Our last full day in Havana. I was up early and joined Harry on the porch.
Our plan for the day was to complete our souvenir shopping and spend some time in Plaza Vieja.
We splurged and spent $5CUC on a taxi ride in town. We had a smooth ride in a late 50's Chevy with - wait for it - air conditioning.
To fortify ourselves for the shopping ahead we stopped for dos cafe con leche at the Hotel Ingleterra. Of all the hotel lobbies we have spent time in the past week - for internet or banos access or for cold refreshments - this was the nicest. Spanish tiles, comfortable wicker chairs, good service and really good coffee.
Our plan for the day was to complete our souvenir shopping and spend some time in Plaza Vieja.
We splurged and spent $5CUC on a taxi ride in town. We had a smooth ride in a late 50's Chevy with - wait for it - air conditioning.
To fortify ourselves for the shopping ahead we stopped for dos cafe con leche at the Hotel Ingleterra. Of all the hotel lobbies we have spent time in the past week - for internet or banos access or for cold refreshments - this was the nicest. Spanish tiles, comfortable wicker chairs, good service and really good coffee.
We strolled slowly down Obispo making our purchases along the way. We stopped for a final Lemonade Frappe at the Hotel Ambros Mundos and then continued on our way. When we discovered that the cigar store was closed for lunch we decided to have our lunch too. Then went back to the cigar store to make our purchases. Our final walk was along Mercaderes Street where we entered courtyards, galleries and shops.
Our final destination was Plaza Vieja. Sitting on a stoop on one side of the square we enjoyed the variety of architecture represented.
Then Marsha bargained quite successfully with a bicycle taxi driver for a ride to our collectivo taxi stop. The driver propels himself and his two passengers who are seated in a makeshift carriage. The bicycle was basically a chain, 3 wheels, 2 pedals and handlebars. One of the two pedals fell off twice during our ride.
This young man was very strong with the most muscular thighs I've ever seen.
Our collectivo taxi back to venue tres y vente (the corner of Calle 23 and Calle 20) was the antithesis of our morning ride. A real klunker. It, nonetheless, got us to our destination.
After a short rest we headed to El Coclero for our final dinner. They had indicated that they were fully booked for the evening when Otto called to make a reservation for us but we went early and the charming (and cute) young man at the desk arranged for a table for us.
This is now our final evening on the porch. The new residents of Room 1 have arrived but are out to dinner. We have really enjoyed this aspect of our time here where we can pretend to be the owners of this apartment just sitting and enjoying the scene both in the morning and at night. Harry is sketching while I write. I know he is enjoying himself because he is humming while he draws.
Then Marsha bargained quite successfully with a bicycle taxi driver for a ride to our collectivo taxi stop. The driver propels himself and his two passengers who are seated in a makeshift carriage. The bicycle was basically a chain, 3 wheels, 2 pedals and handlebars. One of the two pedals fell off twice during our ride.
This young man was very strong with the most muscular thighs I've ever seen.
Our collectivo taxi back to venue tres y vente (the corner of Calle 23 and Calle 20) was the antithesis of our morning ride. A real klunker. It, nonetheless, got us to our destination.
After a short rest we headed to El Coclero for our final dinner. They had indicated that they were fully booked for the evening when Otto called to make a reservation for us but we went early and the charming (and cute) young man at the desk arranged for a table for us.
This is now our final evening on the porch. The new residents of Room 1 have arrived but are out to dinner. We have really enjoyed this aspect of our time here where we can pretend to be the owners of this apartment just sitting and enjoying the scene both in the morning and at night. Harry is sketching while I write. I know he is enjoying himself because he is humming while he draws.