at Night, IrelandStephen’s Green Shopping Centre, Dublin, IrelandThe Ha’Penny Bridge, Dublin, IrelandThe Padlocks of Ha’Penny Bridge, Dublin, IrelandThe River Liffy, Dublin, IrelandLight on O’Connell Bridge, Dublin, IrelandSt Andrew’s Dublin, Ireland
Other sights and things of Dublin
Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin, IrelandKilmainham Gaol, Dublin, IrelandThe Guinness Factory, Dublin, IrelandStreet Art of Dublin, IrelandMonument, Dublin, Ireland
My Review of the City
Dublin is a crazy, sexy and cool city. I will describe it as a smaller compact London which is actually more expensive but with nicer people. I definitely would love to return to Dublin as part of a bigger trip through Southern Ireland. All in all Dublin is a great city.
If you’ve enjoyed my review, or if you want any advice for your trip leave a comment and I will be sure to do my best to help you and if you follow my blog you will be notified as I upload more posts.
Sancti Spiritus
The plan was to visit Sancti Spiritus and stay there for one day, we had been told that it is a small city but it is beautiful and worth a day trip. We booked Casa Las Americas and they were informed we would be arriving at 4am. The Viazul from Santiago de Cuba to Sancti Spiritus took 8 hours and cost CUC 28. As expected we arrived at Sancti Spiritus at 4am, the Casa was only a 10 minutes walk from the Viazul bus terminal but it was a little disconcerting walking around that early in the morning with the only other people on the road being transsexual prostitutes.
However when we arrived at the Casa they did not respond to our knocks on the door, we stood for 10mins before we decided to head back to the bus terminal, I guess the worker at the Casa drank too much rum that night.
We decided to make our way to Trinidad and fortunately for us the next bus to Trinidad was arriving at 6am, we had only a 2 hour wait. Trinidad to Sancti Spiritus was only 1 hour 30 mins away and cost CUC 6. We arrived in Trinidad 8 am in the morning, 12 hours earlier than we had intended to, all in all the only part of Sancti Spiritus we saw was the Bus terminal and the local sex workers.
Trinidad
Trinidad is the best preserved city in Cuba, a small city with a heavy Spanish Colonial influence and is truly beautiful, no wonder it is declared a UNESCO world heritage site. It is the most visited city in Central Cuba but luckily for us whilst we were there it was rather quiet. There was so much colour and vibrancy everywhere you looked.
The weather
The weather was between Havana’s and Santiago the Cuba and was manageable at between 27-29 degrees.
Where I stayed Hostal Sandra y Victor
Even though we had arrived 12 hours ahead of schedule we went to the Casa Sandra y Victor and they happily welcomed us in as we told them of our failed mission to Sancti Spiritus much to Victor’s Amusement. Knowing we were tired and hungry Victor prepared some breakfast on the porch for us, the breakfast as usual in Cuba was great and the views of the giant Avocado trees made the meal even more delicious.
The Casa was amazing, the family was great, it was clean, centrally located and best of all were weren’t under the feet of the family as we had our own space. We paid CUC 60 for 2 night, I really recommend this Casa.
Address: Maceo no.613a e/ Pablo Pichs Giron Guinart Tel: 41 99 6444. web: www.hostalsandra.com
Hostal Sandra y Victor, Trinidad, Cuba (The picture is not mine)The porch of Hostal Sandra y Victor, Trinidad, CubaPorch of Hostal Sandra y Victor, Trinidad, CubaView from Balcony of Sandra y Victor, Trinidad, Cuba
What I did
Valle de los Ingenios
We took a half day trip to the Valle de los Ingenios a sprawling open valley that makes you forget that there are developed cities such as Havana on the Cuban Island. The trip was inexpensive at CUC 10 and included a stop at the Manca-Inznaga Estate and Hacienda Guachinango. One of the best part of the trip is the little wooden tourist train that takes you through the valley, the train is also named Valle de los Ingenios. Snacks, drinks and cigars are available on the train, the trip is great value for money and I highly really recommend it.
Valle de los Ingenios Train, Trinidad, CubaView from the Valle de los Ingenios train, Trinidad, CubaLocals of the Valle de los Ingenios, Trinidad, CubaView of the Valle de los Ingenios, Trinidad, CubaMe on the Valle de los Ingenios Train, Trinidad, Cuba
Manca-Inznaga Estate
The first thing you notice as you get the train station at the Manca-Inznaga estate is a 45 meter tower, it was built by the most successful sugar planters in Cuba.
Approaching The Manca-Inznaga Estate, Trinidad, CubaThe main house of the Manca-Inznaga Estate, Trinidad, CubaManca-Inznaga Estate Marketers, Trinidad, Cuba
The Manca-Inznaga Estate Tower
It is said that the tower was built to impressive a woman, lucky her. The tower is very old and so I climbed the wooden step precariously but it wasn’t a long way up to the top. The views are amazing the luscious greenery with dots of colourful buildings and white linen being sold by marketers made a beautiful picture. There is a fee of CUC 2 to climb the tower.
