Cuba - Revision history

Elin: /* Old Havana */

2009-11-28T15:21:02Z

Old Havana

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:21, 28 November 2009
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	"Old Havana has so much charm that only by visiting it can one capture fully the contrasts, sounds and colors that coexist there."		"Old Havana has so much charm that only by visiting it can one capture fully the contrasts, sounds and colors that coexist there."
	[[Image:delmorro.jpg\|left\|The Castillo Del Morro]]		[[Image:delmorro.jpg\|left\|350px\|The Castillo Del Morro]]
	Old Havana has all the appearance of a Spanish colonial city. Havana is ideally situated for trade and communications, and many of the defences built to protect it from pirates and corsairs still exist, which is why it is impossible to walk in Old Havana without encountering impressive fortresses like the Castillo de la Real Fuerza, the Castillo de San Salvador de la Punta, La Cabaña, and the most unique of them all, '''El Morro (Morro Castle)''', located at the entrance to the Bay. From here each night the lighthouse guides ships passing by Havana, and by day visitors come to admire the stunning views the capital has to offer.		Old Havana has all the appearance of a Spanish colonial city. Havana is ideally situated for trade and communications, and many of the defences built to protect it from pirates and corsairs still exist, which is why it is impossible to walk in Old Havana without encountering impressive fortresses like the Castillo de la Real Fuerza, the Castillo de San Salvador de la Punta, La Cabaña, and the most unique of them all, '''El Morro (Morro Castle)''', located at the entrance to the Bay. From here each night the lighthouse guides ships passing by Havana, and by day visitors come to admire the stunning views the capital has to offer.
	[[Image:Viejaplaza.jpg\|right\|The Vieja Plaza]]		[[Image:Viejaplaza.jpg\|right\|The Vieja Plaza]]
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	Havana has numerous museums: the Palacio de los Capitanes Generales (Palace of the Spanish Governors) which houses the Museum of the City of Havana, the Gabinete Arqueológico (Archaeological Bureau) and the Museo del Chocolate (hmm!!)		Havana has numerous museums: the Palacio de los Capitanes Generales (Palace of the Spanish Governors) which houses the Museum of the City of Havana, the Gabinete Arqueológico (Archaeological Bureau) and the Museo del Chocolate (hmm!!)

	In nearby Morro Castle there is a permanent exhibition of the fort's construction process. Also located on that side of the Bay on a hillside is the giant statue of Christ of Casablanca, which is lit nightly.		In nearby Morro Castle there is a permanent exhibition of the fort's construction process. Also located on that side of the Bay on a hillside is the giant statue of Christ of Casablanca, which is lit nightly.

	====Food====		====Food====

83.216.149.24: /* Cuba: 2nd half - Veradero */

2006-10-26T21:10:08Z

Cuba: 2nd half - Veradero

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:10, 26 October 2006
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	'''Accommodation''' Varadero, [http://www.cuba.tc/Varadero/Kawama.html\| Villa Kawama] Calle 0, Reparto Kawama,Varadero (4*; built 1930). Triple room (apparently) EUR 330 (~£25 pppn) total for 3 nights.		'''Accommodation''' Varadero, [http://www.cuba.tc/Varadero/Kawama.html\| Villa Kawama] Calle 0, Reparto Kawama,Varadero (4*; built 1930). Triple room (apparently) EUR 330 (~£25 pppn) total for 3 nights.
	Booked & paid.		Booked & paid.

	~~Bordered by 300m of beach.~~

	====Day 15 - Saturday 11th Nov====		====Day 15 - Saturday 11th Nov====

83.216.149.24: /* Cuba: 1st half - Havana */

2006-10-26T21:09:51Z

Cuba: 1st half - Havana

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:09, 26 October 2006
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	===Cuba: 1st half - Havana===		===Cuba: 1st half - Havana===

	'''Accommodation''' Havana, [http://www.cuba.tc/Havana/Parkview.html\|Hotel Park View] (3* modern hotel near centre). Triple room (apparently) EUR 294 (~£22 pppn) total for 3 nights.		'''Accommodation''' Havana, [http://www.cuba.tc/Havana/Parkview.html\|Hotel Park View] Colon and Morro streets, Havana Vieja (3* modern hotel near centre). Triple room (apparently) EUR 294 (~£22 pppn) total for 3 nights.
	Booked & paid.		Booked & paid.

83.216.149.24: /* Suggested Itinerary */

2006-10-26T21:07:08Z

Suggested Itinerary

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:07, 26 October 2006
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	===Cuba: 1st half - Havana===		===Cuba: 1st half - Havana===

	'''Accommodation''' Havana, [http://www.cuba.tc/Havana/Parkview.html\|Hotel Park View] (3* modern hotel near centre). Triple room (apparently) EUR 294 total for 3 nights.		'''Accommodation''' Havana, [http://www.cuba.tc/Havana/Parkview.html\|Hotel Park View] (3* modern hotel near centre). Triple room (apparently) EUR 294 (~£22 pppn) total for 3 nights.
	Booked & paid.		Booked & paid.

