Special

How to end a perfect evening?

Well with another thrilling ride, this time in a pink 1955 convertable Buick Special. While the top was up to ward off the evening chill, the ride was well appreciated all. 

The huge steering wheel, unlit dashboard and non-functioning speedometer were topics for post-ride conversation. While the lack of seat belts and a speedy driver left some feeling that they had truly taken their lives in their hands.

Varadero 60

Our wild ride was followed by an amazing dinner at Varadero 60.

Fresh seafood prepared to perfection.

Ford Never Looked so Good

Did I mention the old cars?

We asked for a taxi to bring us into Varadero and were picked by in this 1918 Ford.

Complete with wooden dash, floor boards and window casings, this wild ride has no Speedometer.

What an unexpected treat!

Approaching

As clouds rolled in the sun fought to offer a few more rays.

Creative Hangout

This is the hotel where Ernest Hemminway wrote some of this early works.

It is said that he once drank 14 margerhita's in one sitting. 

Bears in Cuba

Bear sculptures line the St. Francis of Assisi square. Gifts from countries around the world, we found the Canadian bear that was painted to graphically represent our geographical landscape.

Aqueduct

Among the first settlements in the New World, Cuba is also home to the first aqueduct system in this hemisphere.

The Land that Time Forgot

Christopher Columbus discovered Cuba in 1492. Since that time this country has been influenced by the Spanish, Americans, Africans, Italians, Russians and many others.The architecture in old Havana is an eclectic mix of these influences.

This is the first Fort built in America.

This is some of the intricate stone work found on many buildings.

This grand house was owned by a Spanish family who made their fortune in tobacco.

In this square you can see a variety of architectural styles from ornate European to utilitarian Russian influences.

Grand old churches dominate the squares where people would gather.

Because art and culture are central in Cuban life, this wall mosaic honours turn of the century artists who lived in Cuba. 

So you Want a Revolution?

Fidel Castro is admired but some and abhorred by others. In fact, he has had so many death threats in his own country that no one knows where he lives, anything about his family or how many children he has.

Here, in revolution square he would give speeches lasting 2 - 8 hours, inspiring, ordering or invoking fear and hatred. 

Cubans are so proud of their heritage of revolution this statue stands in honour of this past.

The Largest Museum on Wheels

BelAirs, Falcons, Bonnevilles, Meteors, Specials and more...Cuba's streets are filled will automobiles from the late 1950's and early 1960's. 

New cars are hard to find in Cuba so the old ones are refurbished and restored.

Many of these oldie Goldie's are used as taxis because car prices are out of reach for most Cubans.

Escape

A quick escape from Canada's frozen north brought us to a brief respite in Cuba. 

The long white sand beaches and 27 C temperatures were welcome relief. 

The glow of a lingering sunset left us with promise of good things to come.