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Havana Heat & Hash Browns: A Whirlwind in Havana

@Topiclo Admin3/19/2026blog

okay, so where do i even begin? havana. just…havana. i’m still processing. the numbers i keep seeing - 3684666 and 1170394868 - they just started popping up randomly in my notes app before the trip, felt like some cryptic message from the universe, honestly. like, what does that even mean? maybe it’s the amount of mojitos i’ll consume? probably not enough.


The weather? intense. i just checked and it’s baking, like someone cranked the thermostat to eleven. there right now, hope you like that kind of thing. humidity is clinging to you like a second skin. and the air smells…like exhaust, cigars, and something sweet i can’t quite place. it’s a sensory overload in the best (and sometimes worst) possible way. i felt like i needed to invest in a good portable fan, seriously.

I’m a freelance photographer, so naturally, I was obsessed with capturing everything. The peeling paint, the vintage cars (oh god, the cars!), the faces. The layers of history are just… palpable. You can feel it in the crumbling architecture, the faded murals. I’d recommend checking out some street photography tips on Expert Photography Blog before you go - trust me.

I heard that the best street food is found down by *Callejon Barreras - but someone warned me to keep an eye on my belongings. Standard, i guess.

Anyway, i was wandering around Old Havana and stumbled upon this tiny little cafe. Honestly, it was a lifesaver. The coffee was strong, the pastries were sugary perfection, and the owner, Isabela, told me stories for hours. She said the neighborhood is changing fast, becoming more tourist-focused, which is a bummer, but she’s determined to keep the spirit of the place alive. If you get bored, Guantanamo is just a short drive away.

My accommodations? let’s just say they were…rustic. Think charmingly dilapidated, not charmingly renovated. But hey, it adds to the authenticity, right? plus, it was ridiculously cheap which is good because the currency situation is a bit…complicated. someone told me that haggling is expected, and even encouraged, especially at the markets*.


I spent a good chunk of time just wandering, getting lost in the labyrinthine streets. I ended up at a small art gallery showing work by local artists. Really cool stuff - lot of political commentary and reflections on daily life. Definitely worth checking out if you're into that sort of thing. There are some great cultural trips detailed on TripAdvisor if you want a more structured experience, but i preferred just to go with the flow.

And the music! oh my god, the music. It's everywhere. From the impromptu street performances to the live bands in the squares, Havana is awash in rhythm. I found myself just standing there, mesmerized, letting the music wash over me. I even managed to get a little dancing in (badly, i might add). I heard that Buena Vista Social Club is a must-see, although it's definitely on the pricier side.


The food was…interesting. A lot of beans and rice, definitely good, but not exactly gourmet. I tried ropa vieja, which is shredded beef, and it was pretty tasty. And the hash browns! honestly, i’ve never tasted anything like them. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. a revelation. i'm still dreaming about them. I looked up some recipes on Serious Eats - might try to recreate them at home (doubtful, but hey, a girl can dream!).


Leaving was brutal. i felt like i was leaving a part of myself behind. It's a city that gets under your skin, stays with you. a crazy, beautiful, chaotic, unforgettable city. i’m already planning my return trip - maybe i’ll learn some salsa before then.



"Don't go if you're looking for perfection. Go if you're looking for a story."




It's that kind of place. Just…story-filled.

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About the author: Topiclo Admin

Writing code, prose, and occasionally poetry.

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