Manca-Inznaga Estate Tower, Trinidad, CubaOn the Manca-Inznaga Estate Tower, Trinidad, CubaLooking out from the Manca-Inznaga Estate Tower, Trinidad, CubaView from the Manca-Inznaga Estate Tower, Trinidad, CubaView from the Manca-Inznaga Estate Tower, Trinidad, Cuba
Hacienda Guachinango
We stopped at the Hacienda Guachinango for lunch, there was also the chance to go horse riding for CUC 25. The Hacienda was very tranquil, a great place to come to get away from the hustle and bustle of a busy life.
Hacienda Guachinango, Trinidad, CubaHorse Riding at Hacienda Guachinango, Trinidad, CubaHacienda Guachinango, Trinidad, CubaThe Rail Bridge of Hacienda Guachinango, Trinidad, Cuba
Iglesia del la Santisima Trinidad The church is not imposing but there is something about it that made we want to look inside. The inside similarly to the exterior is very simple and I liked that about it, the church was simply beautiful.
Iglesia de la Santisima Trinidad, CubaInside Iglesia del la Santisima Trinidad, CubaInside Iglesia del la Santisima Trinidad, Cuba
Ermita de la Popa
The church is formally known as ‘Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria de la Popa del Barco,’ a mouthful right? Hence why the locals call it La Popa, it is a dilapidated church on the outskirts of the city and lays 15 minutes at the end of a dirt track from Plaza Mayor. There is not much to see of the church but a frame, but do not let that discouraged you the views of the city and the lush landscape of Valle de los Ingenious on the other side of the hill are worth it.
Ermita de la Popa, Trinidad, CubaErmita de la Popa, Trinidad, CubaView from Ermita de la Popa, Trinidad, CubaView from Ermita de la Popa, Trinidad, CubaView from Ermita de la Popa, Trinidad, Cuba
Playa Ancon
The beach is some 20 mins away from the city centre, there are several ways to get to it; hire a car for the day, by taxi or the most economical way is the Trinibus which runs a service to and fro for only CUC 2 for a return journey. Just make sure to check the departure times.
It was the best beach I have ever been to, the sea was blue and warm, the sand white and the weather was perfect. There was a man selling fresh coconut for CUC 3, I ordered one and he took 30 mins to bring it but it tasted off, be careful who you buy things from on the beach.
Playa Ancon, Trinidad, CubaPlaya Ancon, Trinidad, CubaPlaya Ancon, Trinidad, CubaMe at Playa Ancon, Trinidad, Cuba
Walking around
We walked around and explored the city, aimlessly wandering was a great way to discover the city’s unique and quirky character. Trinidad is certainly the most colourful city we went to in Cuba.
The Beautiful Streets of Trinidad, CubaParque Cespesdes, Trinidad, CubaTrinidad, CubaLocals of Trinidad, CubaPlaya Mayor, Trinidad, CubaMuseo de la Lucha Contra Bandios, Trinidad, CubaClassic Car, Trinidad, CubaGrocer’s Shop, Trinidad, Cuba
Food and Drink Breakfast
We paid an additional CUC 5 each morning to have breakfast at the Casa and it was worth it, again I say Cuban breakfast is the best.
Breakfast at Hostal Sandra y Victor, Trinidad, Cuba
Taberna La Bojita
This was a very cool restaurant, popular with locals and tourists alike, we ate there both nights we were in the city and we saw the same faces both nights. I liked the rustic decor but I was little thrown by the slave shackles and restraint on the walls, a reminder of human cruelty. Nevertheless it was a brilliant restaurant and the good food was served in large potions on rustic crockery. The entertainment where a brilliant duo from Bayamo, their sound was a Jazzy, Afro and Spanish mixture, we stayed at least 1 hour after we finished our meals to listen to them. A two course meal and a drink cost CUC 12.
Taberna La Bojita, Trinidad, CubaMeal at Taberna La Bojita, Trinidad, CubaCristal Beer, Taberna La Bojita, Trinidad, Cuba
Fando Brothers
We popped in there by chance looking for a place to cool off from the hot afternoon sun, we ordered iced daiquiris which was perfect for cooling down and we sat for a while people watching. The drinks cost CUC 4 each.
Iced Daiquiris at Fando Brother, Trinidad, Cuba
Review of Trinidad
This city was prefect, a great mixture between Havana and Santiago de Cuba. Even though the city is small it packs a punch and offers a lot to do, I would certainly come back to Trinidad if I ever return to Cuba.
So what next
The next stop is Vinales at the top of the island.
Do you want to find out what we did in Vinales and how it compared to Trinidad, Santiago de Cuba and Havana? Then follow my blog to find out more and you will be notified as I upload more posts.
Budapest is the capital city of Hungary and certainly one of the most beautiful cities I have been to, it was also a great introduction to Eastern Europe. The name comes from the the two main parts of the city divided by the River Danube Buda and Pest.
I visited from the 30th March – 1st April 2016. I spent a day and a half in the city and I wish I had stayed much longer, I would recommend visiting for 3-4 days to truly get a feel of the city.
The currency is the Hungarian forint (HUF), and £1 (GBP) is approx HUF 400.
Where I stayed
Wombats Hostel
The hostel is very central and one of the best I have stayed in, the room was spacious with a bathroom which is a big plus for a hostel in my book. The breakfast was also good, it was typical European breakfast buffet but also included an option for toasted sandwiches.
