CUBA: La Habana

I have been looking forward to visiting Cuba for as long as I can remember. I do not know when I read my first Hemingway novel. Even at age twelve I was destined to visit this beautiful island. To see travel restrictions lifted in my lifetime is a blessing long awaited.
Cubans take the People to People educational aspect very seriously. I found this enlightening and welcoming in my visit. I appreciated the opportunity to talk one on one with any and all locals that were happy and available to speak wih me about their lovey country.
There are many choices to stay in regards to hotels, Air BnB's, hostels, etc. There are also a range of prices to choose from in accommodations. Something to suit anyone's needs. AirBnB's which run from $60US to high end hotels which start at over $200US (or CUC) per night. The exchange rate is dollar to dollar and it is good to know, they do not accept credit cards. So, come cash ready, but know there are cash agencies all over the city (and in major hotels) that will exchange dollars for CUC.

We have all seen the photos of vintage cars and luxurious hotels back-dropped against the most wondrous sunsets in the world. We have also heard the music, and felt the rhythm as we have watched Cuban men and women salsa and rumba with their very own distinctive style. It is contagious and sexy.

I walked through the streets listening for the music...and it drew me in. At one point I had just sat down in the lobby of a hotel to rest my weary feet when I heard a trumpet, and then the drums. I jumped up and ran towards the street and here they came. It was like the pied piper luring followers through the streets enticing us with each note. The dancers calling to us with their movements and joy.

The art, the music, the people, the costumes, the dance, LIFE. The stories and history. I ate it up like a starved child eats porridge. Oh, and the food. The combination of Caribbean flavors and international food choices was undeniably unique and satisfying. The combination of African Cuban spices and traditional meals are the existence of today's Cuba. Cured meats, sausages, rice and beans. a warm beer. This is a good meal shared among friends and family on this small, beautiful island. We began our food journey at a place called Topoly, an Iranian restaurant within walking distance of our Air BnB. Beautiful environment with great service and the most wonderful fare. I found out a vegetarian burger meant falafel and the spices were mainly middle eastern in taste. We also had the chance to eat at opening night at a place called Area 23 - very much like Tapas, it was small plates with wonderful local flavors. We had mixed sausages and everything had the most taste sensational sensual flavors. The restaurant was family run and also had a great local drink menu. Ambiance and deliciousness all wrapped up in one spot.

The composition of the city itself was easy to discern - Art and vintage defined everything.
The old cars, and bikes, and horses which still pulled goods on trucks and trolleys defined the feel of the mood of Havana. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Seeing a man on a horse, pulling goods on a cart seemed normal. Bicycles in the center square making time to work all seemed normal. Watching the hordes of women get on buses or in cars were the norm. ARE the norm. Because the change of the world around them changed and grew, did nothing to adjust the norm of the traditional day in the life of Cuba. Walking to work. Dropping a quarter into a payphone on the street to telephone a friend - this was still the same day to day as existed 50 years ago and still existed today. This Havana.

 

The cats of Havana were

 an enigma in itself. They were everywhere but unlike cats of other countries, Puerto rico for example, the cats of Havana owned the island. This was their domicile. Every corner, every street alley, every turn, a cat would make eye contact - not move, not adjust for man or tourist. My street, my life...the cats seemed to say, through their eyes - not needing to explain, not needing to own their words. They own their lives. Solely. Proudly.


The art districts and music of Cuba are somewhat historically self-defined, but you can never imagine the richness of the soul of Cuba until you hear it and see it for yourself.  The food as well, has layers and layers of flavors and differences that make the Cuban food game the top of its tier.

Calle de Hamel/Afro Cuban art district

I had coffee on my last morning with the host of the AirBnB which we rented, and it was the most open, honest, relate-able conversation I have had in a long time. It offered not only historic value, but a cultural insight and an immediate comraderie between women which came simply from the context of the conversation and the honesty with which Sol, our host, answered. I hope to have the chance to host her in the future and share with her as she did with me. There are certain things we can always share as human beings; stories of our children, societal issues, history, family pride, food - these things will always connect us when we make time to listen.

