Of course, you can’t help but be impressed by all the classic 1950’s American cars in Cuba. Chevies, Fords and Buicks cruising the streets have been featured in tourism advertising and brochures the world over.
After lunch we had a short recess back at out accommodations. What followed was the obligatory ride in an American Classic. The ride in our ’57 Chevy convertible closed out the day. We were introduced to Esteban who drove us on a tour of wider Old Havana. Stops at monuments commemorating Fidel, Che and José probably fulfilled the cultural requirements dictated by the government for all tourists visiting Cuba, and, the final stop after our lap of cruising, the Cigar shop, probably helped ‘fulfil’ the requirements of Esteban’s pockets.
We were unceremoniously dumped at the door of the big cigar store and, after Esteban waved to the sales staff with a cheeky grin, he was gone in a puff of smoke – a very big puff – see ya Esteban!
Inside the shop were cabinets full of different types, sizes and shapes of cigars and the same could be said for the men on the other side of the counter. To complete the picture, most of the customers had heavy gold chains, gold watches, designer sunglasses and Botox girlfriends. I lasted less than 2 minutes here and within 5 minutes I was on a bicitaxi back to the Hostal.
Tonight I went out for pizza with the Kiwis, Jim and Anne; they are quiet types, but straight shooters. We sat on the terrace on the other side of the road overlooking the ferry terminal. The pizza was good, as was the company. I hope I have a chance to go back for more pizza when I return to Havana at the end of the tour.
Bed at 10:00 pm for an early departure tomorrow. Breakfast will be at 6:30 am then to the airport to fly to Baracoa.