Standing bored with glazed eyes online waiting to change money and the two Swedish women from Stockholm began chatting her up about Havana. I had met them earlier in the elevator. They are both a cheerful sort hungry for Havana information. I finally reach my turn at the desk, while still chatting with the girls when I turn to my right and Miguel my classic car driver friend is looking at me waiting. We embraced and within that hug was the feel of genuine friendship. I introduce the girls to Miguel as a wonderful driver and tour guide. I say my goodbyes to the girls as they are leaving tomorrow.
I motion to Miguel to the porch for coffee and to meet Sarah. His eyes light up as he sees Sarah, dressed fashionably with a white brim Panama hat giving the covering of her eyes a mysterious look, think Bergman in Casablanca. Somehow through the language barrier we manage to chat enough to have a nice connection all around. Miguel shows us his new baby boy he has manage to have from the last time I was in Havana. Our good fortune is that Miguel is not busy so we hire him for the afternoon.
Miguel excitingly begins talking about how he has painted and fixed the interior of his car since we last met. He has a '56 BelAire, turquoise blue and white----just beautiful. The only problem is it is a two-door car. Never being nimble in my life, I struggle to get into the back seat as I wanted Sarah to chat with Miguel and have a great view out the window. The windows wide open, sun shinning, happy faces all around we leave the the Nacional ready for all things Havana.
We drive toward the historic center along the world famous Melecon. Everyone knows it even if they do the realize it the Melacon. I am sure you have seen visual of waves crashing against the rocks spraying water onto the walkway with a lighthouse in the background. If you have not, well google or you-tube it, I am sure you will find plenty of video and images. A wonderful movie of Cuba/Havana on Netflix is Andy Garcia's Lost City. Anthony Bourdain did an episode on Havana that you can find on you tube.
Miramar is the neighborhood of millionaires, mansions and embassies. It is where Fidel has his gated compound. Here you have mansions in various stages of repair, homes people after the revolution just left behind never to return. But, what homes they are, art deco palaces in various shades of tropical colors reminiscent of Miami line the boulevard. It is a joy to watch Sarah's head swivel from side to side not knowing where to look as there is an enormous about of visual stimuli.
Miguel turns right and we fell like we have been transported to Barcelona. House after house is decorated with cut tile creating an homage to Gaudi. Poor Cubans hang out in front and you wonder if they realize how wonderful to be living in the center of the work of Jose Fuster. I realize that in Maslow's hierarchy of needs food, shelter and standard of living come before appreciating of good art. I thought how spoiled and lucky I am and need to remind myself so my thoughts are as sensitive as my actions.
The rest of the afternoon we drove by the usual suspects, the Presidential Palace, the Spanish Embassy, and Revolution Square where the Pope held court last April.
Time for some sustenance no not booze, food. I talk with Miguel a we decide to drive to Dona Camello a wonderful family run restaurant just a short distance out of Havana central. We are greeted at the entrance and walked through a lovely flower filled garden with birds softly chirping amongst the diners. The food, crab, chicken, pork, and of course rice and beans hits the spot. We are served by a young Cuban women who adores Sarah's ear rings. For the life of me, I could not describe them but I know they are pretty and so very femme.
Sarah mentioned if we could find a book store to get a translation dictionary. Miguel knows of one near the Capitol where he has asked his wife and his 13 year old daughter to say hello. The Capitol square is filled with classic cars and people. We park, cross a busy street and get our dictionary. After four hours, it is time to relax at the hotel. We ask Miguel and his wife to join us on the porch of the Nacional for a cafe. In overstuffed leather rattan and leather chairs we overlook the water, relax and enjoy the end of a pleasant day.
Sarah and Miguel
Sarah hard studying her English to Spanish translation dictionary
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