When In Cuba...

I've decided I am just going to post based on what interests me, versus chronologically.
For the A type personality I am, this is very hard, and off-brand.
But giving it a whirl.

The date is September 2019 and the location is Havana, Cuba.
My counterpart is once again the effervescent and amazing travel partner, Mary.

 Night one we did the obligatory classic car ride and photo opp.  Most have no AC and their emissions are questionable at best, but it was so fun to ride around in them.

We were staying at the relatively new Grand Packard in the center of town; great location.

Views from Old Havana.

We of course had to try a Cuban sandwich, in Cuba. We asked if they just called it "sandwich" because it was in Cuba, and they said no. The questions ended there.

 An overpriced and pretty boring daquiri with Ernest Hemingway at his favorite haunt, The Floridita.

Our final night dinner was at the Buena Vista Social Club.  It was a great showcase of Cuban talent, and only had a slight hint of tourist trap.

I am so very glad that we got to Cuba; who knows how long the little access that is left to Americans will remain.
The people were lovely, and I always felt very safe. But the signs of poverty are just everywhere, and sad. The lines for gasoline alone were enough to make you really appreciate the things you take for granted daily in the US.
Most of the people we interacted with (locals) do not know life before the Revolution, and to them, this is the norm.  It was eye opening to hear their thoughts.
I've been a lot of places, but truly have never been more grateful to land in the US than when I departed Havana.  Our freedoms are not to be taken for granted. A trip to Cuba will set you straight if you weren't sure.