My Cuba. Bashny.Net

My dream came true after childhood. I fly to Cuba. Waiting for a miracle often more important than the miracle.
For the curious, the price will call in CUC (convertible pesos) = 0.8 EUR = 32 rubles.
Arrival at the airport of Varadero, flight 14 hours to 13 back. For the sake of dreams can bear.
Exactly 53 photos





Arrived at 10 am local time. This is a minus 9 hours from GMT. My hotel was the furthest from the airport. While located, laid out the things acquainted with the location of the key bars, the sun suddenly fell on the horizon and night fell. There generally comes quickly sunsets and sunrises. Literally 5-7 minutes. At 7 am the day, at 7 pm the night already.
He remembered the presence of the ocean. I went to say hello. Externally, not much different from any other large body of water, but the smell .... Inexplicably Spine-Chilling. So, I am waiting on the horizon that will sail a Spanish galleon. He dipped course, although rescuers strongly discouraged. But hearing the word "light brown" behind. This word is generally opens many doors)))



The next morning, in Havana. On the recommendation of YaPovtsa Garik499, appealed to the Russian-speaking personal guide. Its engine had been repaired, this drove us to his friend the taxi driver. In the picture Chevrolet 1952. The engine of the Daewoo, Diesel 2, 0 liters. In Cuba, all without exception use diesel engines, it is cheaper. In small towns sometimes do not breathe from the exhaust, but we are the people familiar. Wheels and tires imported. It is believed to have a chic and brilliant cast.



About Cuban taxi alone. Licensing is mandatory. Without a license in the resort town not to fall, the posts are police checked. If a normal car would be a tourist, the driver can be fined for a decent amount, and even commandeer a car.
The license costs 600 CUC per month. For this sum state allocates 200 liters of diesel fuel and the right to travel to tourist areas. Counter itself in a taxi is not a treaty. You can always negotiate openly snickering taxi drivers are not met. 12:00 We rolled for 100 CUC and friendly conversation)) can certainly move on public transport, the price tag is acceptable, but in tourist areas only go by bus (5 CUC all day), and in cities and towns preferred to walk.



The fortress Castillo de Real Fuerza. Monumental! Fully protects the entrance to the port of Havana. They built the local Indians and slaves brought from America, under the guidance of the Spanish colonizers. At that time, Cuba is an excellent staging post on the way from America to Europe. There flocked gold. Plus plantation cane, tobacco and coffee production which for many years was monopolized by Spain. What course did not like England. But how it all like the local population, can guess for yourself ...



With water fortress really impregnable. Located at the mouth of the Almendares River. On a decent elevation. This inaccessibility and played a cruel joke with confidence in the Spaniards in 1762, when England brought their claims to Cuba. The Spaniards have flooded a couple of ships entering the harbor of Havana, the water area exposed to fire them confidently out of the fortress. They sit on the priest exactly as the English did not pass them on land, and forced to surrender the garrison.
True British hosts spent a year in Cuba. The Spaniards gave them to Florida, Cuba and regained.



This is one of those guns that were used in those days. Pay attention to the tilt-hoist. Could Babakhan and on a downward trajectory. Stone ledge of course later to build on for the safety of tourists.
Given the material of construction of ships while entering kernel weight of 80 kg. from a distance of 100-200 meters, equivalent to the loss of the ship.
And it's not a major caliber. Brave men were then. Well, or very greedy.



And here is the main battery. This has more or less precisely the core was sent to the 500 meters. They were removed from the positions and put at the mercy of such gunners like me. And this advantage immediately. From them and breathes history, right after rushing. Inexpressible feeling, just put your hand, and immediately begin to see. In my head flashed pictures of past battles. Wild Energy. It is difficult to imagine what it was like the crew of a wooden ship under the fire of the guns. Well, maybe I'm too sensitive, but the effect of the presence took place to be.



This battle positions of the very guns. Sweep all the approaches to the harbor. Chances attackers almost was not. Spaniard was something to cherish. By the most conservative estimates (and who then led them) were exported from America through Cuba, only in the amount of 200 million gold ducats. This is a huge sum. It is difficult to convert into modern currency. And that's not counting the slaves, coffee, tobacco, sugar ....



Harbour views from the fortress. Part of the colonial, modern places. On the right side top of Malecon. As soon as the sun falls, there is going to a local elite (forgive me YaPovtsy of the word). Perhaps the only place where combines poverty and wealth, dullness of everyday life and unbridled joy. I have the feeling that Cubans live every day as the last. If joy - that genuine, comprehensive. If the mountain, the overall, shared on all equally.



These guns were when in harbor. It's the opposite bank of the river, this is a city.
Probably kill those who broke all the same.



Cathedral of Havana. I'm sorry, but the photographer is not a fig. Believe the word, it is a beautiful city, at least the old colonial part of it. Tourists are certainly a lot, but the fuss is not visible. In Cuba, it is generally accepted to live slowly, late for 30 minutes - it's not late. And the word of the Cuban man holding. Maybe five years, so keep it up. While not fulfill the promise. And this is normal.



