HOW TO TAKE A TRIP THROUGH THE REAL CUBA 2

A Trip Through the Real Cuba the story continues, is written by Mary and Jack, our wonderful guests who stayed with us in our network of casa particulares throughout Cuba in February 2017. 

A TRIP THROUGH THE REAL CUBA 2

by Mary & Jack

CIENFUEGOS

After a delicious breakfast at 6am, our Casa host Dayne arranged a taxi to the Viazul bus terminal…it would be a six hour trip from Viñales to Cienfuegos, with a rest stop half way. 

Our hosts in Cienfuegos were at the Viazul bus terminal to meet us and drive us to their home in Punta Gorda, a modern suburb south of the city. Our casa was a small attachment through the garden to a kitchen and bedroom, bathroom and well-stocked fridge.

The hosts, Arelys and Norge also prepared supper for 7pm: fresh shrimp, salad, rice, ice cream and coffee.

The following morning, we walked along the Malecón toured the Naval Museum, the Provincial Museum and had a good look at a square-rigged sailing ship at a nearby dock. 

After a rest in the afternoon we caught a ride with Norge into town, first stopping at the Viazul bus station to arrange transport for the next day, Then ambled around the town market, tried fresh coconut milk and enjoyed a beer by the Malecón. The Spanish influence and architecture was the main feature of this quiet town…next time we will take a guided tour to learn more about Cienfuegos than we were able to on this short visit.

After a full breakfast at 7am at the Casa, Norge drove us to the Viazul bus station. We bought our tickets to Trinidad and joined the confusion in the waiting area. After several false starts we got seated in the right bus, and were off!

Cienfeugos Cuba

Malecón Cienfuegos Cuba

TRINIDAD

Again, we were met at the Viazul bus station in Trinidad, this time by a young fellow (Jamie!) driving a tricycle-taxi. He took us on a ten minute drive to our next casa, mostly downhill. His contraption had a sturdy frame and balloon tires - quite robust, and one hardly felt the original cobblestones of this 16th century city.

Casa Misleydis & Gustavo in Trinidad was a warm and friendly B&B close to the centre and our hosts could not have been more welcoming. Misleydis was our main contact in Cuba and Rena our contact before arriving in Cuba kept Misleydis alert to our movements around Cuba….Misleydis was our contact for any problems at a local level and a fount of knowledge on all things Cuban. It was also a real plus to be able to communicate in English. We looked forward to spending the next three nights in her comfortable casa. 

Our first challenge was to get bus tickets to our next port-of-call, Camaguay. Waiting in line to put your name on a list seems to be the norm….we were certain to get a seat as we booked three days in advance, but we had to show up an hour before the trip to pay and get the tickets.

Touring central Trinidad was delightful, with many Spanish colonial houses and buildings to see, bands on each corner and watching the world go by….we dined early, and well, in a nearby restaurant recommended by Misleydis….in fact we went back to Restaurant San Jose for dinner each night we were in Trinidad!

Our patio breakfasts at the casa were generous and hearty, enough to make a snack for lunch, with some fruit and water. Then more exploring, reading in the cool upstairs or lounging in the hammock on the patio, siesta, and out again. Our last day involved a taxi to the beach for a few hours…beautiful sand, warm water and hot sun.  Our driver, Mario, kindly returned to the beach later to take us back to town.

Trinidad was such a user-friendly town - we could have stayed longer…early Thursday morning, a taxi ride in a decrepit ’50 Buick (we weren't sure we would make it without pushing) got us to the Viazul bus station and we were away. 

Trinidad Bici-taxis Cuba

Playa Ancon Trinidad Cuba

Plaza Mayor Trinidad Cuba

Cuban Musicians Trinidad Cuba

Experience the Real Cuba would like to thank Mary and Jack for booking their Cuba trip with us and for sharing their Cuban adventures on the Experience the Real Cuba blog. 

Contact us at Experience the Real Cuba to book your personalized trip to Cuba.

