The Travelling Coeliac Environmentalist: Ghosts of the Revolution

31 March to 2 April 2018 - Cuba

Our cruise finally deposited us back in Havana, Cuba. We stayed in a little homestay with Ana and Caly, who looked after us by providing filling breakfasts and helping us to organise a trip to Venales. They showed tremendous patience dealing with our limited Spanish and frantic hand signals.

Our time in Havana was a real eye opener. Due to decades of embargos there were huge shortages of nearly everything. Restaurants had limited meals available depending on what food they could get on the day and grocery stores were mostly empty. A lot of the cars were over 50 years old and lovingly nursed and cajoled to keep going by whatever means necessary. It was not uncommon to see these old cars in parts on the street being worked on. They gave a lovely atmosphere to the city, which felt like stepping into the past. People were friendly and understanding and we felt quite safe. You get the impression the Cubans look after each other.

Fixing old cars, street art, Hemingway's pub and street soccer.

The next day we went for a walk down the main avenue marveling at the wonderful old building architecture and random artwork and painting occurring down the middle. That night we went to watch the iconic show at the Buena Vista Social Club. The $30 ticket included 2 drinks and a snack (cheese, nuts and olives). The show was extensive and energetic including a fabulous instrumental bit and several times where they got everyone up dancing, including a conga line and finishing with us all dancing on the stage. We walked home safely at midnight, a 30 minute walk.

Buena Vista Social Club, Grand Theatre of Havana

We used the last day to wander through the Museum of the Revolution. It was a fascinating insight into this period and the circumstances surrounding it. The exhibit included the boat they used to carry 82 revolutionaries from Mexico (built to hold 20), a tractor with armour applied (Mad Max style) and a bullet ridden delivery truck. It was interesting to read how with their free education they have one of the highest literacy rates in the world and the most doctors per capita. Clearly they tried to do the best they could with what they had.