Second day in Havana

Our second day in Havana started with a walking tour of the old town. We were docked in that part of town, so all we had to do was walk out of the port building and we were in a plaza. Havana followed the standard plan which the Spanish crown followed throughout the New World. The plan called for a large Plaza de Armas in the town center, with smaller plazas connected by boulevards, and a broad boulevard along the waterfront. Havana has many beautiful building from the old colonial period built of native stone and many narrow streets between the plazas.

The first plaza we visited is known as St Francis Plaza, although it has another official name. Everyone calls it after the Franciscan convent that stands on one side of the square. Our guide told us it’s now a museum of religion.

On the other side stands the building that used to be the stock exchange before the Revolution.

My favorite was the Plaza de Armas. This one was different from the others in that it had trees and fountains and was ringed by a low stone wall with benches. There were several statues of local heroes. It was all very peaceful and pleasant.

The last plaza we visited was Cathedral Square, which obviously takes its name from the Cathedral. It’s an impressive stone building in the Cuban Revival style, at least on the outside. Our guide told us that one of the bishops didn’t like the style and had the interior done over in a much plainer Neo Classical style. It’s a striking contrast. I rather like the outside more.

After our tour ended we had time to wander around a bit on our own. In Cathedral Square Van found his “beard brother”. He wanted to pose for photos and everyone around took their picture.

Coming back through Plaza de Armas we saw a school group on an outing. Children in Cuba wear school uniforms, and you can tell what grade they are in by the colors.

On the way we stopped for ice cream topped with fresh mango in a little shop on one of the side streets.

When we got back to St Francis Plaza there were some stiltwalkers passing through. We had heard that there was a dance festival going on that week. We had seen some groups practicing their routines earlier that morning.

Then we made our way back to the ship. In the afternoon we sailed out, with a mojito party on the top deck and great views of the harbor.

Havana was everything we had hoped it would be, and more. I’m very glad we got a chance to see it as it is now, before US tourism changes it.