What if you find yourself in Cuba for a short time? Where to go, where to smoke the best cigar and eat a real mango, how to make it
to feel the real spirit of Cuba libre? A member of the club answers questions. Russian photo»Irina Baryshnikova, who visited
such a journey.
If you are in Cuba for a couple of days, then all you have time to do is visit Havana and the places nearby. It can be like herself
Havana, including old Havana, and its surroundings with waterfalls, valleys, tobacco factories and other "passing"
sights. And, of course, in order to fully immerse yourself in the retro era of this country, the best way will
go on such excursions on retro cars, of which there are many in Cuba.
We were in Cuba for three days, and during this time we were able to visit a couple of excursions conducted by the Russian-speaking guide Jose. It should be noted that in
In this case, taking into account the originality of this country, such an acquaintance with it was the most optimal. The guide not only showed the main
sights, but also talked about such details that an ordinary tourist would hardly know about - starting with what a mango looks like,
ending with the fact that, for example, ordinary citizens of Cuba are prohibited from having their own sites on the Internet, and that he has the opportunity to engage in
such activity is only thanks to the Russian wife.
One of the interesting events was a visit to a local tobacco factory that produces cigars. In literally half an hour we were able to
to get acquainted with the main stages of their production visually. After the leaves are harvested, they are hung to dry - a process that
often referred to as "curing". This step can take up to three months! After the leaves are dry, the cigar can be rolled up. AND,
it turns out that the folding technique of a cigar can affect its final taste. A good cigar has a smooth and shiny wrapper with
leaves neatly curled in one direction. And while I was photographing all these amazing things, my husband and Jose enjoyed
the process of smoking cigars, and I "spied" on them.
We also managed to go to the Viñales Valley - this is national park in the valley mountain range Sierra de los Organos. The territory of the reserve,
which is taken under the protection of UNESCO, consists of plains karst formations, flat hills ( locals nicknamed them "backs
elephants "), underground rivers, caves and waterfalls. It turns out that in ancient times Indian tribes lived in this territory. Cuban dance
as well as a bar in which they prepare an insanely delicious Pina Colada, where they offer to top up the amount of rum that everyone needs, were
some of the amazing experiences of this valley, besides its incredible beauty, of course.
If we talk about Havana itself, then its colors are amazing. They are clean and positive, and the city itself seems to show its childish, inexperienced
the soul of modern civilization. And it is absolutely impossible to take your eyes off the retro cars! If you want to take a break from the modern world,
reset to zero and forget about civilization, you just need to visit Cuba.
Here, we went to Cuba in October. We did not travel as savages, but bought a tour. Lived in Varadero, one of the best resorts the world. I liked it very much, I recommend it to everyone.
We arrived in Havana at about seven in the morning. We quickly went through all the formalities, got the luggage, loaded onto the bus and drove to Varadero. The road took about 3 hours. The guide told general information about the country, culture and history. Along the way, I did not forget to comment on what was happening outside the bus window.
On the way to Varadero, we made one stop, stretch our legs, take a break, look around, and, according to the guide, taste the best piña colada in the country. The place where we stopped was a cafe with souvenir stalls, an observation deck and colorful local musicians. 
Also with observation deck a wonderful view of the bridge with a 116 meter span opens up 
Another wonderful view from the observation deck 
Inscription at the entrance to Varadero 
Varadero has wonderful white sand beaches clear waters Atlantic Ocean ... 
It was getting dark. We went to the beach before dinner. 
In Cuba, there are a lot of cars from the past, the so-called retro cars left over from the times of the US expansion. I think comments are unnecessary here 
In Varadero, you can easily rent a car or scooter near any hotel. It is good to take a car if you are going to another city, and if you want to explore the surroundings of Varadero, it is better to take a scooter (15 dollars for three hours, or 18 for four + gasoline at your expense, a liter at a gas station costs 1 dollar. I write prices in dollars, since they are equivalent to the converted peso that tourists pay). 
We take a scooter and go for a drive. Varadero is beautiful 
Spouse 
Locals of Varadero 
It turns out that Cuba has a wonderful, delicious beer. There are two types of Cuban beers - Cristal and Bucanero. Both varieties taste great and better than all the beers produced in Russia together. As the saying goes: "Less is more." 
We lived in the hotel Villa Tortuga. I rate it on a solid "4" on a five-point scale.
view to a pool 
Cuban dancers light up on this stage in the evenings 
Access to the beach 
We went to Havana a couple of times. Sami, no excursions. City of contrasts. I liked it very much
View of the fortress El Morro 
Local graffiti artists are burning. Graffiti is seen at the beginning of the Prado pedestrian street 
Prado street views 
Also, on the streets of Cuba, you can often find masterpieces of the domestic car industry. 
..school bus from Canada 
Prado Street ends with a beautiful view of one of the oldest hotels in the city 
One of Hemingway's favorite bars, El Floridita 
The famous Capitol, a copy of the American 
It contains National Library(As I know) 
At the foot of the Capitol, tourists are invited to feel the atmosphere of the past and take pictures against the background of the steps with an ancient camera. 
