Your Travel Expert On: Classic Cuba

By MAUREEN JONES (Star Patcher)

Now as this rediscovered island begins to accelerate with progress, more American travelers than ever are seizing the monumental moment to explore the country. Today, a trip to Cuba presents opportunities for exclusive privileges including a personal concierge to anticipate your needs and private car service. Step into your very own time capsule, a vintage Pontiac convertible to venture into Cuba’s history and forge lasting connections with its people. You will see a lot of candy colored oldsmobiles and tail finned Buicks lining the streets of Havana capture the nostalgia of a bygone era.

With a guide in the driver’s seat, cruise by sun brightened colonial buildings and Gaudi inspired facades with their breezy central courtyards. Art Nouveau embellishments and high arched doorways. At Finca La Vigia, Ernest Hemingway’s home for over twenty years you will see the typewriter used by the iconic mid century author to produce famous works including the Old Man and the Sea. Roll past the Miramar district’s Beaux Arts mansions and modernist churches which popped up almost daily during the thriving 1950’s on your way to Bodeguita del Medio, one of Hemingway’s favorite haunts. Sip the seaside bar’s specialty mojito, a refreshing highball infused with white rum, mint and muddled island sugar cane.

With taste buds primed for more Cuban flavors, set out on foot into the Old Havana’s pedestrian only network of 500 year old cobblestone streets. Charming paladares, family owned restaurants cover nearly every corner of this designed UNESCO World Heritage site. Inside their cozy kitchens learn to fold flaky pasteles according to treasured family recipes, then share lunch and conversation with the owners to discern their passion for local cuisine. Rejoin your private driver for a sunny spin down the Malecon, a five mile promenade that unfolds along the city seawall, arriving at Habana Compas for a private performance of music and dance. Company members clack castanets and stomp with wood slippers, then explain the fusion of Spanish choreography and Afro-Cuban rhythms during a full filled meet and greet.

Continue your cultural pursuits at the Muraleandro Neighborhood Community Art project, spotting the murals and found object sculptures that adorn the barrio streets. At dusk, sink back into the car’s plush leather seats before arriving at the Tropicana Club, where Nat King Cole and Josephine Baker once headlined the lavish stage shows that embodied Cuba’s nightlife. Watch the evening cabaret come to life with booming conga drums and dancers clad in elaborate fruit and feather adorned headdresses serving as a vibrant finale to your travel back in time.

We have two tours we commend, 1. Cuba, 9 nine days People to People tour, Offer 1198034 and 1. An Insider Tour of Cuba for 7 days. Offer No. 1204322 read about both on our web site www.allhorizonstvl.com The U.S. government will not allow individual travelers, so you must go with a group package.

Discover the great passion for baseball, learn Cuban salsa, and experience a great cuisine.

Maureen Jones

Maureen Jones is president of All Horizons Travel at 160 Main St., Los Altos. Members of her staff are experts in business travel, cruises, and all types of leisure.

Previous columns by Maureen:

• Your Travel Specialist: River Cruising On The Danube
• Your Travel Expert On: Salzburg, Austria
• Your Travel Expert On: Munich
• Your Travel Specialist On: London, England
• Your Travel Specialist On: Elite Entree in Spain
• Your Travel Specialist On: Alberta- A Wonderful Province in Canada
• Abu Dhabi- A destination apart
• Mougins, Cote De A’zur, France
• HIGH FIVE: What Tops Your List in South Africa?
• Lima, Peru’s Crossroads of Past and Present