The same grandmother. Interesting person. Upon learning that I was from the USSR, she rolled her eyes and fell into prostration. It turned consider their Russian husbands. Two pilots, two sailors and one Pole, who called Russian, but she figured on the second day of the Catholic crosses. Asked where she watched the first day, I was asked to marry her, to check where the bride look on their wedding night. It was also asked to buy her a cigar, which she rolled up on his own, more elastic, hip. Shamefully fled, he promised to call. I laughed the whole area.



The streets of Havana. We digged gas cylinders, and here is full of artifacts.
Around the atmosphere of friendliness. No pesky people any Cuban will tell tourists how to get to the library, how do pound Lehigh and where the circus has left. Freedom, in the full sense of the word. Freedom from stereotypes, and this against a background of strict State control. Very helpful people, very open.



It's just to compare. Left modern keyhole. Key size of the time, you can easily imagine. And a bunch of keys, too.
It's hard to run the gatekeeper was probably the first to open the door knocking.
Yes. Doors 6 meters in height. And tonne weight as a minimum. Standing since those times. Wood rot at all.



Only in Havana monument to Christopher Columbus. Marble brought from Spain. In Havana, even many buildings, which were used in the construction materials delivered from Europe. Just imagine! On sailing ships, is not friendly to overcome the Atlantic Ocean, carrying stones ... Fanatics. But beautiful.



In this building, in 1895, it was first raised the flag of Cuba. Thus, Cuba has declared its independence from Spain. Of course it is not alone in the left, and in 1898 there came the Pindos. In 1902, they went from there, but they left a trace in the form of rampant dislike. Also in 1902, Havana became the official capital of Cuba.
In the photo is clearly visible underwear that dries on the balcony. It is normal for Cuba. This monument caretakers live stories that people too. And they need to dry the clothes. There is no bigotry in Cuba, there is rationalism. It should be dry - dry.
We certainly difficult to imagine drying clothes on the Kremlin's Spassky Tower, yet.



It's an old fort. Built to replace the lost wood. Which, of wood, it was looted and burned by pirates. Most of these errors Spaniards themselves were not allowed, and the loss of the capital reduced to a minimum. Only in the ocean they could clap on earth was impossible.



Capitol. As is customary, "filmed on the cork from a bottle of rum."
There are only three in the world, no traffic jams on the Roma of course.
The grand structure, capital is. This type is only in Rome (St. Peter's), and in Washington, of the same name. While there they built earlier.
Breathing hard. Solarium and in the air. But we are accustomed to the boat, to the bulb.
Fully bicycle taxis, horse-drawn carts, ask if much can and environmentally friendly electric fit. But walking is better. Absorbed, so to speak atmosfEru.
The main thing not to go INSIDE Havana. For people impressionable, ladies with dogs, wives of oligarchs and other feeble, it is better to keep the traditional tourist routes.



It's Bolshoi Theater. Unlike the Moscow available ordinary Cubans. Resolution of the Government, tickets may not cost more than 100 pesos. As observed in practice this is not checked, the salary of ordinary peasants is 600 pesos a month (not convertible, the local which is 28 times cheaper travel, convertible). And it is unlikely it will be interesting to watch the performances of the Mariinsky Theatre, rarely is visiting Cuba.



The hotel "Angleterre". Almost "Baltschug Kempinski". Expensive for the rich.
Room is a day about 2000 euros. So Cuba straightens your budget. There are more expensive hotels. But they can understand. After leaving the Union was bent almost everything. Of the 150 sugar mills working in all 40 of Cuba sugar exports already. Exclusively for domestic consumption.
Production of tobacco and coffee are limited, due to the fact that all the equipment was delivered to the plantations of the USSR, wear mechanism, no spare parts, and take them nowhere. That could mend themselves ... But the people live. And remember the good word of Russian. It is hoped that we will return to Cuba.



"House of Culture" by the Spanish colonizers.
Entrance only with a pass. All property nationalized.
Anyway. In Cuba, almost all state-owned. Hotels, shops and factories. The prices are the same everywhere, well, maybe a beer in the tourist areas is not 1 and 2 CUC, as well as universal equality.
Tipping is divided into exactly half of all employees. It does not matter, you stand at the bar or remove cigarette butts on the beach for tourists. And do not steal. At all.
Twice I forgot to close the safe. Hurry. Not a penny was missing. But in the hotel bar, the Canadians (of which there nemeryannom) stole my MP-3 player, directly from the table. And then doing stupid eyes, although their compatriots pointed directly at them.



Museum of the Revolution.
He could not visit. The museum was closed, but the magic phrase "light brown" and the passport with the date of birth (August 13), helped to penetrate))
The Cubans, without having its arsenal, with the support of the Soviet Union, then still not very strong support in the home were able to stop the aggression eseshay.
In the photo, our missile system S-300, and fragments of the downed US aircraft engine.
Rumor has it that Fidel personally fired him on the ships Pindos, who stood in the neutral waters of preparing to attack Cuba.



And this is on what Fidel fought fighters. And to return alive.



