Havana, My Love!

"From a childhood memory to the streets of Havana."

Some journeys begin long before we board a plane; they live quietly inside us, shaped by memories, childhood stories and the people we carry in our hearts. Cuba is one of those places that stirs something deep within every traveller who steps onto its vibrant streets, a country where rich history, colourful architecture and a timeless rhythm come together to create an atmosphere unlike anywhere else. For me, this trip was not a simple holiday or escape from routine but a return to a feeling, a promise fulfilled and an unspoken conversation with my grandmother. Havana had lived in my mind for years before I ever touched its soil, and when I finally did, it became more than sightseeing. It became a deeply personal encounter with memory, culture and identity, a moment that reshaped the way I look at travel and the places that call to us long before we arrive.

"Cuba is such a beautiful country, and everywhere you go, there’s music and people dancing- especially in Havana."

 Julia Sawalha

Back seat of this cuban gentleman's vintage car for a great Havana ride.

Havana! here I come.......

Few years ago, I was planning a trip to Montreal (Canada) and Miami (Florida) from London (United Kingdom) to visit family and friends and attend a friend’s vow renewal. But while booking the trip, I felt like something was missing a "je ne sais quoi" that lingered in my mind. That feeling wouldn’t disappear until I allowed myself a moment to pause and reflect.

What happened next was pure joy, excitement, and nostalgia. It was a journey down memory lane, a return to a childhood dream that had always lived quietly in my heart. Then came the unexpected scream of happiness: “HAVANA, MY LOVE!” Yes, that was my own voice, a burst of emotion as my childhood memories resurfaced.

I suddenly saw myself as a young girl, sitting beside my grandmother as she passionately told stories about the Cuban Revolution, the breathtaking beauty of Havana, and Che Guevara’s journey in the Congo. Back then, unaware of where Cuba was on the map, I assumed these tales were part of Nana’s magical world. Like many of us, I grew up fascinated by the stories our grandparents shared stories that shaped our imagination more than we realised.

What I did not expect, however, was that Havana would remain in my heart forever.

Grandma is no longer with us, but she left me with a gift: a love for a country I had never seen, and a profound curiosity for its history, culture, and people. And now, after all these years, I’m finally ready to discover the Cuba she cherished so deeply.

Havana on my mind!

But first, I needed to figure out how to get there. All my return flight tickets were already booked, and none of them were exchangeable or refundable. My biggest concern was the restrictions imposed by the United States on foreigners travelling to Cuba through US borders. Because of that, I began researching a travel agency that could support the immigration process, and fortunately, I was able to sort everything out while in Miami.

The Cuban immigration process was straightforward. I only had to pay a small fee for the immigration card and the agency service, which came to no more than 90 dollars in total. The best part was discovering that Havana is less than an hour away from Miami by air, and my return ticket to Cuba cost exactly 203 dollars.

The trip became real the moment I took my seat on the American Airlines flight that Sunday morning, on April 1st.

Habana! Buenos Días.

Fifty five minutes later, I was in Havana. The feeling of joy and the sense of accomplishment, as if Nana was smiling and whispering "well done baby, we made it", was indescribable. I realised that, unknowingly as a child, I had embraced the idea of having "Le devoir de mémoire" (the Duty of Memory), not just for myself but for my grandmother as well. I have travelled the world and visited many countries, but landing in Havana was something completely different. It felt like a responsibility fulfilled.

At the airport, waiting for the luggage to arrive felt like an eternity, and in truth, it was. This is Havana Airport for you, and patience is a must. Yet the moment I spotted my suitcases, the long wait instantly transformed into excitement. Outside, a bilingual lady named Nubia was waiting to welcome me and assist with the arrival process.

When I booked my trip to Cuba through the travel agency in Miami, I requested a personal tour guide for a few days. Yes, this was a solo and thrilling journey, and I was happy to leave friends behind for a while. The beautiful Nubia would be my guide as I explored the capital of Cuba. She had previously worked as a teacher before becoming a tour guide, and her knowledge of Havana was limitless. She provided historical, cultural and political insight that brought the city to life. Her way of explaining the culture, the cuisine, the people and the history was remarkable. She was exactly what I needed for my first time in Havana, someone with depth, knowledge and an insider’s view of the city.

Stepping outside, the warm air wrapped around me like an old familiar embrace humid, heavy, but comforting. The drive from the airport was a journey through time: colourful vintage cars gliding beside crumbling yet majestic buildings, locals chatting in doorways, music floating from every corner. Havana doesn’t try to impress you; it is simply raw, proud, and alive. Every street seemed to hold stories waiting to be discovered.

While we sat in the taxi heading toward my hotel and discussing our educational itinerary, all I could think about was Central Havana and Old Havana. I wanted to experience the true streets of Havana.