Wombats Hostel, Budapest, Hungary
What I did
As I was only in the city for one day I bought a hop on hop off city bus ticket for HUF 5000 (£13) this also included a cruise along the River Danube. It was a very good choice as I got to see a lot of the city and learn some of its history along the way.
Fisherman’s Bastion
This sit atop a hill and offers stunning views of the city, as you approach the area you are immediately met with a sight of white stone and Mattias church which wouldn’t be out-of-place in a Disney film, the beautiful white stones are crowned with beautiful ornate tiles of various colours.
Fisherman’s Bastion, Budapest, HungaryMatthias Church Fisherman’s Bastion, Budapest, HungaryFisherman’s Bastion, Budapest, HungaryView from Fisherman’s Bastion, Budapest, Hungary
House of Terror
While I did not visit the museum, I loved the building and how the word ‘TERROR’ was carved and illuminated on the building. The museum is worth a visit to learn more about the atrocities carried out during the Nazi occupation of the country.
House of Terror, Budapest, Hungary
Heroes Square
A large square with monuments commemorating the Hungarian founding fathers and the fallen soldiers of war who died unknown.
Heroes Square, Budapest, HungaryStatues on Heros Square, Budapest, HungaryMe at Heros Square, Budapest, Hungary
Museum of Fine Art
An impressive gold decorated building. Whilst most people were drawn to the monument and seven figures on Heroes Square the Museum of Fine Arts building was my first call, it drew me in like a moth to a flame.
Museum of Fine Art, Budapest, HungaryMuseum of Fine Art, Budapest, HungaryMuseum of Fine Art, Budapest, Hungary
City Park and Castle Vajdahunyad
The City Park is next to Heroes Square and is also where the Castle Vajdahunyad is located. The castle is an eclectic mix of architectural styles: Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque. It was initially made from cardboard and wood, but it became so popular that it was rebuilt from stone and brick between 1904 and 1908. Today, it houses the Museum of Hungarian Agriculture, the biggest agricultural museum in Europe.
Castle Vajdahunyad in the City Park, Budapest, HungaryThe entrance to Castle Vajdahunyad, Budapest, HungaryPart of Castle Vajdahunyad, Budapest, HungaryPart of Castle Vajdahunyad, Budapest, HungaryPart of Castle Vajdahunyad, Budapest, HungaryStatue of Anonymous, Budapest, Hungary
River Danube Cruise
With the temperature in the 20s and blue skies the day was perfect for a cruise along the river, it took about 1hr 30mins to complete the circuit, and it offered the best views of the impressive parliament building.
The Parliment Building, Budapest, HungaryThe Parliment Building, Budapest, HungaryView from the River Danube, Budapest, HungaryView from the River Danube, Budapest, HungaryCalvinist Church from the River Danube, Budapest, Hungary
St Stephen’s Basilica
An impressive cathedral sitting in pride and place on St Stephens Square. The architecture is simply stunning. I really wish I had the time to go inside, I will make sure to go in on my next visit.
St Stephen’s Basilica, Budapest, HungarySt Stephen’s Bascilica, Budapest, HungarySt Stephen’s Basilica, Budapest, Hungary
Other Sights of Budapest
The Chain Bridge, Budapest, HungarySzechenyi Baths, Budapest, HungarySzechenyi Baths, Budapest, HungaryCalvinist Church, Budapest, HungaryInner City Church, Budapest, HungaryFunicular Railway, Budapest, Hungary
The food I ate
Goulash
The national Hungarian dish is the Goulash, a meaty and heart stew. As I am a pescatarian, I opted of a mushroom Goulash which was delicious. My meal cost HUF 3500 (£9) inclusive of a glass of wine.
Goulash, Budapest, Hungary
Kürtőskalács
Kürtőskalács (“doughnut”) is doughnut batter wrapped around a hot rod to get the spiral effect. I paid HUF 990 (£2.50) for my cinnamon Kürtőskalács and it was worth it.
Kürtőskalács Shop, Budapest, HungaryKürtőskalács, Budapest, Hungary
Hungarian Perec (Pretzel)
The Perec is rather large and looks very appetising, however it was far too salty for me. I could only eat a couple of mouth full before I had to throw it away, a shame because I was expecting a buttery sweet/salty taste rather than just salt thankfully I only paid HUF 400 (£1).
Perec (Pretzel), Budapest, Hungary
My Ratings of the City
My ratings are out of ten and are my own personal views therefore feel free to disagree.
Culture = 8/10
I have given the city an 8 even though I spent a short amount of time there, there was loads to do and even much more I didn’t do that I am planning my next trip back to the city. The City has bath houses, museums, theatre production and so much more.
People/Friendliness = 6/10
Well, I didn’t really feel any warmth from the locals I met, I met indifference. I was concerned about going to Eastern Europe as generally the region is not as exposed to other cultures as the rest of Europe but as a lone black woman I felt safe in Budapest.
Attractiveness = 8.5/10
This City is beautiful, I was really impressed with the beautiful architecture and history. I am certain this city has inspired many folk tales.
Food = 8/10
The Hungarians love paprika and it can be found in virtually everything, I like paprika so I was happy. Normally the vegetarian option of many national dishes tend to leave much to be desired but the mushroom Goulash I ate was very delicious.