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	===Cuba: 2nd half - Veradero===		===Cuba: 2nd half - Veradero===

			'''Accommodation''' Varadero, [http://www.cuba.tc/Varadero/Kawama.html\| Villa Kawama] Calle 0, Reparto Kawama,Varadero (4*; built 1930). Triple room (apparently) EUR 330 (~£25 pppn) total for 3 nights.
			Booked & paid.

			Bordered by 300m of beach.

	====Day 15 - Saturday 11th Nov====		====Day 15 - Saturday 11th Nov====

83.216.149.24: /* Day 15 - Saturday 11th Nov */

2006-10-26T19:58:54Z

Day 15 - Saturday 11th Nov

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:58, 26 October 2006
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	Ok initially I was going to say - Day 15, go to Maria La Gorda, via teh lovely countryside of Vinales. However, if you went to this side of the island you'd pretty much have to stay that side, and there's not much else to do. Otherwise, the drive to Varadero would be about 5-7 hours, and that's after the 3 or 4 hour drive to Maria La Gorda in the first place! Sadly it is just not do-able, so today we go to '''Varadero'''.		Ok initially I was going to say - Day 15, go to Maria La Gorda, via teh lovely countryside of Vinales. However, if you went to this side of the island you'd pretty much have to stay that side, and there's not much else to do. Otherwise, the drive to Varadero would be about 5-7 hours, and that's after the 3 or 4 hour drive to Maria La Gorda in the first place! Sadly it is just not do-able, so today we go to '''Varadero'''.

			Todays priorities are: to book the Trinidad trip for day 16, and maybe have a look at the scuba diving situation (planned for day 17) - ask at reception if you can just turn up at the scuba diving place, or if it's necessary or better to book.

	The first day you arrive in Varadero and to make up for the lack of dive-age in Maria La Gorda, I think it would be good to go diving at the Marina Varadero Gaviota. With free transfer from your hotel to the Marina, which is right at the end of Varadero, and free initiation courses for people who have never been diving before. $35 for a single dive, you can go diving at the Cuevo de Saturno (including transfers) which sounds fun.		The first day you arrive in Varadero and to make up for the lack of dive-age in Maria La Gorda, I think it would be good to go diving at the Marina Varadero Gaviota. With free transfer from your hotel to the Marina, which is right at the end of Varadero, and free initiation courses for people who have never been diving before. $35 for a single dive, you can go diving at the Cuevo de Saturno (including transfers) which sounds fun.

			On the scuba diving front, another option is: Barracuda diving club. This seems better equipped, and best organized for first time divers. There are beginners classes starting at around USD 70, for a theory class, a lesson in a swimming pool and then a sea dive.

	If you go clubbing tonight, a great place to round off the day- is the disco in the cave! Cueva del Pirata- sounds groovy to me =D There's also a club on a boat moored on the Veradado canal- La Patuna, and the lively Palacio de la Rumba, one of the best designed venues. For Marc, there is 'Splash', with a "high cheeseometer rating for the watered down club and pop music is plays" xD Just kiddin. ;)		If you go clubbing tonight, a great place to round off the day- is the disco in the cave! Cueva del Pirata- sounds groovy to me =D There's also a club on a boat moored on the Veradado canal- La Patuna, and the lively Palacio de la Rumba, one of the best designed venues. For Marc, there is 'Splash', with a "high cheeseometer rating for the watered down club and pop music is plays" xD Just kiddin. ;)

ElÃƒÂn: /* Transport in Cuba */

2006-10-18T23:52:16Z

Transport in Cuba

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:52, 18 October 2006
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	- prandial		- prandial

			This site is EXCELLENT:

			http://www.cuba-individual.com/e_horario.htm#Verkehrsmittel

	==Tourist Tips==		==Tourist Tips==

ElÃƒÂn: /* Day 16 - Sunday 12th Nov */

2006-10-18T22:34:24Z

Day 16 - Sunday 12th Nov

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:34, 18 October 2006
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	====Day 16 - Sunday 12th Nov====		====Day 16 - Sunday 12th Nov====

	Right, so you are in Varadero right? So the natural thing to do...is take a day trip to '''Trinidad'''. Well, Varadero is great for these little trips. I think you should do a day tour of Trinidad. So that's day 16. Again if you have time in the evening, check out Varadero.		Right, so you are in Varadero right? So the natural thing to do...is take a day trip to '''Trinidad'''. Well, Varadero is great for these little trips. There are daytrip flights going on all the time from Varadero to Trinidad (Matt - i think it says in the Cuba book something about these daytrips..) Anyways, I think you should do a day tour of Trinidad. So that's day 16. Again if you have time in the evening, check out Varadero.

	====Day 17 - Monday 13th Nov====		====Day 17 - Monday 13th Nov====

213.249.136.51: /* Cuba: First half - Havana */

2006-10-18T11:57:41Z

Cuba: First half - Havana

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:57, 18 October 2006
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	This is just Elín's suggested itinerary (edited/ added to by Matt), based on what I know of the best places to go and the most interesting things to do in Havana. It sounds good to ME, I hope you think it sounds interesting as well.		This is just Elín's suggested itinerary (edited/ added to by Matt), based on what I know of the best places to go and the most interesting things to do in Havana. It sounds good to ME, I hope you think it sounds interesting as well.

