CUBA, May 2011

Wow!  What a trip and an education.  It's too bad that this country has been closed off to the US for so long, but consequently some place that hasn't been consumed by US tourism.  We went down on a humanitarian trip in which we took medical and other needed supplies which were donated to a church.  Fortunately, it is in this way that americans can now get a chance to visit Cuba.  There also are educational tours that are allowed.   You just have to find a tour group that has a license to go.  I was lucky enough to be able to go as an 'escort' with my mother who travels frequently with a seniors group.

We had an excellent tour and guide.  We learned so much about the country, culture, and way of life there.  There is so much history and incredible Spanish colonial architecture, although most of the buildings are in pretty bad condition.  However, little pieces of capitalism are popping up and you can see a building here and there that has been renovated, evidence of the recent changes in policy.   My mother just made a second trip this November and saw even more improvements.  So things seem to be moving rather quickly now.
May seemed to be a much better time to go.  Apparently November is high tourist season, and was significantly more crowded. 


view from pool deck at Parque Central Havana

 The food in general is far from great in my opinion, however, the music and entertainment in most restaurants is incredible as one would imagine.  The high end hotels are nice, but don't expect a 5 star hotel to be on par with a 5 star in the states.  I didn't get to check out different hotels as I usually try to do because we were limited with time and our pretty fast paced tour schedule.   In Havana, we stayed at the Parque Central in Downtown.  I'm guessing it's safe to say this is one of the nicer hotels there.   Rooms were comfortable, fairly luxurious bathroom, staff was friendly and helpful, gorgeous lobby, with bar and restaurant, and I think there is a business center also, along with a travel office.  The roof top pool gives you a great view of the city.

 If you happen to stay here I would ask for an upper level room on the Prado side (this is the walk that goes from the park to the Malecon) or one with a park view.   This will give you a better view and less street noise.  If you open your window or balcony doors you will immediately notice the pollution, most likely from the exhaust of all the old vehicles.  But it's so cool to be there looking out over the city, you get over it.

As you might guess, you definitely want to drink bottled water.  In fact, the water system is so old in Havana Vieja (that's old Havana), that the water has to be trucked in.  So it kinda makes you wonder what the restaurants do when they run out, which they did during our dinner there one night.  Not sure I want to think about it, but everything seemed to be okay, and no one got sick at that point.

 



Renovated buildings in Plaza Vieja



Eleven of the 15 people in our tour group did get sick the evening that we checked into the GranHotel Iberostar  in Trinidad de Cuba, and we blamed it on the food or food handlers. It could have been from a roadside lunch that day, but our guess was from dinner at the hotel.   That was the only incident of that nature, but several people were severly sick for a day or two, and some even longer.  I was not crazy about the hotel there, the rooms themselves were very nice, but many of them in the back faced a big giant wall.  If you happen to end up at this hotel DEFINITELY make sure you ask for a room with a veranda that faces the square.   We switched to one of these and were infinitely happier.   The best part of Trinidad for me was not so much the Valley of the Sugar Mills tour as was the party that takes place on the central stairs of the city with live music and dancing.   That was fabulous entertainment, and the men will make you get up and dance, which makes for a great time.

Anything you get to see in Cuba is worth the trip, but here are some sights of note:
Ernest Hemingway Estate, The Revoluntionary Museum in the former Presidential Palace, Havana Vieja, as well as the other plazas,  Museo de la Ciudad, The Malecon, the Hotel Nacional (if you're not already staying there, many tour groups do) and even taking a look at the Riviera Hotel.  And of course you can't miss all of the old 50's vehicles.
For some real insight into the Batista, Meyer Lansky and night club era of Havana, I suggest the book Havana Nocturne, by T.J. English.  It's a great way to get much of the history in a super interesting read.   

Some things to note about Havana:  The hustlers in front of the hotels can be pretty aggressive.  I did walk down the streets at night and felt farily safe, but I'm used to a big city and don't scare too easy.  Some may not feel as comfortable about it, although everyone will tell you it's relatively safe, but that's something to guage for yourself.  If you are a female traveler, definitely be prepared for attention from the male locals, and at night, maybe too much to feel comfortable. 