And behind the Capitol there is a steam locomotive museum (scrap metal dump) and a cigar factory. 
Typical balcony view of medieval Havana 
ArteHabana Cultural Center 
And there is Rasta in Cuba 
"Forbidden to play Pelota" is written on the wall. Do not think anything vulgar, Pelota is such a game, the prototype of modern squash. 
The kids are playing on the street in Havana 
Where can we go without a UAZ 
You're tired? So take a seat, smoke a cigar, rest 
Large birds circle around the tall building of the city hospital 
"Message to the future" immured into the wall of the city hospital building 
People waiting for the bus. WITH by public transport tense in Cuba. 
One of the streets of old Havana 
Kids frolic on the streets of Havana 
The usual state of a Cuban. They are all lazy and unhurried there. 
In Havana, as well as in Russia, folk wall art is very common. 
Monument to the revolutionary, poet, hero of Cuba Jose Martí. He died in the battle for the independence of the country. 
Because of our topographic cretinism, we accidentally wandered into a sleeping area. Almost like ours 
American cars in Cuba 
Some, even in excellent condition (did not look under the hood) 
Street O "Reilly 
I looked into one of the courtyards of Havana. As it turned out later, he is "famous" - everyone takes pictures of him 
You need to hold this uncle by the beard, by the finger and you will be happy! 
Cuban Pyoner 
A very colorful post box "Cola-Libre". In fact, there is also the usual Coca-Cola made in Mexico. 
Plaza de La Ciénaga. Cathedral in the Baroque style. They say that the remains of Columbus lie here. 
Plaza de La Ciénaga, detail 
View from the Cathedral to the Plaza de La Ciénaga. 
The same Granny. Sitting at the second favorite bar of old man Ernesto "La Bodeguita del Medio". Earns by taking pictures with tourists. One photo - one dollar / CUC 
It's a sin not to drink a cool mojito in this heat 
And again, the miracle of the domestic car industry - Zil 130 (by the way, a good car) 
Everywhere you can find the symbolism of the revolution and the permanent image of the great Che 
We decided to take a ride along the Malecon embankment on a wonderful form of transport, Coco Taxi. Inside view. 
Have you ever seen a naked Don Quixote ?? I have seen!! 
Another monument to the next hero-general-revolutionary 
And again cars, cars .. 
The coffin truck. Stands in the Necropolis in Havana. 
Necropolis. 
Monument to the great freedom fighter Ernest Che Guevara on the mausoleum in the city of Santa Clara. 
Colonial city of Trinidad in the south of Cuba, Caribbean coast. 
Quiet hour in kindergarten 
A student at the school opposite the kindergarten decided to follow the example of his younger brothers 
Those Coco Taxis .. 
..their antipode competitor 
Steps for every taste! 
This grandpa, like the Grandma from Havana, is a famous shot. Only does not ask for money. 
A little rain has passed 
Resident of Trinidad 
Residents of Trinidad 
Trinidad, top view 
Cats all over the world are the same 
And there are cars in Trinidad 
Wide Cuban land 
Thanks to all!
Cubans love to tell the story of how Christopher Columbus, when he first set foot on the land of Cuba, was struck by its beauty to such an extent that he said: "I have not seen anything more beautiful in my life."
I don't know how true this story is, but Cuba is really beautiful. The piercing blue sky Atlantic Ocean azure colors, tall palms, white beaches, hospitable Cubans.
Architecture cannot leave indifferent. Everywhere there are traces of conquest by Spain, raids of corsairs and filibusters. It seems that the walls of fortresses and forts are still ready to repel the raids of brave pirates.
The pearl of Cuba is Havana. This city with a population of about 2.5 million was founded by the conquistador Diego Velazquez in the 16th century. The city consists of two parts - Old and New Havana, which differ dramatically.
Old Havana has wonderful monuments, beautiful squares, cathedrals and monasteries, houses and buildings of the colonial era. Walking through the narrow cobbled streets, among the houses imbued with the colonial spirit, is a real pleasure.
The modern part of Havana leaves a rather depressing impression: devastation and poverty. The average earnings in Cuba are about $ 20 a month; Cubans say that this is only enough for food, therefore, there can be no question of renovating houses.
We were amazed by the stores: half-empty shelves, a very meager assortment, rather high prices for food. The people on the streets are not particularly joyful either. Everywhere there are queues, and people are sent to shops in small batches to prevent theft. There is practically no private business, everything belongs to the state, the local population was allowed to leave Cuba only 2 years ago.
This is how I saw modern Cuba: the beauty of nature, the beautiful ocean and the almost miserable existence of people.
Friends, leaving for Cuba, I hoped that I could stay in touch, but, as it turned out, the Internet is practically absent there, as a result, I could not answer your questions for two weeks. I will do it in the coming days.
P.S. I have prepared for you a short video that I shot in Havana during my trip around the city. Filmed from the car, the quality is not the best, but you can feel the atmosphere of the city. Look.
