Abby's Place Havana

Newly renovated, each bedroom has a private bathroom, beds for two and, in one case for three, a small stocked mini-bar fridge, air-conditioning and windows. Anna rents out either the whole apartment for a negotiated price or each of the bedrooms at 35 USDa night. The salon/dining area has a TV, a small balcony overlooking the Malecon and is for the exclusive use of guests staying there. Tropical but usually cool breezes blow off the Gulf for a refreshing sense of relaxation. But Abby’s Place is more than just comfortable lodging. Upon request, Anna can prepare scrumptious meals, provide snacks and some happy hour cocktails, wine and beer — a calming and serene respite from the hustle of Havana. For those wishing to know more about the changing life in Cuba, Elena is knowledgeable and both, she and Anna, speak English well. However, location is everything and if you wish to walk to take in the sights and sounds of Vedado, there are many places to visit. Just blocks away are the main thoroughfare, La Rampa; three cinemas; the University of Havana (for your lessons in Spanish); the famous ice-cream parlour, Copelia; grocery stores; farmers’ markets; pizzerias and scores of restaurants for all budgets. Jazz bars and Le Parisien cabaret at the Hotel Nacional are nearby and just around the corner is El Gato Tuerto, a jazz bar where Beyonce and Jay-Z celebrated their anniversary when they visited Havana. El Gato can also mix a fantastic mojito. For a day of sunning, swimming and socializing, the pools at the Hotel Nacional or the Habana Libre, also within walking distance, are available for 15 and 12 USD respectively of which two-thirds or more is a credit toward any food or drink you order that day. New to Havana. Anna would be happy to offer enlightened suggestions as to what you might do according to your interests. A five minute ride in a taxi could drop you off in Old Havana. Other options are attending the nine o’clock firing of the cannon just as it was done since the days of Spanish rule, the Hemingway Museum, Fuster’s street of murals, the aquarium, or any one of many concerts available or places to dance the evening away. The Eastern Beaches are not far away and very accessible with public transportation if not taxi. Rub shoulders and talk to Cubans easily, especially on week-end evenings at the city sea wall, called the Malecon, just steps away from Abby’s Place, or engage with the many interesting tourists visiting from all corners of the world. You will find Havana a cosmopolitan, sophisticated city with heart, soul and spectacular architecture often in need of repair. As Elena and I reminisce about the long road travelled in this historical city since the time we were at Minas del Frio, we review, rehash and rework our perceptions to accommodate for a changing world. Much has changed but the pride in city and country is palpable and its friendliness, tolerance and humanity continue the same as ever.