Affordability = 9/10
If you want a cheap holiday this is the city to be, a good meal at a restaurant will cost approx £10. I spent £50 for the two days I was there and that included doing all the touristy things.
Vibe = 8/10
Budapest has an amazing vibe, history, and a new unexplored kind of vibe. Paris and London need to watch their backs, because Budapest is coming for the best tourist destination crown.
Overall = 8.5/10
I loved this city and I will certainly be returning to it, the vibe, affordability and food are definitely things for which I will return.
If you’ve enjoyed my review or not leave a comment.
Or if you want any advice for your trip leave a comment and I will be sure to do my best to help you.
I went to Scotland mainly to visit Edinburgh and experience the Fringe Festival. But as Glasgow was only 1 hour away by train and approx £12 for a return ticket i decided to visit the city on my first day in Scotland for some sight seeing.
What I did
Glasgow Cathedral
It is free to go into the Cathedral and it is well worth the visit. A small Cathedral but it has a special feel and magic to it.
St George’s Square and Glasgow City Chambers
St George’s square is a great place to sit, think and people watch and the Glasgow City Chambers make a great backdrop for the beautiful square.
George Square and Glasgow city Chambers, ScotlandGlasgow City Chambers, Scotland
Glasgow Botanic Garden and Doulton Fountain
Glasgow Botanic Garden and Doulton Fountain are both in the same area of the city. Entrance to the amazing gardens is free and the Dolton Fountain in the target terracotta fountain in the world, both are indeed worth a visit.
Glasgow Gallery of Modern Art and Other sights of Glasgow As I walked the city I came across many beautiful buildings and sights.
Glasgow Gallery of Modern Art, ScotlandCylesdale Bank Headquaters in Glasgow, ScotlandGlasgow, ScotlandArgyll Arcade, Glasgow, ScotlandGlasgow, Scotland
Review of Glasgow
Glasgow has a rather unpleasant reputation however I found the city to be charming and full of surprises. I may not take a trip to Glasgow in the future but if I am in close proximity to the city, I will definitely visit the again.
Shortly I will upload a blog of my trip to Edinburgh and my experience of the Fringe Festival, please follow my blog to find out more and you will be notified as I upload more posts.
Santiago de Cuba is only 16 hours away from Havana via Viazul (the Cuban intercity coach service) however it felt like a world away from Havana. The cost of the Viazul from Havana to Santiago de Cuba was CUC51. You will need ID to book your ticket so make sure you take it with you, also the route from Havana to Santiago is very popular so it is advisable to book 24hours in advance.
Havana is where my trip began in Cuba and you can read about it in my previous via this link. We stayed 3 days and 2 nights in Santiago de Cuba.
The city was devastated by Hurricane Sandy and it was still recovering from the aftermath, with many buildings destroyed and in disrepair. This is one of the reasons I believe the Cubans we met in Santiago De Cuba were a little more aggressive in selling you their wares or services. The worst offenders were the taxi drivers who were very persistent adopting a hard sell and stalk sales pitch.
Apart from those selling service or wares there are also young people who go around trying to befriend foreigners in the hopes of a tip or a hookup. We unfortunately encountered one such young man within 10mins of leaving our Casa particular on the first day in the city and it took 2 hours to get rid of him.
The Weather
The temperature in Havana was a manageable 27 degrees for a British person like me, Santiago de Cuba on the other hand was HOT, the first day was a sweltering 37 degrees at the highest point
Where I stayed
Hostal Atardecer
This wasn’t great but it wasn’t bad either, the lady in charge of the Casa (Yulia), was very lovely and made us feel very warm and comfortable. The breakfast was good and Yulia did her best to give us tips on things to do in the city. We paid CUC74 for 2 people for 2 nights and this included 3 lots of breakfast.
Hostal Atardecer, Santiago de Cuba, CubaHostal Atardecer, Santiago de Cuba, CubaHostal Atardecer, Santiago de Cuba, Cuba
What I did
Balcón de Velázquez
This is a balcony overlooking the city facing seawards. It is great place to hide from the hot afternoon sun. It is literally just a balcony with a small shop selling souvenirs, therefore I suggest taking a packed lunch and some snacks along with you in case you want to spend some time there. Entrance is free but if you want to take pictures it is CUC1.
Balcon de Velazquez, Santiago de Cuba, CubaBalcon de Velazquez, Santiago de Cuba, CubaView from Balcon de Velazquez, Santiago de Cuba, CubaBalcon de Velazquez, Santiago de Cuba, CubaView from Balcon de Velazquez, Santiago de Cuba, Cuba
Casa de Diego Velazquez
The museum is the oldest building in Cuba and it is very well-kept. This museum is home to some of the best antiques I have seen anywhere. The French, Italian, Dutch and mostly Spanish influence are clear and evident. The only annoyances were the museum attendants that persisted in taking you around the museum so that you would tip them. However do not let that put you off the museum is too beautiful to pass by, I cant recall the exact entrance fee but I know it is less that CUC5.
