Day 4: Peruse Farmer’s Market & Happy Hour in a Local’s Home
This morning, we begin with a trip to
a mercado agropecuario (produce market) where you can watch the locals
purchase their fruits and vegetables and chat with the friendly vendors.
Next up is a visit to the local supermarket. Cuban supermarkets are
different than what you might expect and will give you a much better
sense of what is, and is not, available to everyday Cubans.
We then head to Old Havana to wander
through the Museum of the City and Plaza de Armas. We will enjoy lunch
at the famous La Guarida, renowned for its delectable cuisine and of
course, its role in the movie “Fresa y Chocolate”. After
a hearty lunch, you will be more than ready to walk around and explore
the last of Havana’s four historic squares, Plaza Vieja. Dating back to
1559, most buildings have been lovingly restored to their former glory
and now house art galleries, a coffee roastery, and cafes. Be sure not
to miss the chocolate café, where you may choose to sip on a cup of hot
or cold chocolate and taste their delectable chocolate treats. Feel free
to wander around the cafe and check out the historic chocolate molds
and artifacts. Afterwards, if you still have room, perhaps try some
refreshing coconut ice cream from the ice cream street cart!
The perfect way to cap off your
Havana Weekend Getaway is happy hour at your guide’s home in Centro
Havana. Your guide and his family warmly invite you into their home for
tasty tapas and cocktails. Assisting with the cocktails is a retired
bartender who crafted drinks at the famous El Floridita for 39 years.
You are definitely going to want to make these for your friends back
home, so he is going to let you in on his secrets for mixing the perfect
daiquiri – feel free to try your hand at the second round! Enjoy
home-cooked tapas for dinner, great conversation, and more than a few
laughs with our hosts before heading back to your casa or out to enjoy
your last evening in Havana.
This evening is our last in Havana. For those who are interested in
Cuba’s legendary music, tonight is another opportunity to enjoy an
optional jazz performance or a cabaret show. Our guide will be happy to
assist you with the details.