Wishing you a very Merry Christmas

A big thank you for reading my blog, following my Facebook and watching the video series. What a year it's been with videos completed of Iceland, Argentina, Cuba, Fort Lauderdale, London and Brighton Gay Pride and with much more to come in 2012.

Follow the Journey - Honest Omissions by Ryan C Haynes

Cuba - Traveling the Che state

Cities of interest:

Havana

Santa Clara

Trinidad

Santiago de Cuba

Cienfuegos

 

During the 1950’s Cuba was the next big thing; splendid resorts lined the coast just east of Havana; brightly painted chalets filled the country hamlets and Chevrolets ruled the roads. Today, the resort Playas del Este is nothing more than modern ruins with the occasional working property; the beaches are reminiscent of a wealthy bygone era. The chalets, much like the inner city 19^th Century Spanish mansions, are dilapidated while the Chevrolets are fighting with Ladas on the road.

 

White beaches and glorious crystal blue seas frame an island steeped in history clinging to itself for success. Its heroes in Fidel Castro and Che Guevara are emblazoned across every street, in every town in every region; the people, committed to a life of communism with an income stream from the capitalist tourists of the North.

 

The country opened its borders to travel in the early 1990’s as their Sugar Cane exports ran dry. The need for better technology encouraged them to trade directly with both Russia and China; the main cities certainly do not go without all the mod-cons of the developed modern age – do we include the iPhone? Well, yes they have them too.

Follow this series as we explore Cuba.

Sightseeing - Old Havana, Centro, Costa Blanca,

Havana can be covered in two days. Exploring Habana Vieja will take about three hours where you will see the Plaza de la Catedral, Plaza de Armas, Plaza Vieja and may well stumble upon the odd Tourist festival.

Costa Blanca is just a short boat trip across the harbour where you will find a working 1950’s electric railway, a monument to the former president and the home of Che Guevara.

 

Centro Habana is the life and soul of the city, where you will find disused theatres, abandoned steam trains, and rusting American style school buses. Capitolio Nacional is an exquisite structure modelled on the Washington Whitehouse, in fact opposite you can find the most central gay bar – Prado Cafeteria. Only open until 9pm and serving canned beers, Cubans stop by this waterhole to exchange gossip and plan their evenings ahead. Tourists get a lot of attention!

Gay Havana

There are certainly areas in the Vedado area where you will find a thriving gay community. Calle 23 is the centre of gay life, near the Cine Yara (cinema), this street is frequented by gay people night and day – but don’t expect it to be anything like major cosmopolitan cities. The one gay venue on this street is more like a canteen than a party establishment, though get talking to one of the locals and they will invite you to the official gay party that evening.

If you want to join in the official parties you need to put faith and trust in the local Cubans who will order a taxi and take you to the chosen event. However be aware that you will most likely be expected to pay the taxi fair, entrance fee and possibly a drink for the guide.

Unfortunately as the gay scene is yet to enjoy the freedoms of North America and Europe, or even its South American counterparts, Havana’s gay nightlife is one of the best-kept secrets.

Le Fete Des Lumieres - Lyon, France

The second weekend of every December Lyon is lit up in tremendous displays of light. The second city in France, near the Alps while usually bitterly cold, the city's key buildings and monuments are draped with incredible projections for Le Fete Des Lumieres.

Visit the old theatre and see a live light ping pong machine, you can even queue up to join in the fun.

Visit the grand square and experience a 360 degree light theatre spectacle. The Town Hall and surrounding buildings showed a montage of lighting techniques - the buildings shook, horses galloped across the open space and dancing ladies were projected across the plaza in this 10-minute presentation.

Head to the churches to witness light displays to music, these can last between a few minutes and 10 minutes and keep the entire audience in awe.

Walk around the rest of the inner city, enjoy warm wine, crepes or waffles - walk across the River Rhone and River Saone to watch displays across the rivers and light projections from Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière.

The city is packed when the lights are switched on at 6pm until they finish at 1am during the four day spectacle.

When you arrive in the city, you're advised to buy a travel pass for the metro - it only costs €2.50 but except for using it to get to your hotel, it is unlikely you will need it at all during your stay as Lyon is very walkable.

A weekend trip to the city is perfect, it's easy to walk around and it is steeped in history. Plus being famous for its Gastonomie you can enjoy the amazing French cuisine.