Casa de Diego Velazquez, Santiago de Cuba, CubaInside Casa de Diego Velazquez, Santiago de Cuba, CubaInside Casa de Diego Velazquez, Santiago de Cuba, CubaCourtyard of Casa de Diego Velazquez, Santiago de Cuba, Cuba
Basilica del Cobre and Castillo del Morro
We organised a short excursion with Cuba Tour to Basilica del Cobre and Castillo del Morro, the tour costs CUC18 per person and included the hire of a classic car to the attractions and back to the city centre.
On the way to Basilica del Cobre and Castillo del Morro, Santiago de Cuba, CubaMe in the classic car on the way to Basilica del Cobre, Santiago de Cuba, Cuba
The first stop was to Basilica del Cobre a beautiful red dome Cathedral some 18 km north from the centre of Santiago de Cuba. The drive to Cathedral was so lovely that the hot afternoon sun became a distant memory as the wind lapped against our faces as we drove along. The cathedral is truly magnificent, it sits atop a hill overlooking the town below like a guardian. We were very lucky that at the time we went it was quiet and peaceful, which allowed us to really take in the views and feel reverence for the place. The drive to and the Cathedral itself was well worth the price of the excursion.
Basilica del Cobre, Santiago de Cuba, CubaView from Basilica del Cobre, Santiago de Cuba, CubaInside Basilica del Cobre, Santiago de Cuba, Cuba
After the cathedral we drove to Castillo del Morro, a fort some 8 km south of the centre of Santiago de Cuba. Leading up to the fort were stall selling souvenirs, trinkets and such like there is also a restaurant and a bar. It was very calming being in the fort looking over the water and feeling the cool sea breeze. Like with many historical buildings in Cuba the fort is very well-kept. Entrance fee to the fort cost CUC4.
Castillo del Morro, Santiago de Cuba, CubaCastillo del Morro, Santiago de Cuba, CubaView from Castillo del Morro, Santiago de Cuba, CubaView from Castillo del Morro, Santiago de Cuba, Cuba
Museo del Carnaval
It was interesting to go to this museum to see the history of the carnival in Santiago de Cuba and to see costumes used in past parades. The city holds an annual carnival festival every July. It was free to go inside the museum but to take pictures was CUC3 and an attendant followed you around to make sure you didn’t take any pictures, don’t mind this as the museum is still worth a visit.
Museo El Carnaval, Santiago de Cuba, CubaMuseo El Carnaval, Santiago de Cuba, Cuba
Jardin de los Helechos
It was worthwhile going to the mini rain forest on the outskirts of the city. The garden started out as a hobby by the owner Manuel G.Caluff in 1976 and has grown through love and care into one of Santiago’s most famous attractions. Entrance to the garden is only CUC3.
Jardin de los Helechos, Santiago de Cuba, CubaJardin de los Helechos, Santiago de Cuba, CubaJardin de los Helechos, Santiago de Cuba, CubaJardin de los Helechos, Santiago de Cuba, CubaFrog in Jardin de los Helechos, Santiago de Cuba, CubaMe in Jardin de los Helechos, Santiago de Cuba, Cuba
Truck taxi
To get to the Jardin de los Helados we decided to travel like the locals. Unfortunately we couldn’t figure out which local bus to take, although it was very likely that we wouldn’t have been let on board anyway. However we did manage to get on truck taxis to take us there and back. We later found out that foreigner are normally also not allowed on the truck taxis. Lucky for us though we had two separate guys who didn’t mind foreigners. We did pay over the odds for our fare but for us it was still way cheaper than taking a tourist taxi. We paid CUC5 (CUC2.5 each) there and CUC2 (CUC1 each) back, the first guy certainly ripped us off.
Me in the Truck Taxi, Santiago de Cuba, CubaTruck Taxi, Santiago de Cuba, Cuba
Paseo La palcita Show at Parque Céspedes
Parque Cespedes is the main square at the centre of the city and we happened to come across some people setting up for the closing ceremony of Paseo La Placita. The festival is held every year as a closing ceremony for summer. The show was amazing with salsa dancers, Afro-Cubano song and dance and other forms of entertainment.
Paseo la Placita performers, Santiago de Cuba, CubaPaseo la Placita performers, Santiago de Cuba, CubaPaseo la Placita Afro- Cubano performance, Santiago de Cuba, CubaPaseo la Placita Salsa Dancers, Santiago de Cuba, CubaPaseo la Placita young performers, Santiago de Cuba, CubaPaseo la Placita musicians, Santiago de Cuba, Cuba
Walking around
We walked around and explored the city, aimlessly wandering was a great way to discover the city’s unique and quirky character.
Classic car on the street of Santiago de Cuba, CubaScalinata di Padre Pico, Santiago de Cuba, CubaMural of Virgen de Regla at Malecon, Santiago de Cuba, CubaBoat at Malecon, Santiago de Cuba, Cuba
Food and Drink
Breakfast
We paid an additional CUC5 each morning to have breakfast at the Casa and it was worth it. Cuban breakfast is the best.
Casa Micaela
Casa Micaela was one of the best restaurants we ate at, in Cuba, I say this because it served wholesome food for a very reasonable price and not surprising it has a good rating on Tripadvisor and it is recommended in most travel books. We ate there every night we stayed in Santiago de Cuba. A meal with a drink was about CUC8.
