Havana, day 3

February 20, 2015

It was Jose Marti national day, as we found out due to groups of pupils in uniforms marching and drumming on the streets in Havana. It reminded me of Romania in the 80’s communism when we were marching for Ceausescu’s delight on national days.

(Jose Marti is one of Cuba’s National Heroes. Read more about him on Wikipedia if you want, ’cause this blog is not about history, is about photos).

In a 3-a zi in Havana am aflat ca e ziua nationala Jose Marti (un erou national cubanez), pentru ca pe strazi marsaluiau zeci de elevi in uniforme, in sunet de tobe. Mi-am adus aminte de anii ’80 din Romania, cand, copil fiind, participam la astfel de marsuri comuniste in centrul Targovistei, in plin soare si caldura.

Took taxi (17 CUC both ways) to Viazul bus station to buy tickets in advance to Vinales, where we will be going in a few days. We bought to Cienfuefos as well. The Line was moving very slow.

After that, we returned to center and walked on Obispo street – somewhat crowded (both Cubans and tourists). Very nice weather. Took a coconut from street vendor. Sat on a bench in a square. V is not feeling well, he is having some nausea, headache and muscle pain. We walked towards Piazza Vieja, had a strong Cuba Libre (’cause I asked the waiter to make it stronger) and a tuna sandwich. Cute waiter chico cubano.

Visited Museo de Naipes (playing cards Museum in Piazza Vieja). We wanted to go to Rum Museum but V wasn’t feeling well (high fever) so we went home instead.

Vremea e foarte frumoasa, cald si soare. Am cumparat o nuca de cocos de la un vanzator ambulant. Am cumparat si Churros, un aluat prajit, cu gust ca o gogoasa. Ne-am indreptat spre Plaza Vieja unde am baut un Cuba Libre (cola cu rom; doar eu am baut ca V nu se simtea prea bine, febra, greata). Chelnerul nostru foarte simpatic si dragut (poza), reprezentativ pentru mai toti barbatii cubanezi – freza perfecta si muschi.