Día dos - Habana Vieja (Old Havana)

Let me start by saying wifi here costs money even in a hotel, $7/hr in the current hotel we're in and it is very sketchy and disconnects often. I don't know how it'll be in the future but I am able to blog disconnected and can save for when I connect. 

Now our day! We started our day with a walking tour of an area of the city of Havana called Habana Vieja or Old Havana. Our Cuban tour guide, Marlón led the way. We saw a number of beautiful plazas. Jean bought some natural coconut ice cream in one of them. 

We also visited a restoration school. They focus on various trades in the area of restoration of various items and buildings throughout Havana. Some of the trades are masonry, carpentry, mural painting, iron works (men only), plaster, plumbing and electric to name a few. Each year the trades focused on change based on the current restoration needs of the city. The school is funded by the government to ensure the restoration of the city. Over 900 applicants apply each year but only 200 are accepted to begin studying with the school we visited.  At the end of the primary level restoration school they receive a guarantee to work in restoration for the state or a privately owned organization and receive a $250 CUC ($250 USD) monthly stipend. Below are some pictures of the workshops where the students practice the current trades. The school teaches ways to conserve the most traditional techniques which are mainly by hand. After this level of schooling there is the medium or second level before continuing to the university level if they're so interested. 

Then we went to visit a cámara oscura. The elevator was broken and the stairs were fun. Jean made it an exercise and climbed and descended on her toes.  This showed us a beautiful view of the city through a reflection and natural light. The facilitator was quite humorous. He "put a piece of himself" in Jean's hand. It's the Cuban flag, it's a little difficult to view in the picture. 

We also stopped at a cafetería and were treated to some delicious coffee straight up by our tour guide. 

After our lunch we headed to the house of Jose Fuster, a famous Cuban ceramicist. We spoke to his son and viewed his home, paintings & tile work. 

Then we went off to The Revolutionary Square of Havana. There is one in each city throughout Cuba. 

Jean wanted a picture driving one of the thousands of American 50's cars. I swear they're more common than any other. Some are in better shape than others. But here she is!

Dinner was at a local paladar, La California in Central Havana. ¡Qué rico! 

¡Hasta Mañana!