Central Havana - Iberostar Parque Hotel.

As we drove deeper into the city, Havana revealed itself with an energy that felt both familiar and entirely new. The streets were alive with colours that seemed warmer than anywhere I had ever seen. The vintage cars, the colonial buildings, the music floating from balconies and open windows all blended into a rhythm that felt like a heartbeat. It was as if the city was welcoming me with open arms, reminding me that this journey was more than a simple holiday. It was a reunion with a place I had loved long before I ever saw it with my own eyes. Nubia pointed out historical landmarks as we passed, each one adding another layer to my understanding of the Havana my grandmother used to speak about.

Arriving at the hotel, I felt an overwhelming mix of peace and anticipation. I checked in, dropped my luggage and stood by the window for a moment, taking in the view of the city that had lived in my imagination for so many years. Shortly after, Nubia and I began planning the exact routes for the days ahead. Old Havana, Central Havana, the famous Malecon, local markets, tucked away neighbourhoods, hidden cafes and museums were all on the list. I wanted to walk, see, touch and breathe the real Havana. I wanted to experience the city not as a tourist but as someone coming to honour a memory and finally live a dream. That evening, as the sun began to set over the Caribbean Sea, I felt a quiet certainty that this journey would stay with me forever.

At the rooftop restaurant of Iberostar Parque Central Havana.

The rooftop view from the Iberostar Havana Hotel, my home for few days at the heart of Central Havana (Centro Habana). The hotel has a superb rooftop overseeing the city with its clean streets and the impressive El Capitolio (national capitol building). Beautiful area, located between Vedado and Old Havana where locals and tourists cross each others path, where vintage cars and modernity coexist, with a very densely populated and urban neighbourhood. A dream come true and I was ready to explore.

When I finally reached my room, I felt that mixture of exhaustion and excitement that only true travellers understand. After settling down, I joined Nubia for a short walk around the neighbourhood. She explained the realities of Cuba with honesty, the shortages, the resilience, the beauty, the contradictions. And yet, even in the middle of struggle, the people remained warm, welcoming, and full of spirit. It reminded me of home in many ways.

The following days unfolded with a beauty and simplicity that I will never forget. Old Havana welcomed me with pastel buildings, cobblestone streets and music flowing from every corner. I tasted local food, spoke with residents who shared stories with pride and vulnerability, and immersed myself in the rhythm of the city. Havana is alive in a way that cannot be described, only felt.

I visited museums, walked along the Malecón at sunset, explored hidden cafés and discovered small markets where people sold handmade crafts. Every day came with laughter, movement, history and humanity. Even with challenges, the heart of Cuba beats loudly.

Che Guevara Wall Monument, havana Cuba.

Some journeys begin long before we board a plane; they live quietly inside us, shaped by memories, childhood stories and the people we carry in our hearts. Cuba is one of those places that stirs something deep within every traveller who steps onto its vibrant streets, a country where rich history, colourful architecture and a timeless rhythm come together to create an atmosphere unlike anywhere else. For me, this trip was not a simple holiday or escape from routine but a return to a feeling, a promise fulfilled and an unspoken conversation with my grandmother. Havana had lived in my mind for years before I ever touched its soil, and when I finally did, it became more than sightseeing. It became a deeply personal encounter with memory, culture and identity, a moment that reshaped the way I look at travel and the places that call to us long before we arrive.

In the end, Cuba became more than a destination for me. It became a lesson. A reminder that memory lives in places and people, in the stories we inherit and the journeys we take to honour them. I left Havana with a fuller heart, feeling closer to my grandmother, closer to myself and aware of the quiet voice inside me that often gets lost in the noise of life.

Some places you simply visit.

Cuba is a place you absorb.

Cuba is a place you remember.

Important Tips!

Cuba is a destination that rewards curiosity and patience, so arriving prepared makes the experience even richer. Bring cash, essential toiletries and medicines, as these can be difficult to find, and download everything you need before your trip since internet access is limited. Embrace the rhythm of the island, learn a few Spanish words and let locals guide you toward the real heartbeat of the country. Taste the flavours that define Cuban daily life such as ropa vieja, moros y cristianos, yuca con mojo, tostones, lechón asado, flan and fresh tropical juices. Spend your days exploring Old Havana’s colourful streets, walking along the Malecón at sunset, visiting museums, enjoying live music, discovering local markets and venturing out to places like Viñales, Trinidad, Vedado, Miramar or the beaches of Varadero. Stay mindful of a few essentials such as avoiding tap water, not relying entirely on the internet, respecting local sensitivities during conversations and refraining from photographing military buildings. Above all, allow yourself to wander, listen and observe because Cuba is not only visited, it is felt, tasted and lived in every corner.