Day three started with walking tour of central Havana. As a note, it would have been nice to have stayed in central part of Havana. Our hotel was a couple of miles away and there was not much to see around our hotel. It was a great hotel, but perhaps not the best location.
On our way in the bus we got a bit of the history of Havana from Lazaro. Cuba was discovered by Europeans by Christopher Columbus in 1492. In 1510 or so Europeans began to settle in Cuba, mostly on the South Coast due to its proximity to South America. On 16 November 1510 Havana was founded because it had water, arable land, and a port. It became the jumping off point of travel back to Spain with the plunder from the Americas. The city spread from the main church. Its name comes from an Native chief and his land. Cuba is the native’s name for the island.
We started in the main square where we met a guide. But, she did not speak English and Lazaro, who is trained translator, had to translate. But that was going to prove to be very slow and he knew the city well so we went ahead without the guide. That was a great decision. The picture captions will help tell the story.
The group, still looking fresh and cool. The square was lined wit used book and record stalls.
Statue of one of Cuba’s heroes. Note that birds don’t have respect. A side street in Havana.
I figured this was worth a tip to take a picture. Church Interior
Touching the beard, index finger and foot of this An old water aqueduct
statue is supposed to be good luck.
A more modern square. A mural in small park.