Restaurants recommended by some - Restaurante el Template, La Imprenta (both in old Havana)

BEACHES:
And finally, the beaches.  Well, needless to say this was not a beach tour.   However, I will always do my best to get to a beach if there is one to be found.  
One of the nicest I saw was when we ventured out on our own one afternoon and took a taxi to Playa Ancon.  This was not included on our tour, but was an idyllic spot and I wish I could have spent more time here.   There is a hotel situated there used by the locals, I believe it's the Cubanacan.

Playa Ancon

  



Playa Santa Maria - about 30 minutes by local bus ride from Havana.  Okay, so it's a beach, but for me, nothing of special to note there. 

Playa Santa Maria



Varadero - This is supposed to be the resort area of Cuba.  We did not get to go here and did not have the time to see it.  But it is definitely a goal for the future.  Although I hear it is very touristy, but that's not always so bad.

Lennon Park in Havana

Art work of Lennon by Alexandra Quevedo

Tampa, Florida,  Summer 2011

Okay, no beach, but it does sit on the bay.  I hung out here for a week or so last summer before heading to St. Pete.  I stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn Ybor City.  I only planned to stay for a couple of nights, but stayed longer because I loved this hotel!  The staff was super friendly, full breakfast with several choices.  The pool was average but inviting.  There was also a small fitness room with decent equipment.  I read some reviews that the rooms weren't great, however, I had an awesome, very comfortable king room with super comfy bedding and a very large bathroom (I don't think all of the rooms have the big bathroom, but that was a plus).    The room itself was very spacious, with good work space and a small frig. 

The location was great as far as being right in Ybor City.  I loved being able to walk to everything. Lots of different restaurants, bars, and pubs to check out.  It's in a perfect location if you want to do the Ybor City bar scene.  It gets pretty lively on the weekend - very lively actually, think small scale Bourbon Street.   Unfortunately, apparently there is some crime that comes with it too.  I've even heard about a couple of shooting incidents, within the club crowds mostly I think.  It doesn't seem bad enough to keep the crowds away, but they will tell you to be careful.  It might just be a matter of staying away from certain establishments. 

Channelside is nearby and you can take a trolley from Ybor.  There a few restaurants there along with the aquarium (but not too much else really).   Tina Tapa's Channelside was good and has an outdoor bar area and patio.  The aquarium is definitely worth a visit.  Make sure you have enough time.  There is a lot to see there.

I also went to a little outdoor bar right by the convention center.  I don't know the name, but it was kind of a good spot near the water.



Florida Aquarium



Art work by Alexandra Quevedo

St. Pete Beach, Florida, November 2011

Recently back from another trip to St. Pete Beach.  Ahhh, this is one of my favorites.  I love this beach.  Pristine powdery white sand on a nice wide beach.  Gentle surf and warm blue green water.  If you want big surf, this may not be your beach, but if you love just floating around, swimming, or wading, it's perfect.  Just enough going on, but not so much that it gets annoying.  Some restaurants and bars situated right on the beach where you can eat and drink with your toes right in the sand - and watch incredibly beautiful sunsets!

As far as places to stay, I usually prefer the motels where your door is just steps away from the sand.  Here are some of the places I checked out this trip, and my last trip in August 2011.


View of beach from Florida Dolphin, metered parking lot inbetween



Florida Dolphin Motel - not fancy, but is a decent reasonably priced place especially if you want a kitchen.  It lacks nicer amenities like maid service and beach towels, and is a little too far up and slightly off the beach, but the price is right relatively speaking.  You can still see and walk to the beach.  It worked for me when I needed to stay for a while and the office person was personable and friendly.

Plaza Beach Resort - good location and isn't bad, but the bathroom in my room was small and slightly dated, and the beds weren't that great.  Although the actual room was decent size with a kitchenette, couch, and flat screen.

The Bon-Aire - nicely situated with pretty nice rooms, and the beach front tiki hut type bar that serves food  is a huge plus.  But it's harder to book, and there also seemed to be a lot of families which made for a crowd in the the two pools.  Overall I would stay here more if it wasn't hard to get at the last minute.  Since I don't book ahead they usually only have street side rooms left, which I pass on.

