The Mausoleum houses the remains of Che Guevara and 29 of his fellow combatants killed in 1967 in Bolivia. Names of the dead are set in stars set in a brick wall. The only thing that picks out Che Guevara is a star projected over his name. The mausoleum also houses an eternal flame lit by Fidel Castro. The dimness of the building creates tranquillity and respect.
The museum is across from the mausoleum and contains exhibits from Che's early life of study and medicine and then exhibits of his revolutionary life. One photo is particularly interesting as it is Che Guevara in disguise for the passport that he needed to get into Bolivia. Aside from his eyes he is not recognisable. The museum, however, is a one-sided view of things and more objectivity would give a more balanced view.
From Santa Clara we drove to Havana stopping in Revolution Square. This square is huge.
Jose Marti Memorial - one of the highest points of Havana.
An iron sculpture of Che covers one side of the Ministry of the Interior.
Jose Marti.
Other modes of transport. More modern bicitaxis.
We then stopped for a look in the Hotel Nacional which had lots of works of art.
And so to our final accommodation in Havana and in Cuba. This was Hostel D'Osbe - again up several flights of stairs. Charlotte had booked for us to go to the Buena Vista Club so we had about an hour or so to get ready. Sarah still had to get cigars for Eunan's friend so she and Jim headed off to find a cigar shop. That was an adventure in itself!
This is the story Jim told me. They went to the main shopping street - Obispo - in search of a cigar shop. They called into various hotels to inquire where to get cigars to be directed up the street and down the street to various venues which were either closed or didn't have cigars. They were finally told that the best place to go was the cigar and rum shop at the top of O'Reilly street, a number of blocks away. As they had been going up and down the street for more than half an hour Sarah decided to take a bicitaxi. They explained to the driver what they wanted and where they wanted to go. He said he knew where to get cigars so they set off at a leisurely pace, stopping at regular intervals to chat to passersby and friends of his. They arrived at his destination (not the rum and cigar shop) which was a house, not a shop. They went in through the living room where some boys were watching football on television and were heralded into a bedroom where there was a great display of cigars on the bed. They had all sorts apart from the ones Sarah wanted and anyway, Sarah did not want an iffy cash transaction as she wanted to pay by card. Our driver said not to worry as he knew another place so they set off again. On the way they passed the shop that had been recommended and, despite their protests at passing it, their driver knew better and cycled on to another destination. This time they ended up in Chinatown at a similar premises to the first. Again a large selection of cigars but not the right ones. They were informed that the ones Sarah was looking for were no longer available. While they got no cigars they got a grand tour of Havana. As it was getting late they instructed the driver firmly to take them to O'Reilly Street. When theyarrived at the cigar and rum shop Jim insisted that the driver stop. This time he understood his English or maybe it was his tone! They paid him and went into the shop. In the shop they took their place at the end of the queue of Orientals who were buying 1 or 2 cigars as souvenirs. When they finally got to the assistant they inquired if she had the particular cigars. She said yes rather dully and asked if Sarah wanted 1 or 2. Her eyes really lit up when Sarah said she wanted 2 boxes of 25. There was a card machine so it looked like Sarah could pay by card. They asked Sarah for her passport for identification but Sarah hadn't brought it with her on this expedition. Jim said he could produce identification and showed the assistant his senior travel pass - a new use for a travel pass! Having finally got their cigars they proceeded to head back to the hostel to discover that the cigar shop was only 3 minutes walk away. Jim inserted the key into the outside lock but it wouldn't budge. Even with the aid of a local across the road they had no success in getting the door open. Meanwhile Charlotte and I were all dolled up for our outing to the Buena Vista Club and were wondering had something untoward happened to Sarah and Jim - maybe they had absconded together! At any rate they finally gained access by ringing the bell. After a very quick shower we were ready to get a taxi but the housekeeper tried 9 or 10 taxis and none was available so we had no option but go to the taxi rank at the end of the road. The trip to the Socal Club took 10 minutes and despite having asked how much it would be and being told 10CUC we were charged 40CUC - truly conned again!
On entering we had to stand for quite a while at the bar before we were seated. Initially they put us in one of the show rooms but then we were brought to a nicer room and seated. It cost 60CUC each for the cabaret show, a 3 course meal and 3 cocktails. The first act was a classical music group which was really good.
However, we were more anxious to get into the more upbeat type of Cuban music. And the music and dancing was really fantastic!
The man on the left was the MC - he was quite an elderly man but his English was good.
This man was a great singer, dancer and entertainer.
She had a fantastic voice.
Charlotte got drawn into the fun!
We had a great night! That was our last night in Havana as we were leaving the following evening.
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