EXPERIENCE THE REAL CUBA – SUPPORTING CUBAN BUSINESSES

Experience the Real Cuba offers Casas Particulares in Cuba as well as cultural activities and programs in Cuba supporting local Cuban private businesses.

To find out more about Casas in Cuba and our courses and programs (Spanish lessons, Dance lessons, Music lessons, Photography Experiences, Art & Pottery workshops) check out our website:

www.experiencetherealcuba.com

WHAT IS CUBA LIKE?

Cuba is an amazing country full of colour, contrasts and contradictions. It can be challenging as it is set back in time and resources are limited, but for those willilng to embrace whatever is thrown their way it is a fascinating experience.

To see a little about what Cuba is like, check out this amazing film Cuba Havana by Karim Rashad & Jessica Ross.

"Havana, Cuba is a unique and timeless city featuring classic American cars, luxury brand cigars, delicious rum and beautiful colorful architecture. Many travelers flood the Cuban streets to enjoy live salsa music, art, museums and to mingle with the locals. But there is so much more to both the city of Havana and the Cuban country itself that extends well beyond the beaten path. On my recent trip to Havana, I decided to learn more about the Cuban culture through a salsa lesson and volunteer my time on a local farm. Two experiences that were both educational and humbling."

I later followed in their footsteps and took part in the same voluntary experiennce in Cuba. Hit the link to read about my experience at Finca Tungasuk, not too far from Havana, Cuba. 

Thanks to you both for featuring Experience the Real Cuba and taking part in our Salsa lessons with our professional Dance Instructors.

EXPERIENCE THE REAL CUBA – SUPPORTING CUBAN BUSINESSES

Experience the Real Cuba offers Casas Particulares in Cuba as well as cultural activities and programs in Cuba supporting local Cuban private businesses.

To find out more about Casas in Cuba and our courses and programs (Spanish lessons, Dance lessons, Music lessons, Photography Experiences, Art & Pottery workshops) check out our website:

www.experiencetherealcuba.com

6 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE FABRICA DEL ARTE CUBANO (F.A.C)

1. WHAT IS THE FABRICA DEL ARTE CUBANO (F.A.C)?

The Fabrica del Arte Cubano is the ingenious idea by the Cuban singer songwriter X Alfonso to create a cultural space where up and coming Cuban talent can perform and display their work whilst at the same time being affordable for Cubans to visit and experience something different.

At the Fabrica del Arte you will find art exhibitions, theatre, dance, film and live music. Check out reviews on Tripadvisor.

2. WHERE IS THE FABRICA DEL ARTE LOCATED?

It is located on Calle 26 on the corner of Calle 11, Vedado in Havana Cuba in an old olive oil factory, next door to the bar / restaurant El Cocinero so look out for the tall chimney.

The factory is spacious with a modern feel to it, ideal for presenting photography exhibitions, art installations and paint works.

3. HOW DO  GET TO THE FABRICA DEL ARTE?

The most economical way to get to the Fabrica del Arte is to take one of the Cuban collective taxis or almendron down Linea and get off just before the tunnel at around Calle 24 and walk a couple of blocks up to the Fabrica del Arte.

Or you can take an almendron down Calle 23 and get off on the corner of Calle 26 and walk down 5 blocks until you find the entrance to the Fabrica del Arte.

If you can’t get an almendron then take a private Cuba taxi all the way to the Fabrica del Arte.

4. IS IT SAFE TO WALK TO THE FABRICA DEL ARTE?

One evening I tried to flag down an almendron from Calle 23 and Calle D in Vedado at around 9pm but most of the collective taxis were full and wouldn’t stop for us. We decided to walk for around 20 minutes down Calle 23. It was dark especially when you start to come away from Calle 23 and walk down the side streets, but the Fabrica del Arte is located in a residential area, often with people on the street. It wasn’t the first time I walked in and around this area. I generally feel safe and have no problem walking around the area but it is always sensible to remain street wise and avoid walking around with valuables. Check out my blog "Is Cuba Safe?".