Find more travel photos/ video on my youtube channel, Cuba

A great thanks to the people of Cuba for allowing us to visit to see, to share their lives...again. 

Best of...Las Vegas

I spent the past weekend in Las Vegas with my mother and daughter. A girl's night out not to be topped. A mom's day surprise for my mother - how often do you get to treat your mother to one of the best (and most reasonable priced) suites on the strip, a fancy dinner and perhaps a show?
In the busy world we live in, I hardly get to see my daughter, much less spend a weekend with her. So, I view this as a double treat. I have been to Vegas many times. I was based there at the beginning of my flight attendant career and have many little secret "go-to" spots for different needs.
I have my favorite, off-strip hotel, my favorite non-gaming hotel, my favorite place to grab a quick, inexpensive bite to eat - but these are all flight crew secrets. I saw this an an opportunity to share some of my tourist favorites with my mom and my kid, and share the Vegas I know and love.

Vegas in the summer time is the most energetic place in the world. The buzz of excitement, whether from winning at the tables, or seeing the most fabulous show, meeting your love of the night, or eating some of the best food in the world - the crowds are always an international mixing bowl of curiosity and fervor. As I drove my family around and shared what I love the most about this electric city, I thought, I should make a "Best Of" list.

miso soup @RA

So, here goes, for my friends and family:
The best day ever in Las Vegas.

Best Suite on the Strip: The Venetian

Best priced Suite on the strip (and best room service): The Palazzo

Best off strip hotel: Hyatt Place (no resort fee/ free breakfast, parking and wifi)

Best shopping: Caesar's Palace


Best lunch (taste and value): Ra sushi @ Fashion Show Mall


Best brunch: Mandalay Bay...still


Best table gambling experience: Toss up between Caesar's (where I win), and The Palms (where the dealers are nice to me)


Best dinner: Mon Ami Gabi @Paris Paris (reservations suggested)

The Eiffel Tower at Paris Paris

Best after hours: Drai's ...still

Best live music experience (including clogging): Four Irishmen @NYNY

Best club experience: The Palms (this changes every time I visit, as new clubs open and close every week) but the Palms has hands down the best rooftop party in Vegas no matter what they are calling the club this week.

Best people watching for entertainment value patio on the strip: Mon Ami Gabi (w/ direct views of the Bellagio water show across the street)

Best fast food: In and Out Burger

Best Pool: Now this one is very difficult because everyone has a different idea of what pool time should look like. I like to hang desperately from my lounger hoping the water magically appears replenishing all the bodily fluids I have lost while reliving my youth the night before. A quiet sunny spot, with cool clean pool water to revive me: The Palazzo
Some prefer a young crowd and loud music, checking out the fashion show of hot bodies and their expensive swimsuits from behind their aviators and oversized glamor shades: The Cosmopolitan
Those that believe a child's pool, and chicken fingers on the menu, is necessary - this article is not for you.

Best art gallery: LikVenetian featuring the work of Peter Lik

Best renovated old school hotel: The Tropicana

Best Euro-heavy hotel and casino: Aria

Best Australian men spotted: Treasure Island

Best zip line activity: Downtown Fremont Street

Best place for kids: NOT Vegas


Bottom line, there is a little something for everyone. If glamorous suites and french cuisine are not your thing, there are plenty of hot dogs and rum Slurpee's along the strip as well. It is still the adult playground it always has been. Now, with Celine, JLO, and Brittney headlining and replacing the Brat Pack, its a women's playground as well.

Have fun ladies!!

Spring Welcome Back Vlog

I warned you all that I would be testing the waters on this "vlogging thing" and stepping out of my social media comfort zone, so I am starting to Vlog for Savvy Traveler followers.

This also gets me a chance to get more subscribers to my YouTube channel, where I am posting more pics/ vids from my travel.

Han on tight, I am certain this is going to be a bumpy ride as I get used to the video concept, but I'm on-board if you are.

