Old Havana

Anton and I went for a day trip to Havana 150 km from Veradero. Havana is a UNESCO heritage city and it has begun a restoration process to restore some of that Spanish Colonial greatness that the buildings had. True some buildings are propped up with wooden shoring, but others, including the salmon coloured hotel with the top corner window open (Hemingway's room) are gradually getting back to their spleandor. We even saw a modern university building in the old section.
Anton became a man in the central square. Two 'Carmen Maranda' dressed women approached him - one on each side and wanted to be paid for a picture. I declined, turned my back and they both kissed him. He was shocked and a little flustered because I did not come to his rescue.
You will see pictures the Capitol building modelled after the USA Capital building, some lovely examples of Spanish Colonial houses with their wide open courtyards, and the poor lady above who seemed rather dependent on income from tourists to survive. Look for the meat store with a metal bull sign hanging above the entrance. Don't mind the electrical wires, it works. Click here to see more pictures.