5. IS IT EASY TO GET A TAXI FROM THE FABRICA DEL ARTE BACK TO MY CASA OR HOTEL?

There are taxis outside the Fabrica del Arte ready to take you back to your Casa or hotel in Havana. This is a convenient door to door option but expect to pay higher prices than normal. Alternatively if you are not willing to pay the taxi prices outside of the Fabrica del Arte, you can do as I do and walk to Linea and wait by the tunnel exit and waive down a private taxi or an almendron.

I have managed to get an almendron from Linea to Centro Habana at 12.30pm so it can be done, but if you are not familiar with Havana and how the almendrones work these are the things you need to bear in mind before taking an almendron from the Fabrica del Arte late at night to your Casa or hotel:

• you need to feel comfortable walking from the Fabrica del Arte to Linea on a quiet street in the dark
• there are fewer almendron services in operation late at night
• it is difficult to get an almendron if there are 2 or more of you travelling together
• you could be standing around in the dark for some time before finally getting an almendron to stop for you the almendrones in Havana only operate specific routes so first check with the driver to see whether he is going somewhere close to where you are staying in Havana
• think about where the almendron is going to drop you off, it is not a door to door service so only take this option if you are happy to walk in the dark down side streets to get from the drop off point to your Casa

6. HOW MUCH IS THE ENTRANCE FEE AT THE FABRICA DEL ARTE?

The entrance fee is 50 MN per person (August 2016). You can pay in CUC. The Fabrica del Arte operate a no cash system so when you pay your entrance fee the door attendant will give you a card. Everytime you get a drink or food at the bar it will be noted on your card. You pay for anything you have consumed on your way out at the cash desk. 

If you lose your card you will have to pay a 30 CUC fee.

EXPERIENCE THE REAL CUBA – SUPPORTING CUBAN BUSINESSES

Experience the Real Cuba offers Casas Particulares in Cuba as well as cultural activities and programs in Cuba supporting local Cuban private businesses.

To find out more about Casas in Cuba and our courses and programs (Spanish lessons, Dance lessons, Music lessons, Photography Experiences, Art & Pottery workshops) check out our website:

www.experiencetherealcuba.com

7 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT EXPERIENCE THE REAL CUBA

A REAL EXPERIENCE IN CUBA

After carefully planning the perfect itinerary, Tara organised her trip to Cuba with Experience the Real Cuba. Tara visited Cuba in February 2016, she stayed at our Casas in Havana, Viñales and Trinidad and she took Spanish lessons in Havana as well as Spanish and Salsa lessons in Trinidad.

We asked Tara to share her comments with us about her trip to Cuba. She also highlighted some interesting tips for people thinking of visiting Cuba.

1.    WHAT WAS THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR TRIP?

Spending time in beautiful Trinidad - having over a week there meant I could really relax and enjoy day-to-day life...

2.    DID WE PROVIDE YOU WITH ADEQUATE INFORMATION PRIOR TO YOUR TRIP?

Yes, it was very detailed, easy to read and provided me with everything I needed.

3.     WHERE THERE ANY SURPRISES IN CUBA?

It was my second time so not really. After a couple of days it felt very natural.

4.     WHAT INFORMATION DO YOU THINK IS VALUABLE PRIOR TO VISITING CUBA?

If people have not been before:

-          Bring a decent amount of cash to exchange. ATMs can give big notes which will need to be exchanged to spend in regular places (and even in some CADECAs they will not accept them - a big hotel is probably the best bet in that case), also can be a surcharge of 3%

-          Take a spare loo roll as back up for the rooms in casas (and tissues and hand gel for when you're out and about)

-          If you are unable to get onto a popular tourist bus between locations, take a taxi colectivo! There are always people willing to take you between places for only a few CUC more than the bus

-          All tour agencies charge the same for excursions, makes the decision process a lot quicker :)

-          Be prepared for queues at CADECAs and ETECSA (and everywhere else ;) ). Ask for 'ultimo' in lines and remember who you're behind :)

-          Be prepared for male attention when not with male company (kissy noises, where are you from, do you have a boyfriend...) - all pretty harmless, just incessant :)

-          Most people are just interested to chat to you, although be aware sometimes they have an ulterior motive - offering accommodation, restaurant etc

-          Bring sufficient medicine, sanitary products, toiletries, sun block with you, but maybe leave any excess at the end of your trip

-          Expect a lot of ham and cheese sandwiches ;)

5.     DO YOU FEEL LIKE YOU EXPERIENCED THE REAL CUBA?

Yes - last time I was on an organised tour, this time doing it independently gave me a different perspective. I loved taking the taxis colectivos both from town to town and around Havana, I met a lot of interesting people this way.