Miramar Resort - personally I like this one for a few dollars more.  Just the right size place, not too big or small, nicer room amenities and good location - good kitchenettes, nice beach towels.  One thing to note is their parking is limited if you have multiple vehicles.  But that could apply for the other places too.  Parking can be a little tough in general in St. Pete when its busy, but there is a centrally located public metered lot up the street.  The Miramar has a big grill where you can cook out beach and poolside.


Postcard Inn - Cute surfer themed rooms with a lot of character.  However, they do not have friges or microwaves so they are a no for me.  But there is a really nice pool area and popular beach bar.   Just be prepared for a party scene by the looks of it. The bar is right by the pool and has live bands, which may or may not be a draw for some - and it's not like island music.  It was more hard rock when I was there.  Which is great if you're looking for a party, but doesn't really fit with relaxing at the beach for me. 
My pick for bars would probably be the Undertow.  They have a great roof top deck.



View of St. Pete Beach from HoJo's 4th floor Gulf front Room



Howard Johnsons - I ended up staying a few nights here.  My suggesstion is that if you stay here, go ahead and splurge on a gulf front room, a few floors up.  The view is awesome!  It's competetively priced.  The pool area is really nice and spacious and there is a beach bar although not directly on the beach, but just on the other side of the dunes.   The room is a typical hotel room, decent size and comfortable.  Hojo's seems like it is trying to be on the higher end, but not quite making it.  They need to stay on top of their maintenance a little more.  Some of the reviews I read said it was noisy, but I didn't have that problem.  I would ask not to be near the elevator though.  For the most part I really liked it, even though I'm not a high or mid rise hotel fan, but you can't beat the balcony with the spectacular view.  There is a restaurant attached, which suffices, but don't expect to be wowed.  Another bar/restaurant, Paddy O'Sullivans, and cuban place with live music seems like a convenient plus across the street, although I didn't get a chance to check them out.  But I want to on my next visit.

The Beachcomber Motel- Right next door to Howard Johnsons.  You can walk from the pool to Jimmy B's beach bar, which stays pretty happening.   You can definitely hear the bands from HoJo's and they go fairly late.   I got a quick look at the rooms here which seemed small and not too thrilling.

Of course, there are a lot of places to choose from.  One issue for me with the high rise hotels is that the building sometimes shades the pool.  That doesn't work for me.  If I'm in the pool I want sun.  Whatever you want, there are a lot of places to choose from, high rise and low rise hotels, motels, and condos.  However, tough to find anything under $100, even low end (The Florida Dolphin and maybe one or two others), unless you find a deal - which I did occasionally (summer or off season prices). 

Nearby:

Treasure Island and beyond, I don't find the sand to be as nice (It's a little shelly but still nice), but seemed to be easier to find a less expensive room.  The road on up to Clearwater is a nice drive with good beaches along the way.

Pass-a-Grille - Worth a trip just to see and have a drink at the top floor of the Hurricane bar and restaurant.  The drink prices are a total rip off, but the view is definitely worth checking out.

John's Pass - Big tourist spot.  A couple of good restaurants, and a ton of T-shirt shops, but not totally obnoxious.

Fort Desoto Park - voted best beach at some point, but I'm not entirely sure why.  It's a nice park, and there is a section at the pier that is really pretty.  But as far as the actual beach, in general, to me it's not nearly as nice as St. Pete Beach.  I guess it just depends on what you like.  I suppose some of the appeal is having trees as a back drop instead of hotels.  There is a bike path that makes for a good ride through the park.  There is also a spot that rents kayaks and I didn't have to be out long before I paddled with a couple of manatees.  They come right up to the boat and check you out!  That was a highlight for sure.  This was in the summer, and the park was relatively quiet.

Clearwater - some people favor this beach, but I thought it was overcrowded with lots of traffic.  There is always Shepherd's Hotel which has some nice rooms available in the big building, and a popluar night club,  live bands and bar outside, and a nice restaurant.  Other than that not much else there thrilled me.  The Holiday Inn next door looked like a pretty good spot too.





Endless incredible sunsets on St. Pete Beach!

                            

Beach....

 and Pet Art by Alexexandra Quevedo-



Alex can do a personalized painting of your pet as she has done with her dog Lola.  She donates a percentage of the sales of any of her pet art to the local SPCA.