We walked out of the airport and saw all the vintage cars from the 50's that you always see in pictures from Cuba. Here are some our first sightings.
We also met our Cuban tour guide, Marlón and our driver, Paqui that will be with us throughout the tour. They are proving that "Cuban people are warmer than the weather." And it's hot here. Here's our bus!
Some fun Spanish terms specific to Cuba:
Coco taxi: A small vehicle used as a taxi that is shaped like a coconut.
Almendrones: Older cars from the 50's that are shaped like almonds. Almendra being an almond. See photos above.
Then lunch! We enjoyed a group lunch in a home (rather mansion) now converted to a restaurant that had been vacated in the 50's. Rice, beans, sweet potatoes and sooo many different delicious meats. We also were able to enjoy a few Cuban musicians during our meal. Jean got a cafecito, I was too hot!
We arrived to or hotel! And what a view from our room of the Malecón. Nearby is the famous Rivera hotel, where the cake scene from Scarface was said to be filmed.
Our dinner was spent at a local paladar, San Cristobal. Delicious! And it seems a staple for the Cubans to be warm. We had some lamb and lobster in addition to our sharing plates. Afterwards we received a short tour of the restaurant that was once a home that is owned by the chef that lives in the premises. Our tour guides are amazing and answering all of our super specific questions.
Some new facts we learned today:
Cubans do not pay rent, mortgages or taxes but that will be changing soon.
All schools are free and public and all students wear uniforms. Teachers are employees of the state.
Cuban FAMILIES live on $20 a month.
¡Hasta mañana!
Great pictures Heather! Looks like you and Jean are having a blast. You'll have so much to tell our students. The weather is very nice here, so far. I can't wait to see more pictures!
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