6.     WERE OUR CONTACTS IN CUBA PROFESSIONAL? DID THEY ASSIST YOU WITH ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES, TIPS, LOCAL INFORMATION?

Yes, Yoanka and Misleydis were both great. I greatly appreciated Yoanka's help with my changing plans!

 7.     HOW DO YOU FEEL WE COULD IMPROVE OUR SERVICE?

The communication and organisation was brilliant, exactly what I wanted. I can't think of anything lacking.

I would like to thank Tara for sharing her experiences in Cuba with us all.

EXPERIENCE THE REAL CUBA – SUPPORTING CUBAN BUSINESSES

Experience the Real Cuba offers Casas Particulares in Cuba as well as cultural activities and programs in Cuba supporting local Cuban private businesses.

To find out more about Casas in Cuba and our courses and programs (Spanish lessons, Dance lessons, Music lessons, Photography Experiences, Art & Pottery workshops) check out our website:

www.experiencetherealcuba.com

SAN JUAN DE LOS REMEDIOS PART I

TRINIDAD TO REMEDIOS

A blue Chevrolet arrived at the Casa in Trinidad to collect us for our journey to San Juan De Los Remedios.  It was a Friday afternoon, the 5 of us piled into the classic Cuban car excited about our weekend trip away from Trinidad.  The shiny blue Chevrolet took us on our journey from the province of Santi Spiritus to Villa Clara, leaving behind the Sierra Escambray Mountains, a view which always makes me feel happy, like a sign, letting me know that I am home.  

We headed past the Valle de los Ingenios and the Manaca-Iznaga Tower.  After cruising through the town of Santi Spiritus we joined the national motorway for a short distance before turning off towards Placetas.  The countryside from the motorway to Remedios was luscious, colourful with simple houses and huge banana trees in the gardens; in the distance you could catch a glimpse of the ocean.

Surprisingly the journey from Trinidad to Remedios only took around 2.5 hours. Looking back now, I couldn’t believe that it had once taken me all day to drive from Trinidad to Caibarien; a mere 7 km from Remedios.  On that occasion, my friend and I had hired a car so we decided to drive across the Sierra Escambray mountains, enjoying the breath taking views along the way, as well as stop off at Santa Clara; to visit the Che Guevara Mausoleum and the Tren Blindado.

Sierra Escambray Viewpoint Cuba

Tren Blindado Santa Clara Cuba

Che Guevara Monument Santa Clara Cuba

As we arrived into Remedios, we all curiously took a look around our new environment, instantly making comparisons between Trinidad and Remedios inside our minds. Gustavo had arranged for us to stay at the Balcony Hostal in Remedios.  Jose Manuel welcomed us into his casa, like long lost family.  Gustavo and Jose Manuel, over the years building their friendship over the phone, sending tourists from one casa to another, had become instant long term friends.  Today was the day that they finally met for the first time in person.

SAN JUAN DE LOS REMEDIES – THE CRADLE OF PARRANDAS

We climbed the steep steps to the Casa, Jose Manuel keen to show us around and make us feel at home.  All looking forward to see the true colours of Remedios, we set out on a mini walking tour, it felt good to stretch our legs and be in the company of Jose Manual. 

Our enthusiastic and willing guide, Jose Manuel shared with us his wealth of knowledge of Remedios and the province of Villa Clara.  He walked us to a hidden museum slightly out of town, he showed us around the small town of Remedios and introduced us to his family and friends.  