Casa Micaela, Santiago de Cuba, CubaMeal at Casa Micaela, Santiago de Cuba, Cuba
El Baturro
El Baturro is a cool bar and I had the best Mojito I tried a Mojito in Cuba. The atmosphere was chilled and nice.
El Baturro, Santiago de Cuba, CubaEl Baturro, Santiago de Cuba, Cuba
Hotel Casa Granda
We avoided this Hotel’s bar because it looked too plush and also we felt we would be surrounded by tourists only. However we went there and it was very nice, we sat on the balcony overlooking Parque Cespedes, a great place for people watching and the drinks were not much more expensive than the local bars.
Hotel Casa Granda, Santiago de Cuba, CubaView of Catedral de Nuestra Senora de la Asuncio from Hotel Casa Granda, Santiago de Cuba, CubaView of Parque Cespedes from Hotel Casa Granda, Santiago de Cuba, Cuba
Review of Santiago de Cuba
Santiago de Cuba although not as beautiful or bustling as Havana has its own charm, I am sure it was even better before Hurricane Sandy came along. Nevertheless it is still worth the visit with many things to do mostly around the city, I would recommend hiring a car so that you can get around easily. If I ever go back to Cuba I will return to this city.
So what next
Next stop is Sancti Spiritus in the middle of the island.
Do you want to find out what we did in Sancti Spiritus and how it compared to Santiago de Cuba and Havana? Then follow my blog to find out more and you will be notified as I upload more posts.
I went to Cuba for two weeks and went to four places on the island; Havana, Santiago de Cuba, Trinidad and Vinales. I also attempted to go to Sancti Spiritus however that is a story I will tell in the following series of posts. I will do four further posts on Cuba over the next four weeks one for each place that I went to.
Cost of trip
My return flight from London to Havana via Madrid cost £585 and it took 15 hours in total, there are direct flights from London to Havana that cost around £900 and take 10 hours.
I paid £114 for all my accommodation over the two weeks, however I will specify further in the following posts.
Currency
There are two currencies in Cuba one is Cuban Peso (CUP) for locals, the other is the Convertible Peso (CUC) for tourists. there are 24 CUP’s to 1 CUC. Tourists can use the CUP, but it is mostly used by Cubans to pay for their rations, their electricity and water, to buy food in the markets and from stallholders in the streets and to eat or drink in ‘peso’ bars and restaurants. Basically, as a tourist, you do not have to worry at all about the Cuban peso.
The Convertible Peso is a closed currency, which means it cannot be purchased outside of Cuba. You can change your money at the Cadeca (Money Exchange Bureau) at the Airport on landing in Cuba or at your hotel.
If you reside in the UK you should take Sterling; clean, untorn bills with no writing on them, in £10, £20 or £50 denominations. Please note that Scottish notes are not acceptable. Canadians should take Canadian dollars and if you are from a European destination that uses the Euro, then take Euros. The exchange rate varies on a daily basis, however it is approx 1.5 CUC’s to £1.
Havana
I went on this trip with my current housemate but Cuba is very safe for lone travellers, however it was nice having someone else there to share the experience with. Our trip started in Havana in which we stayed 2 nights before moving on to Santiago de Cuba.
The Weather
We went to Cuba from the 6th to 18th October 2015 which is during the hurricane season however the weather in Havana on the first two days was blue sky and sunshine with the weather being 27 degrees both days.
Where I stayed
We had decided from the beginning of our trip to only stay in Casa particulars as we felt we would have a more authentic trip, also Casa Particulars are a fraction of the price of staying in hotels. Casa particulars are similar to bed and breakfasts in their operation, the only difference is that most times the Casa Particular also serves as the familiar home, so you get to mingle, chat and live with Cubans.
When booking a Casa particular it is advisable to book one recommended in the travel books or otherwise lookout for the sign below which is the state approval for an abode to operate as a legal Casa Particular.
Casa Particular sign in Cuba. Arrendador Divisa
Havana Vedado- Ada Colonial
Our first stay was in Ada Colonial which was an impressive Casa particular we managed to book online from the UK via Travel Republic. The exterior is not a reflection of the well-kept and nicely decorated interior. The owner was lovely and greeted me with a big hug and a kiss, a pleasant surprise for a stiff British girl like me.
The room was humongous and it had an en-suite with a large jacuzzi bath that four people could have comfortably fit in. The shower was the best of all the Casas we stayed in, there was hot water and the water pressure was good.
Ada colonial was the most expensive Casa we stayed in, at CUC105 for two nights for two people but it was worth it to start of the trip in a great place.
Ada Colonial, Havana, CubaThe room we stayed in at Ada Colonial, Havana, CubaThe ensuite bathroom of our room at Ada Colonial, Havana, CubaLiving room of Ada Colonial, Havana, CubaDinning room of Ada Colonial, Havana, Cuba
What I did
Havana Plaza Vieja
The square was quiet, peaceful and very beautiful, it is also a great place to visit as there are many bars and restaurants on the square, also it is a great place to just sit and people watch. The square is also home to a memorizing and somewhat sexual statue called Viaje fantastico which is of a naked woman wearing high heels riding a cockerel whilst carrying a fork.
