It’s a funny thing isn’t it? You discover the most idyllic, secret, fascinating or unusual place in the world but unfortunately you are not usually alone! We all want to find the latest ‘undiscovered paradise’, but the truth of the matter is that in today’s age of accessible travel, the world is a much smaller place and the secret places are becoming fewer and fewer. But take heart, on a Cuba holiday it’s possible to get creative and with a little effort and a whisper in a few ears, you can still find some unusual things to do off the beaten track. Why not hire yourself an old Cuban car and hit the highway for a road trip with a difference?
Camaguey
Situated in the middle of Cuba, Camaguey has all the charm of Old Town Havana without the crowds. Colonial architecture lines the streets and although it’s not as picture postcard perfect as some of the better known towns you may see on your Cuba holiday, its faded, 1950’s, tumbleweed exterior is an intrinsic part of its charm. It really is the authentic Cuban lifestyle on display. The locals are friendly in a curious kind of way and will be happy to engage in a bit of banter over a plate of the Cuban staple, beans and rice. If you feel a sudden romantic urge wash over you in Camaguey, you’re definitely in the right place! The Wedding Palace is Camaguey’s answer to Las Vegas and is a veritable marriage factory. All day long, loved up Cubans file in the back door, change into suits and dresses supplied by the venue, and get driven around the block in a beaten up car to arrive in style to the fanfare of the wedding march through tinny, rusty speakers. Guests are welcome so go along and sneak into some photos for an unusual souvenir from your Cuba holiday!
The Napoleon Museum of Havana
What, you may ask, is a museum dedicated to Napoleon Bonaparte doing popping up in an article about a Cuba holiday? Not one of the city’s better known museums, it is nevertheless well worth a visit if you’re more into culture than crowds. It seems that a former prominent Cuban businessman was an avid collector of memorabilia of the famous emperor and amassed one of the most important collections in the world. When the businessman left Cuba during the revolution, he donated the collection to the government and the museum was established. Hundreds of fascinating relics like guns, telescopes, portraits, books, his famous funeral mask and even a toothbrush can be found in the museum. It is a wonderful insight into his life and its unusual geographic setting adds to the experience. The building itself is a wonderful Florentine style palace and its imposing facade belies the treasure trove inside.
El Guinol Nacional (Havana Children s Puppet Theatre)
For a truly warm and genuine Cuban experience El Guinol Nacional (the Havana Children’s Puppet Theatre) is a delightful escape. A popular attraction for the local youth of Havana, the puppet theatre was established in 1963 in an old cinema of the Focsa building, which is the largest (and possibly the most unusual looking) building in Havana. The best local actors, writers and craftsmen collaborate to produce a non stop succession of plays and sketches based on classical children’s literature. The puppets, dummies and clowns, which are the stars of the shows, are an eclectic assortment of traditional and modern design. It is a wonderfully different place to visit on your Cuba holiday and for a little bit of adult fun you can stay for a comedy show on a Tuesday evening.
Author Resource:
Rossella Colella is a Cuba holiday specialist for key2holidays, an online tour operator for your Cuba holiday (http://www.key2holidays.co.uk/cuba/ ) and destinations in the Caribbean; the Indian Ocean, the Far East, Egypt, Southern Africa, Italy & the Mediterranean, Canada, Australia and the Pacific.
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