Remedios may seem like a small and tranquil town, but it is the only town in Cuba to have 2 cathedrals in the main plaza.  In the evening the square comes to life, it’s the place to be for all the locals and is surrounded by grand buildings all destined to be renovated and turned into hotels, bringing new life into this friendly and relaxed town. Culturally it has lots to offer, on Saturday night a local Trova band from Remedios played in the main square where a local crowd gathered to enjoy the melodic music.

Remedios is also famous for its cultural events hosted around the year:

• 1-7th March – Cultural week
• 24th June – Festival of San Juan
• August – carnival
• 24th December - The Parrandas

Part II to follow soon – our trip to Cayo Santo Maria….

EXPERIENCE THE REAL CUBA – SUPPORTING CUBAN BUSINESSES

Experience the Real Cuba offers Casas Particulares in Cuba as well as cultural activities and programs in Cuba supporting local Cuban private businesses.

To find out more about Casas in Cuba and our courses and programs (Spanish lessons, Dance lessons, Music lessons, Photography Experiences, Art & Pottery workshops) check out our website:


www.experiencetherealcuba.com

Trinidad to Remedios in a Blue Chevrolet

Museum in Remedios

Remedios

Remedios

Casa Remedios

Museum Remedios

Musuem Remedios

Museum Zoo - Remedios

Remedios

WHERE TO TAKE DANCE LESSONS IN HAVANA CUBA

BOOKING DANCE LESSONS IN HAVANA, CUBA

DO YOU WANT TO LEARN TO DANCE IN HAVANA?

Experience the Real Cuba have recently teamed up with Yoanka at SalsAmiga All Star and are excited to share the news!  Together we can now organise professional and fun dance lessons in Havana, Cuba. Yoanka and I are both determined to welcome you and offer unforgetable holiday experiences in Cuba.  

WHY SHOULD I TAKE DANCE LESSONS WITH YOU?

Yoanka has been organising Cuban dance classes for 5 years and has built up a team of professional dance instructors.  If you take lessons with us it will allow you the opportunity to interact with magnificent dancers as well as arm you with the necessary knowledge to experience and enjoy the best of Havana's nightlife.   

WHERE ARE YOU BASED?

The dance lessons take part in the heart of Vedado, Havana, Cuba where professional instructors and experienced dancers teach you in a friendly and relaxed environment.

WHAT TYPE OF DANCE LESSONS DO YOU OFFER?

We can organise a variety of Cuban dance classes; Salsa, Son, Rumba, Folklore, Orishas, Chachacha, Rueda de Casino etc.

DO I NEED TO KNOW HOW TO DANCE?

Whether this is your first time dancing Cuban style or not it really doesn't matter.  We offer lessons to beginners, intermediate and advanced dancers.  If you are a beginner, you will learn the necessary dance skills, which will help you develop a natural dance style and improve your confidence.  Whereas, intermediate and advanced dance students will be able to improve their dance knowledge, musicality or footwork.

HOW LONG ARE THE DANCE LESSONS?

The dance lessons are minimum 90 minutes or maximum 120 minutes.  You can choose to take a personalized dance lesson, a private dance lesson or in a group with qualified and professional instructors and experienced dancers.  

WHEN CAN I TAKE DANCE LESSONS?

You can take dance lessons in Cuba seven days a week (however dance lessons are not always available on 1st January).

HOW CAN I BOOK DANCE LESSONS?

If you are interested in taking dance lessons in Cuba, please contact Rena at experiencetherealcuba@gmail.com for more information / reservations.

EXPERIENCE THE REAL CUBA – SUPPORTING CUBAN BUSINESSES

Experience the Real Cuba offers Casas Particulares in Cuba as well as cultural activities and programs in Cuba supporting local Cuban private businesses.