	===Cuba: ~~First~~ half - Havana===		===Cuba: 1st half - Havana===

	'''Accommodation''' Havana, [http://www.cuba.tc/Havana/Parkview.html\|Hotel Park View] (3* modern hotel near centre). Triple room (apparently) EUR 294 total for 3 nights.		'''Accommodation''' Havana, [http://www.cuba.tc/Havana/Parkview.html\|Hotel Park View] (3* modern hotel near centre). Triple room (apparently) EUR 294 total for 3 nights.
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	Now, from the plaza, making your way down the busy shopping street '''Obispo''', go to '''Ambos Mundos''' and up to the '''roof garden''' for a '''mojito''' in the afternoon light. You might also want to whip out those '''cigars'''. Relax, safe in the knowledge that you have totally '''pwned Havana''' in just two days. However, your work is not yet done. No. Cigars and Mojitos are all well and good. But...		Now, from the plaza, making your way down the busy shopping street '''Obispo''', go to '''Ambos Mundos''' and up to the '''roof garden''' for a '''mojito''' in the afternoon light. You might also want to whip out those '''cigars'''. Relax, safe in the knowledge that you have totally '''pwned Havana''' in just two days. However, your work is not yet done. No. Cigars and Mojitos are all well and good. But...

	5pm: Just a short hike away is '''Museo de Fundacion Destilera Havana Club''', apparently one of the most interesting things to do in Havana, it's also known as the Museo del Ron, that's right, '''RUM!''' (Drink up me 'earties, yo ho...Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life for me! ok enough of that.) Check out this museum just before heading to '''La Guarida''' for your 6.30 ? reservation. Then head out to '''Macumba Habana''' for dancing, or to a '''Zorra y el Cuervo''' for a '''jaaaazzz concert'''.		5pm: Just a short hike away is '''Museo de Fundacion Destilera Havana Club''', apparently one of the most interesting things to do in Havana, it's also known as the Museo del Ron, that's right, '''RUM!''' (Drink up me 'earties, yo ho...Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life for me! ok enough of that.) Check out this museum just before heading to '''La Guarida''' for your 6.30 ? reservation. Then head out to '''Macumba Habana''' for dancing, or to a '''Zorra y el Cuervo''' for a '''jaaaazzz concert'''.

	===Cuba: 2nd half - Veradero===		===Cuba: 2nd half - Veradero===

213.249.136.51: /* Trinidad */

2006-10-18T11:35:31Z

Trinidad

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:35, 18 October 2006
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	Trinidad is a relic of the early days of the Spanish colony. Trinidad Colonial past, unique architecture and magnificent location, between the mountains and Mexican Gulf, inspire tourist interest from around the world.		Trinidad is a relic of the early days of the Spanish colony. Trinidad Colonial past, unique architecture and magnificent location, between the mountains and Mexican Gulf, inspire tourist interest from around the world.
	Trinidad has five main squares and four churches date from the 18th and 19th centuries the whole city, cobbled streets and tiled roofs, is a national monument and since 1988 a UNESCO World Heritage Site.		Trinidad has five main squares and four churches date from the 18th and 19th centuries the whole city, cobbled streets and tiled roofs, is a national monument and since 1988 a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

			[[image:trinidad.jpg\|left]]

	'''Ayala:''' This famous discotheque is housed in a beautiful underground grotto of eccentrically shaped stones and profound depth. A play of light and shadow, silence and noise envelopes the unique experience of a night out drinking and dancing. A variety of music is played and an assortment of imported and domestic beer and liquor is served, including the Mojita (Mint Rum Julip) and Cuba Libre (Rum and coke). The 60-person capacity is comprised mostly of those from the Las Cuevas Hotel and a young crowd from Trinidad. (Opening Hours 10:30p-3a daily; Admission Charge USD10)		'''Ayala:''' This famous discotheque is housed in a beautiful underground grotto of eccentrically shaped stones and profound depth. A play of light and shadow, silence and noise envelopes the unique experience of a night out drinking and dancing. A variety of music is played and an assortment of imported and domestic beer and liquor is served, including the Mojita (Mint Rum Julip) and Cuba Libre (Rum and coke). The 60-person capacity is comprised mostly of those from the Las Cuevas Hotel and a young crowd from Trinidad. (Opening Hours 10:30p-3a daily; Admission Charge USD10)

	~~[[image:trinidad.jpg]]~~

	'''Getting there:''' Viazul ( +53 419 4448/ http://www.viazul.cu ) provides convenient daily bus service to Trinidad from Havana, Varadero, and Santiago de Cuba. Trinidad's bus terminal is located on Gustavo Izquierdo between Piro Guinart and Simon Bolivar.		'''Getting there:''' Viazul ( +53 419 4448/ http://www.viazul.cu ) provides convenient daily bus service to Trinidad from Havana, Varadero, and Santiago de Cuba. Trinidad's bus terminal is located on Gustavo Izquierdo between Piro Guinart and Simon Bolivar.

213.249.136.51: /* Suggested Itinerary */

2006-10-12T13:20:55Z