After a brief rest at the hotel, we headed to the historic and iconic Hotel Nacional de Cuba for our final evening in the city. Originally planned for an afternoon visit, we decided to reschedule for the evening to enjoy a pre-dinner aperitif in the hotel's enchanting garden.
Arriving in style in a turquoise-blue classic car, we felt transported to another era. The scene was set perfectly as we walked through the grand entrance and made our way to the garden at the back. With cocktails in hand, we soaked in the breathtaking view just as the sun began to set—a truly magical moment to cap off our time in Havana.
One of the hotel’s main attractions, the Hall of Fame, is renowned for showcasing the hotel’s glamorous history, including visits from countless celebrities and serving as the site of the infamous mafia conference in 1946, famously depicted in The Godfather II. Unfortunately, to our dismay, the Hall was abruptly closed that very morning, with no plans for reopening in the foreseeable future. We couldn’t even catch a glimpse of it through the darkened windows—a small disappointment amid an otherwise memorable evening.
Dinner took us to Doña Eutimia, a charming spot where we had the pleasure of dining with a former Cuban press and cultural attaché who now teaches political science. To commemorate our final night in Havana, we ordered two Cuban classics: Ropa Vieja and Lobster. Both were delicious, but the lobster portion was so generous that we could only manage half.
After dinner, we stumbled upon a live music performance at a nearby outdoor pub. The lively music, combined with the gentle evening breeze, created the perfect atmosphere to savor our last moments in Havana. We lingered for a while, letting the music and energy of the city imprint on our memories.
You can watch the vide below:
https://youtu.be/4_LF_EGkkV8?feature=shared
As our stay in this vibrant city came to an end, we reflected on the past four days—an experience filled with art, history, culture, and heartfelt encounters. Tomorrow morning, we set off for Júcaro Port, continuing our journey in Cuba.
Havana left an indelible mark on our hearts with its mix of charm, resilience, and stories that span decades.
A heartfelt thank you to my guide, driver, and Cultural Cuba for organizing this unforgettable experience in Havana. Your care and expertise made every moment seamless and enriching.
Cultural Cuba:
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