To find out more about Casas in Cuba and our courses and programs (Spanish lessons, Dance lessons, Music lessons, Photography Experiences, Art & Pottery workshops) check out our website:

www.experiencetherealcuba.com

CHECK OUT THIS VIDEO

Dance Lessons - Havana Cuba

Rueda de Casino

Folklore Dance Lesson - Havana, Cuba

WHERE TO TAKE PART IN SPANISH & PAINTING EXPERIENCES IN TRINIDAD CUBA

SPANISH & PAINTING IN TRINIDAD CUBA

By Martina Wohlers, Spanish & Painting student, Trinidad, April 2014 

I decided to travel to Cuba some time in November and started my research on the internet. I knew I wanted to take Spanish lessons, ideally one on one. So, I started looking and very soon found the site “Experience the Real Cuba”. They offered the type of Spanish lessons I was looking for, a home stay and to top it off, painting lessons. 

I loved the idea of getting painting lessons from one of Cubans artists. I wrote an email to them and promptly received a super nice reply that convinced me to stick with that company. When the travel date got closer I received very detailed and personal emails from Rena, who virtually took me by the hand on my first trip to Cuba. Travelling as a single woman is not always easy, but Rena organized my stay in Havana as well. 

I knew, when I left Germany that things would be amazing. And they were! I loved the Casa in Havana, even though it was just one night. Misleydis and Gustavo’s Casa in Trinidad made me feel at home right away. It is a spacious Casa with two terraces to hang out at. They welcomed me into their family, spoke Spanish to me and were very patient with my slow answers. They served a yummy breakfast with fresh fruits and juices. Dinner was always different and superb as well. 

Each morning I walked the short distance to my Spanish class. Juani is a very experienced and lovely teacher. My head spun every day after three hours of intensive Spanish, but I learned a lot and slowly started understanding the people on the street of Trinidad. Later in the day I had my painting class with a young artist. He helped me with painting a painting that I had carried around in my head for years. I was so grateful and happy, when I saw the result. 

All in all I can highly recommend travelling with Experience the Real Cuba, because I felt welcome in all places, got to know the beautiful people of Cuba and I know this was not my last trip.

Thanks Martina for sharing your experiences in Cuba.

EXPERIENCE THE REAL CUBA – SUPPORTING CUBAN BUSINESSES

Experience the Real Cuba offers Casas Particulares in Cuba as well as cultural activities and programs in Cuba supporting local Cuban private businesses.

To find out more about Casas in Cuba and our courses and programs (Spanish lessons, Dance lessons, Music lessons, Photography Experiences, Art & Pottery workshops) check out our website:

www.experiencetherealcuba.com

Painting Workshop - Trinidad, Cuba

Martina & Rances - Painting in Cuba

HOW TO FIND OUT ABOUT CONCERTS IN CUBA

GOING TO CONCERTS IN CUBA

We had heard about the Buena Fe concert back in Trinidad, my friend’s daughter had told us about it, she probably heard about it from a friend, who maybe heard about it on the radio.

When I’m in Trinidad, I limit my visits to ETECSA, so I don’t rely on internet sources or online magazines to find out what is happening in Cuba while I am there.  You can download monthly ‘what’s on’ guides from Cuba Absolutely before you go.  These are informative and helpful guides to have on your smart phone or ipod.  But I went to Cuba at the end of February 2014, so unfortunately I was not able to download the March guide before I left.  Anyway, I tend to rely on word of mouth or visit places like Cuba Libro, where you can hang out, drink ice-tea and find out what’s happening in Havana.

WHERE CAN YOU BUY CONCERT TICKETS IN HAVANA?

As soon as we arrived we were determined to find out how to get tickets to the Buena Fe concert that night at the Karl Marx Theatre in Havana.  We asked at the casa, we called the Karl Mark Theatre box office, we asked the staff at the local cafeteria…the general consensus was that we could go to the box office on the night and buy our tickets.  However, they did warn us, tickets could already have been sold out; Buena Fe is very popular in Cuba.   In which case we could see if anyone was selling unwanted tickets on the street. 

It’s not something I had thought of…….Would it work?  What time does the ticket office open? Will we find tickets on the street? What time should we get there?  Should we go? We looked at each other for the answers, neither of us had a clue how it worked in Havana, but that didn’t stop us from taking a chance.  This was the first time we had been to Havana together.  She had left the family and kids back home in Trinidad, so we wanted to make the most of our weekend in the city. 