The same «Granma», Grandma.
I'm sorry that the stern and distinctly, but the museum was closed, and only managed to jump record. This yacht is legendary. Since it began the liberation movement.
This is interesting - here's a link to the Wiki ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Гранма_(яхта)



Most probably, the famous bar in Cuba and in the world. Photos of his network a lot. I succumbed to the general excitement and visited. I do not regretted never.



The interior of the bar. Galleon comes into port. On the left stands the castle, has the right shore battery. The following pictures refrigerators. They age well under 80. But the work as it should.
All the tables in the bar were occupied by Russian tourists. He sat at the counter. Attention to itself did not attract. Shirt betrayed ... It felt like sitting in your own Chertanovo. Upilis compatriots lost coast. Tagil epta! And fuck in Cuba! It was the desire to drown in the ocean of the company. Honestly.



In the foreground, "Daiquiri", the second man who glorified the bar, and ascended to heaven this cocktail.
And it is true. "Daiquiri" bar "Floridita" the most delicious. For 10 days stay in Cuba have not tried tastier. Although bypassed many bars. Just been doing.
Recipe writing is useless, it is known to all, but no one can not repeat.
P.S. It is worth 6 CUC. But it's worth it.



Supper went to a small, family-run restaurant. Entourage quite European.
The price tag is not an example of democratic, the service is much higher.
A full three-course dinner cost 18 CUC with drinks and coffee.
Currently, Raul Castro, gives an opportunity to "breathe" the common people. Allowed to engage in business (open private hotels, small cafes, souvenir trade, etc., etc.,).
Taxes wild course, but we do and it is not easy.



This daughter of the owner of the restaurant. This is the question of harmony kubinok))
My legs buckled, his hands trembled.
She was 32 years old, not married. As everyone is looking for the prince. I was not paying attention, though, and tried to "walk strut." So more and clever. It is difficult to find desired))), but wished her good luck in the search for what has been awarded a cup of coffee)) strictly in a cup, not in the groin.



Second day. The rise in the 05-30, and a trip on the partially unexplored places. We start with a farm "as you can see someone»
Practice of Soviet agriculture. All State, you only need to work. And it works. Socialism in action.
It is true what is not conscious organisms dare throw monumental Pano not ripe tomatoes. Perhaps it was the Canadians. They are just waiting podlyanki.
About agriculture. Cuban keep a cow, can afford to take only milk. All the meat goes to the State. Each cow has a label and is on the account. Unplanned death of the animal is not provided. Keeping pigs divided 50/50 with the collective farm. The bird may have himself or sell it.



Boundless field. Plantation. On kilometers left and right of man to be seen.
On the issue of agriculture. Until now practiced labor camps.
Bring the children, give them education before lunch, after studying - on the plantation.
So, five days a week. We even paid the money, and give Cubans oranges.
While work in the open air only reinforces the teachings of Marx and Engels. Yes, yes ... Teach them to this point in the school.



Local taxi. The price tag is the same as in Moscow. Comfort is less than the truth, but people are not outraged. When I tried to go clogged mother with two children. Places to them was not, so two men just came out. It should be understood that the bus runs every two hours. And the men got out and went to drink beer)) pleased. What we are similar, with all the difference.



Museum. It is located in the administration building of the former sugar factory. From Fidel personally supervised reflection attacks mercenaries yuesay initiated in 1961.
The staff of the museum - three women, very few tourists and they do not work nearly. They sit on the bare salary 500rubley + coupons for sugar. Considered gossluzhaschami have certain preferences. As the medical service ucherezhdenijah queue, free visit to the hairdresser. What is usually involved, and during operation, there is the benefit of the barber around the corner)))



Briefly explain. April 17, 1961, former Cuban citizens, trained and armed camps in Guatemala, with the full support of the Pindos, to overthrow the revolutionary regime of Castro, invaded Cuba. It was the order of 1,500, with air support and heavy armor. Accurate data can google. In the United States is not directly involved, the cause of democracy by proxy. Well, in general, they clapped. SPLIT walnut. And that given that the regular Cuban army and armored forces were 120 km. the place of the invasion. I fought the police. At least the first blow took over ordinary guys with rifles.



Punch. As custodians of the museum tried to convince me, he did not hesitate to Fidel simple accounting work. Well, that's right. Personal example proved his versatility.
The museum is certainly very modest, but the sense of pride in their country. A small, but free! From the little things add up great. Here ask all Cubans would be better if they were under capitalism? I think about ... But then respond. That even with all the hardships, the price paid for freedom, more conscience. And with a conscience are in harmony. And they have a good memory.



This engine downed B-26. Here interesting happened. Identification marks were Cuban, though armed with a Cuban Air Force aircraft was not registered. The body of the pilot removed the documents seized. According to the documents, it was a citizen of Cuba, but in fact is an American pilot. US denied their participation in the conflict, who would doubt ....
The body lay in a morgue 20 !!! years until the relatives of the pilot, through the court !!! in the U.S!!! not proven that it is a US citizen !!! The body is transferred to relatives.











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