Oua oua oui oua, as we say down here. Things are coming to an end and Im coming back to Norway in a few days. Since last post, however, Ive been having a superb time. Me and my new wife (more or less), Paul, have Experienced some of Mexico and Cuba. Mexico has this far only been a transition place for Cuba. A couple of days in Playa del Carmen told us that Mexico can be more California then California.
What was way more interesting was our stay in Havana, but being as eventful as our stay was, Ill not be able to summarize everything in a bloggpost (bear with me). Havana was defiantly the most interesting city Ive been to here in South/central America. We landed in Havana Jose Martí international airport with the strong feeling that the only reason we were allowed into Cuba were our dollars. There was no shuttles in to the city, and not many tourists to be seen. Luckily for us, we met a french student named Max. His primary objective at the airport was to hook up with a nifty Israelian brunette, but since he couldnt find her me and Paul would have to do. Max` streetwise and smart spanish found us an illegal apartment (casa particular) in the middle of the old town. The legal ones are heavily taxed and very expensive (besides, as we all know, illegal always adds to the experience).
Our first sightseeing in Havana caught us aback. We lived in a part of the city soly consisting of old, colonial buildings. Everything was worn to pieces and the densely populated streets seemed sketchy as hell. This was however just the impression. Havana must be the safest capitol/big city in all of America (including the states). Being able to stroll around carelessly, even in the middle of the night, was a refreshing experience.
The buildings who were restored or less damaged were some of the most beautiful buildings Ive ever seen. The share amount of baroque, colonial constructions alone made a day of random strolling more then worthwhile. I could try to name specific locations, but this would take days of blogging. Although, walking along the Malecón and relaxing in the extremely bourgeoise gardens of Hotel National with a bottle of trashy local rum could possibly have been the best experiences we had (thanks Iver).
I might blogg a little more about Cuba later, but right now Im off to enjoy the pleasures of Isla Mujeres ("Island of ladies", and its not just a name!) here in Mexico.
Ill leave you with a couple of quotes and a handful of pictures.
Waiter 1: "Two Modelo Negra..?"
Waiter 2: "...and The Smiths"
Recognized at second visit to Yellow Sub Rock bar in Playa del Carmen.
"What guy..?
Ahh, the bloke!"
Paul D. having an epiphany.
(Picture: Belize displaying herself with erotic, though subtle, beauty)
(Picture: Lobster traps on the beach)
(Picture: Canoing upriver in the heart of Belize took us to some amazing diving spots.)
(Picture: After a day of fishing and snorkling at the reef, we grilled the catch at this little cottage on an island. The island wasn´t much bigger then what you can see on the picture.)
(Picture: The Islands only WC)
(Picture: Belize sunset, great success!)
Sorry for any spelling mistakes or the likes, but I cant be bothered reading over my notes. Looking forward to seeing good old Norway soon.
Hasta Luego,
Patria o Mouerte!