HOW DO YOU GET TO THE KARL MARX THEATRE FROM VEDADO?

We had nothing to lose, we got ready to go, not prepared to walk all the way or pay for a taxi, we headed to Linea, we flagged down an almendron and told the driver where we wanted to get dropped off.  I had given my friend the instructions and got her to do the talking.  Even though people could tell a mile off that neither of us where from Havana, at least with her Cuban accent we were less likely to get ripped off.  It surprised her that I could find my way around the city and knew how to use the shared taxi system in Havana; the almendrones.  She thought it ironic that she was the tourist in her own country, and I was her guide. 

  

Knowing how to use the almendrones took some practice but people are happy to explain to you how they work as it’s no longer illegal for tourists to use them.  The almendrones are cheaper than taxis, they work certain routes, so it’s good to know which routes they work so you can work out which is your best pick up and drop off point.  They may not always take you directly to where you want to go, so be prepared to walk a few blocks.

A couple of the popular routes include: 

Calle 23 to San Lázaro & El Prado (Vedado to Centro Habana)

Linea to Sán Lazaro & El Prado (Vedado to Centro Habana)

Neptuno to Calle L (Centro Habana to Vedado)

HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN TO GET OUT OF AN ALMENDRON?

If like me, you don’t like to carry a map around with you wherever you go, you can try to mentally remember which streets are just before your drop off point so you can calculate where to get off.  You can sometimes rely on the driver to remember where you want to get off.  I knew we wanted to get off somewhere around Calle 8, so as we got closer to Calle 8, I began to think that the driver had forgotten where we wanted to go so I asked him to stop and he looked at me and said, ‘but didn’t you want to go to 5^th avenue and Calle 8?’.  I had forgotten that the route comes off Linea and goes down 5^th Avenue after the tunnel!  What did we know?  The Guajira and the Turista, I paid the 20 pesos Cubanos for the 2 of us, thanked the driver and we laughed to ourselves as we walked down the unlit calle to 1^st avenue.

CAN YOU BUY CONCERT TICKETS ON THE STREET?

Before we had even arrived at the theatre, a young man on the street asked us if we wanted tickets to the show.  Misle taking the lead, began to ask questions, I let her do the talking once again.  He was selling tickets for 25 pesos or 1 CUC.  I thought I had misheard him, the young staff at the cafeteria had told us that we should expect to pay at least 5 CUC.  Misle wanted to know if they were good seats, close to the stage, if they were genuine tickets etc.  He showed them to us but how would we know, neither of us had ever been to the Karl Marx Theatre before.  We had no idea what the tickets looked like, but we had street cred to maintain so we pretended we knew what we were doing.  To be honest they were pretty nondescript……and anyway were there really counterfeit tickets circulating the streets of Havana?  Somehow I didn’t think so.  

Happy with ourselves, newly purchased tickets in our hands, I couldn’t quite believe how easy and quick it had been, we headed to the box office to see whether they were selling tickets.  They still had tickets for sale and ours looked like the real thing.  We got into the theatre no problem; we had nothing to worry about.  Admittedly we would have liked to have been closer to the stage, but I was happy to be there with my friend from Trinidad.

AND AS FOR THE CONCERT…..?

Buena Fe were brilliant, singing about real issues in Cuba, forever reaching out to their audience; they make you feel like they are talking directly to you.  They dedicated the concert to the launch of their new website and to the promotion of internet for all in Cuba. 

EXPERIENCE THE REAL CUBA – SUPPORTING CUBAN BUSINESSES

Experience the Real Cuba offers Casas Particulares in Cuba as well as cultural activities and programs in Cuba supporting local Cuban private businesses.

To find out more about Casas in Cuba and our courses and programs (Spanish lessons, Dance lessons, Music lessons, Photography Experiences, Art & Pottery workshops) check out our website:

www.experiencetherealcuba.com

Buena Fe at the Karl Marx Theatre - Havana

Misle & I - Buena Fe Concert - Havana