The first thing we noticed on arrival in La Habana [1], Cuba, was the helpful happy people, no traffic congestion and the number of shiny 1950´s American cars.  The longer we were there, the more back to the fifties it felt; back when consumerism wasn´t all pervading, when children played in the streets, when you could walk around safely.  Black fishnet stockings are still kicking on in Cuba too. 

.

There are two currencies in Cuba, Convertible Pesos (CuC) – essentially US$, and Cuban Pesos (Moneda Nacional, MN) at 24 to the CuC.  Cubans are paid in MN.  Pretty much anything a tourist would want is priced in CuCs, but MN can get you some real bargains – ice cream 4c, individual pizza 30c, not bad either.  How about a novel for 70c or a bunch of red roses under $1?

.

The architecture of Habana Vieja is a fantastic jumble of art deco, colonial, baroque, gothic, neo classical, Gaudi-esque and Soviet era concrete apartment blocks.  Some buildings have been painstakingly restored while others crumble slowly away.  The Malecón, stretching 8 kilometres around Habana Bay is a good place for sun set watching.  We stayed in the 400 year old Convento de Santa Clara and enjoyed an evening mojito or two in one of the open air plazas.  Habana – file it under World´s Greatest Cities.

.