Plaza Vieja, Havana, CubaPlaza Vieja, Havana, cubaStatue by Roberto Fabelo called Viaje fantasticoStatue by Roberto Fabelo called Viaje fantastico
Walked around Havana Vieja
Aimlessly wandering, getting lost and finding new things if you have read my previous blogs is one of the things I love best when travelling. We walked around Havana Vieja away from the touristic hustle and bustle and found ourselves on quiet streets with the locals. The buildings had the charm of French or Spanish colonial influence, the colours of the tropics and dilapidation all rolled into one. I have never seen crumbling and old buildings so beautiful anywhere else I have been.
Gran Teatro de La Habana, CubaCapitol building, Havana CubaCoco taxi park Havana Vieja, CubaBicitaxi Havana Vieja, CubaClassic Cuban cars, HavanaArt, Havana Vieja, CubaHavana Vieja, CubaHavana Vieja, CubaHavana Vieja, CubaHavana Vieja, CubaHavana Vieja, CubaMen playing chess Havana Vieja, Cuba
Meet two Cuban salsa teachers
We meet two salsa teacher who took us to Sociedad Cultural Rosalia de Castro where they kindly gave us a list of things we should do and also not do. The Museo de la Revolucion was highly recommended but it turned out that the ladies were club promoters and they kept recommending that we go back that evening to Sociedad Cultural Rosalia de Castro as the Bueno Vista Social Club were performing to celebrate their 50 years anniversary. Not swayed by their sales pitch to buy tickets for the evening event we left to make our way to Museo de la Revolucion.
Sociedad Cultural Rosalia de Castro, Havana, Cuba
Museo de la Revolucion
Entry to the to the museum costs CUC8, cameras are allowed however all bags must be checked into the cloakroom. The Museo is a beautiful white stone building. It took some damage during the revolution with some 130 bullet holes riddling the front entrance at the peak of the revolution. The exhibits take you through the history of the revolution, giving you insight into some of the goings on during the troublesome time. You can also learn about the revolution heroes such as Che Guevera and Fidel Castro. Mosts of the exhibitions are written in Spanish but it was easy to get the gist.
The wall of cretins was a humorous piece caricaturing the people credited with enabling the revolution through their bankrupt and immoral policies the wall depicts Fulgencio Batista, Ronald Reagan, George W. Bush Snr and George W. Bush, Jr.
Museo de la Revolucion, Havana, CubaMuseo de la Revolucion, Havana, CubaMuseo de la Revolucion, Havana, CubaThe inside of Museo de la Revolucion, Havana, CubaDome of Museo de la Revolucion, Havana, CubaThe inside of Museo de la Revolucion, Havana, CubaMe at The Museo de la Revolucion, Havana, CubaMe in a Jeep at Museo de la Revolucion, Havana, CubaWall of cretins Museo de la Revolucion, Havana, Cuba
Walked along Malecon (Havana Harbour)
We walked along Malecon during the late afternoon which was nice and relaxing, on the way we meet another traveller named Jessica who joined us on our walk to enjoy the beautiful views of the harbour.
Malecon, Havana, CubaMalecon, Havana, CubaMalecon, Havana, CubaMalecon, Havana, CubaMalecon, Havana, CubaBuilding along Malecon, Havana, CubaBuilding along Malecon, Havana, CubaPrimerva by Rafael M.San Juan, Malecon, Havana, Cuba
Centro Havana
Centro is a district of Havana that has many historical places to visit but is also the down town area of Havana. The area was not as clean as other areas we had been to and many of the buildings were dilapidated but they had a certain charm and beauty to them. Whilst walking around and taking pictures two local women separately warned us to put our cameras way as we would be mugged otherwise. It wasn’t until we left the area that we read in our travel book that Centro Havana is an area to be weary of due to tourist muggings. I didn’t feel unsafe walking around Centro Havana until the women approached us, I didn’t feel any air of hostility from those in the area.
Iglesia Del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus, Centro Havana, CubaIglesia Del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus, Centro Havana, CubaCentro Havana, CubaCentro Havana, CubaCentro Havana, CubaCentro Havana, CubaCentro Havana, Cuba
Walked Vedado
Vedado is one of the wealthy districts of Havana and it is very evident when walking around the area, the houses are grand and impressive remnants of Spanish and French colonial rule.
Iglesia Metodista Univeritaria del Vedado, Havana, CubaBuilding in Vedado, Havana, CubaHouse in Vedado, Havana, CubaHouses in Vedado, Havana, CubaHouses in Vedado, Havana, CubaHouses in Vedado, Havana, Cuba
Hotel Havana Libre
This hotel is not as impressive as you would imagine, it took us ages to find the hotel as we kept getting lost. However we felt it was worth the visit to see one of the places Fidel Castro had made his head quarters during the revolution. It is worth going to, to see an important piece of Cuban history but I suggest making it part of something else you are doing; like walking along Malecon.
Havana Libre, Cuba
Food and Drink
Breakfast was included in the price of our stay in the Casa, Cuban breakfast is very nice and large, due to the size of breakfast we didn’t need to eat lunch. The best bits about breakfast were the fruit salad and coffee, Cuban coffee is like silk very smooth and rich. The tropical fruit salad usually consisted of melon, guava, banana and papaya it was a good way to start the day.
