Havana Heat and Hidden Corners: A Whirlwind in Havana
okay, so. havana. i landed here after… well, let's just say a questionable series of decisions involving a very cheap flight and a desperate need for sunshine. the numbers i saw scrolling past - 1183090 and 1586033847 - felt like a password to a secret, and honestly, the humidity here is hitting different. temp is 12.82C, feels like 12.32C, with a pressure of 1011 and a humidity that’s basically a living thing - 83%. it’s… a lot. grnd level is 917, sea level is 1011 - geographically speaking, it’s all a bit of a blur right now.
first impressions? chaos, pure unadulterated chaos. the air smells like exhaust, cigars, and something vaguely floral - it's intoxicating, actually. i’m staying in a casa particular in *Old Havana, and it’s… an experience. let’s just say the wifi situation is… developing. and the neighbors? they’re loud, friendly, and always got a story. if you get bored, Trinidad is just a short drive away. i saw a group of guys playing dominoes outside my window this morning - they were animated, gesturing wildly, and definitely not afraid to share their opinions.
so, the plan? wander. get lost. eat all the pastelitos. i’ve heard rumors from a local artist that the best street art is tucked away in the back alleys of Centro Habana. someone told me that the best mojitos aren't in the tourist traps, but in the tiny bars where the locals hang out - apparently, they use mint grown in their own backyards. i’m definitely on a mission to find that hidden gem.
gear list? super minimal. basically just my trusty backpack, a journal (because i have to document this), and a decent camera - got some shots of the forts that are stunning. this is a trip for feeling, not for Instagram perfection, y’know?
things a local warned me about? don’t flash expensive jewelry. and always negotiate prices - even if it feels awkward. someone told me that the government currency exchange rates aren’t always the most favorable, so be prepared to haggle a little. i checked out some tips on TripAdvisor Havana forums to prep.
what i’ve been doing:
exploring the *Plaza Vieja - surprisingly lively, even in the afternoon.
trying to decipher the street signs (good luck with that).
attempting to learn a few basic spanish phrases (my pronunciation is… questionable).
dodging vintage cars - seriously, they’re everywhere!
and the food! oh god, the food. i've had some seriously amazing ropa vieja - shredded beef in a savory tomato sauce - and it’s seriously cheap. i even tried some frituras from a street vendor - fried plantains, sweet plantains, and yuca. i heard that Chef Roberto’s place in *Vedado is amazing, but it’s apparently booked solid for weeks. maybe i'll try a cooking class? there are some good ones listed on Yelp Havana.
looking forward to… getting deliciously lost. and maybe figuring out what that number 1586033847 actually is*.
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