Day 14 : 1st Day in Havana

Miguel, whom I had communicated mostly since I arrived at the Casa de Particulare “Hostal Don Miguel”, gave me a quick navigation guide – I had no map, no data network, no GPS capabilities, and had to rely on what Miguel had verbally shared to move my way around. 

Miguel also recommended a restaurant “Los Nardos” for a meal tonight.  Just relying on his directions, I walked along Prado (the main central walk way in downtown), towards Capitol.

As I walked, I felt I had travelled back in time, being surrounded by old historic buildings and numerous classic cars on the road. 

What I didn’t like was the strong stench of urine in the air in numerous places, sometimes too overpowering that I had to cover my nose and get away from the area as soon as I can.

Different types of Taxis in Cuba

On occasions, I would see a group of people congregating in one area, on mobile phones.  I soon realised they were tapping on a wifi network, which is accessible only via a prepaid scratch card, and many were either making video calls or responding to emails or social media.  

Definitely no pokemon hunting here! 

 

Dinner @ Los Nardos

The building where Los Nardos is located, also houses 2 other restaurants in the same building.  The restaurant looked fairly packed at 7pm, and was lucky that I got a table. 

I love Mojitos, and made sure I ordered one here… where better than to enjoy it in Cuba!  The Mojito served was super potent, and felt like it had been 3/4 rum and 1/4 lime juice – would had been the other way around back home!

The staff recommended that I ordered a plate of grilled chicken, which came served with plantain and rice.  Realised that it had been over 2 weeks since I last had rice, though didn’t seem to miss it at all. 

Very good meal at a really nice looking restaurant, and the damage – approximately USD10 inclusive of a tip. 

Extremely good for a 1st meal in Cuba!