Even though the Christmas Holidays aren't even a month behind us, we desperately need a VACATION. Where we can relax and soak up some much needed sun and vitamin D. Winters are kind of tough here in Victoria. Not because there is tons of snow (although we had that too this year), but because the sun rarely shines during January, February or March.
We'll be staying at the lovely, recently renamed, 4 star resort (although some sites deem it a lowly 3 star) Hotel Oasis Turquesa in Varadero, Cuba. The hotel is in a good location in terms of distance to the airport and the town of Varadero. And although the hotel rooms seem a little dated, Trip Advisor reviews have deemed it clean and spacious :) The best part of this resort is clearly the beach - it looks massive with gorgeous turquoise water…*sigh… Some people that have gone to Cuba have claimed that the food is a little blasé…and many who have never been claim it to be bland, tasteless and trip ruining worthy. (Dotcha love negative comments from people who have never been to the places they are talking about?!?). We're going with an open mind and hoping for the best (and I've packed a stash of Pringles and Hawaiian mixed nuts just in case ;)
Another reason we are really excited about this trip, is that it is going to be a family affair! Harri's parents are meeting us in Cuba, while my sister, brother-in-law and sister-in-law are coming too! It's sure to be a paaart-y when we get there.
We don't have too much planned as far as excursions (although this could change once we get there). We want to spend as much time relaxing (me reading, Harri at the swim up bar ;) as possible. One thing we are planning on doing is taking a trip into Havana…we'd love to see those 50's cars in action…as well as how Cuban's in their capital city live - and the history:
While we're in Havana we're aiming to go the Tropicana Night Club to see a show:
Here's a bit of history directly from Wikipedia ;) :
The Tropicana showcased lavish shows staged by choreographer Roderico "Rodney" Neyra. Headliners included Xavier Cugat, Carmen Miranda, Nat King Cole and Josephine Baker. Heralded as a "Paradise Under the Stars," the Tropicana became known for its showgirls, conga sounds, domino tournaments and flashy, spectacular productions. The long list of celebrities who flocked to the Tropicana included Édith Piaf, Ernest Hemingway, Jimmy Durante and Marlon Brando. Beginning in 1956, Cubana Airlines' Tropicana Special was a round-trip flight that ferried club customers from Miami to the Tropicana and returned them to Florida at 4am the following morning.[1]
Other than a day in Havana we'll likely venture into Varadero for a stroll in Josone Park:
(Harri wants to ride a camel - HA!…which apparently you can do there):
lunch at Pizza Nova, enjoy a sunset dinner at La Barracuda and dance the night away at Calle 62:
Oh…and perhaps a cigar or two:
Just 3 more sleeps.
pics from flickr