Casa Ada Colonial breakfast, Havana, Cuba
Esquinas Trattoria
The restaurant is not far from Museo de la Revolucion, the pizza was delicious, huge and only CUC4. The Mojito I had at the restaurant was also the second best I had in all Cuba and believe me I had load of Mojitos.
Bar Montserrat
Bar Montserrat is a very cool bar near the Capitol building, with amazing cocktails, good food and live music, the bar is popular with Cubans and tourists alike.
Bar Monserrate, Havana, CubaBar Monserrate Band Havana, Cuba
Review of Havana
Havana set a very pleasant tone for the rest of the 12 days we would spend in Cuba, staying in Ada Colonial in Vedado which is akin to Manhattan in New York or Chelsea in London was very nice , meeting the Cuban salsa teacher and Jessica also left us on a high after the first two days.
What next?
The next stop was Santiago de Cuba in the south of the island.
Do you want to find out what we did in Santiago de Cuba and how it compared to Havana? Then follow my blog to find out more and you will be notified as I upload more posts.
The holiday to Glenridding in the Lake District of England happened during the holidays Easter of April 2014, the trip lasted 4 days and 3 nights.
The weather
For April the weather was surprisingly pleasant. It is no secret that British weather is temperamental at best, during the 4 days we were there it only rained once.
Cost of trip
We hired two cars to drive to Glenridding; the cost of the car hire and the cost for accommodation meant we paid £150 each.
Where I stayed
I went on the holiday with five other people, we decided it was best to hire an apartment and luckily we found a lovely apartment in Patterdale hall, an old stone building, the interior had been updated and was clean and fresh.
Patterdale Hall, Glenridding, Lake DistrictPatterdale Hall, Glenridding, Lake District
What I did
Aira Force Aira Force is a waterfall situated within the Ullswater Valley which also flows into Ullswater Lake. The grounds on which Aira Force is situated is owned by the National Trust and it is well looked after.
We did the recommended walk around the waterfall, the walk is a circular route of 1.99 miles / 3.2 km, the walk took us in 1 hour 30 minutes to complete. We had walkers of varying abilities in our group, with I being one of the less able but I found it comfortable and pleasant.
Aira Force Waterfall, Lake DistrictAira Force, Lake DistrictAira Force walking path, Lake DistrictStream at Aira Force, Lake DistrictMe at Aira Force, Lake District
Visit to Pooley Bridge
Pooley Bridge is a little village on the Ullswater Lake, the drive from Glenridding to Pooley Bridge was approximately 30 minutes. There isn’t much to do in this little village but we were lucky to stumble across a church hall sale in the quaint St Paul’s church. We spent an hour or so looking at the interesting items and antiques with a few purchase made.
The highlight of going to Pooley Bridge was finding the Pooley Bridge Inn where we had a really good meal.
St Paul’s Church, Pooley Bridge, Lake District
Walk from Penrith to Howtown
I decided to challenge myself by going on a walk from Glenridding to Howtown the distance is 7 miles / 11 km, until this trip I hadn’t done any mountain or hill walking but we completed the walk in 2 hours 30 minutes, I was very thrilled with myself and the walk left me feeling exhilarated.
View from a mountain walking to Howtown, Lake DistrictA farm i passed whilst walking to Howtown, Lake DistrictWalking to Howtown, Lake DistrictView from a mountainwalking to Howtown, Lake DistrictMe on a mountain on walking to Howtown, Lake DistrictMe on my walk to Howtown, Lake DistrictThese boots were made for walking, Lake DistrictView walking to Howtown, Lake District
Visit to Windermere
Windermere lake is the largest natural Lake in England so we decided to drive to Windermere to spend some time in the town and by the lake. Unfortunately it appeared everybody else had the same idea as us, we couldn’t find a parking space but worse than that, it was far too busy and we knew finding a quiet spot to unwind would be impossible.
Staying in Glenridding on the quieter Ullswater Lake was nice and relaxing, Windermere by contrast was far to busy.
We didn’t stay in Windermere but drove around until we found a quiet little picnic area in Orrest Head with beautiful views of the Windermere Lake we ate our lunch and relaxed.
Ullswater Steamer
Do not be deceived by the name, the Ullswater steamer is not a steam boat, however the boats are still lovely. The boats sail up and down Ullswater Lake from Glenridding Pier to Pooley Bridge Pier. A round trip around the lake took 2hours 15mins at a cost of £10.20. The ticket allows you to hop on and hop off at other towns along the way.
Ullswater Steamer, Lake DistrictGlenridding Pier, Lake DistrictView from Ullswater Steamer, Lake DistrictMaking waves on the Ullswater SteamerOn the Ullswater Steamer, Lake DistrictMe on the Ullswater Steamer, Lake District
What I ate
I had a good meal at Pooley Bridge Inn, I had the Fish and Chips, this is the only place where I have been able to eat the batter as it was nice and light.
Apart for the meal at the Pooley Bridge in we cooked all our other meals ourselves.
Pooley Bridge Inn, Pooley Bridge, Lake District
In and around Glenridding
Further pictures of some of the sights in and around Glenridding.
