I had a good night, my fever is down. I feel better. Today I'm going to take a break from cycling. I meet this lady this morning, she's 71 and she's still working.
I have lunch on the terrace of my accommodation.
This is a very nice view to have a meal. Today is the third of January, schoolchildren are back on school benches. Observe the uniform.
This is a Russian church.
Some people wear white, it's a religion, but I don't know which one.
Is this the Virgin and Child in Russian in Cuba?
This city is always very beautiful.
Here are the fortifications.
A cat climbing a tree, I think of Fastou.
This is the Cathedral of Havana
A small cone in front of the Capitolio.
Nice meeting with Yolanda in a park. She sang me Pablo Milanès' greatest hit (the song Yolanda). We chatted a little and then she wanted some money, I gave her a 10 Cup note.
I saw the dynamo I was using and 1984. It cost 8.50 CUC. Phew! Welcome friction.
Here are some people lining up to get into the thrift store.
Here are the prices of some essential goods. Notice the soap at the top of the shelf at 6 cups (0.30$ cad) and the toothpaste at 8 cups (0.40$ cad). I went into an Adidas store and the sports shoes were 2400 Cup or 100$ Usd. That is to say very expensive! Here is an impromptu baseball game in a park.
Here is a discussion between three women on the balconies.
A little moment of relaxation very close to the Hotel Nacional.
This moment is sponsored by Fast123.ca
Now here is the Hotel Nacional. It reminds me of the hotels in Las Vegas. Indeed, in the 1920s, during prohibition (it was forbidden to drink alcohol) in the United States, Havana became a favorite destination for wealthy Americans. Casinos and nightclubs were legion. During the 1930s, Havana was Las Vegas. Several luxury hotels, flamboyant casinos and nightclubs, each more glittering than the last, all controlled by the American mafia with the blessing of dictator Fulgencio Batista.
The great luxury. I took the opportunity to take a break in front of the swimming pool completely illegally. Here is the entrance hall. Are we in Cuba?
I went up to the eighth floor using the vintage elevator.
Even Jean Chrétien came through here to meet Fidel Castro.
Later I visited some tunnels very close to the hotel.
The sea is very rough today.
Two beautiful motorcycles...almost new.
A special place for assholes?
This is the Prado, that is to say a wide promenade in Havana.
After walking for six hours in this beautiful city, I return to my new room, the one I had rented on day 24. This one is really spacious and it's only 25 Cuc.
Life is beautiful! Isn't it?
It was a nice day of rest.
David Beauchesne