Savvy Traveler VLOG

Feel free to check out the past YouTube videos which should be attached to some of the latest blogs below, as well as a sneak peek of Cuba - the pics are coming along, even if the words aren't perfect on the screen yet.

Thanks again for all the support!

Sweet, Simple Sanibel Island

I have had an ongoing argument with my peers about the best beaches in the U.S.
East vs. west, the bougie vs. the laid back, but to me it's always been about the sand and the sun. The sunset after-party is just as important as the beach itself but only in your twenties and thirties. Once you have kids, the party is over, so it goes back to the sun and the sand. At my age, I want to know where the live music is at Happy Hour. The end. Breakfast. Sun. Happy Hour.



I personally believe the west coast beaches are the best; the cleanest, the best sand, nicer crowds. I have found east coast beaches to be rocky, dirty and over crowded with tourists. To be honest, the locals are not that friendly either - seemingly agitated at the tourism income their town brings in.




Not until I visited Waikiki Beach had I ever witnessed the same kind of over population and crowds that I see on the east coast beaches consistently. Now, Sanibel island was a beautiful, long awaited surprise.

The sea shells of Sanibel

Sanibel has all my favorite things; white, clean sand, beautiful shells everywhere, and the tourists seem more mature - actually respectful of the small island and it's charm. The locals were laid back and simply, nice people. Most were happy to have the business from people they know are their bread and butter.The restaurants were very traveler friendly, and there is no weirdness between locals and tourists (that I witnessed).

The locals are very aware of their footprint and you will find signs at the beaches that read, "Leave nothing but your footprints on the beach". This should be a worldwide notice. Stop trashing our world!



Then there is the lighthouse - the sweet Sanibel lighthouse that looks like four guys in overalls built it by hand. It exemplifies everything sweet, good and hand made on the island. Respect. History.
There is a small plaque beneath the base of the lighthouse that explores why it took so long to be built but no real history of the people of Sanibel or how the island came to be populated. I would love to read the history of the secrets of Sanibel Island and find out how it stayed so exclusive and remote.

Sanibel is a sweet island reminiscent of all the good things of the past. It delivers a sense of family and friendship, of good, clean living. There are all the assets of resort living, with the small town feel of restaurants, shops, and people biking instead of driving. It is quaint and wonderful.

"Do not leave anything on the beach except for your footsteps"

Copenhagen!

The first thing I want to say about Copenhagen is, it is the kind of city where strangers (locals) stop you in the street, or on the train, or in the middle of whatever you are doing, to ask, "what are you looking for", "where are you going"? They want to help strangers, and do so freely. It is an innate and powerful kindness. I had it happen numerous times, and kindly, warmly because it is the right thing to do. My type of city.

Nyhavn

Copenhagen was everything I wanted it to be. All my expectations were exceeded. The people are genuine and friendly. Open and easy going, in the most relevant sense. The city has an ease of living about it which is hard to explain, but easy to sense. Walk-able and livable. Copenhagen is the definition of modern living with traditional values and comfort. They are proud to be eco friendly - aware of the earths resources - this transcends law in the most human factor. They really do care, and you feel that in every aspect of the city itself.

 

The primary reason I initially wanted to travel to Copenhagen was to see the Little Mermaid statue, and visit the home of Hans Christian Anderson. My grandmothers, who both influenced my life greatly, were educators and avid readers. They not only introduced me to travel and appreciation of culture and world views - they showed me authors and artists from all over the world from a young age. H C Anderson was one that I always remembered. Like I learned on my guided tour of the city - his stories were (and still are) relevant to society and impact how we treat each other as a human race. The Little Mermaid, may be the most famous, but The Emperors New Clothes and The Ugly Duckling were just as powerful and still show how we as a society judge each other, and are impacted by others perceptions.

Hans Christian Anderson's, The Little Mermaid

I was super lucky to get to witness the

Changing of the guard at the Queen's Palace

changing of the guards TWICE. Once I happened to be walking the area between the palace and the city center and saw the soldiers making their way towards the Queen's Palace, and the second day, I was on a tour bus which alerted us to get off and go onto the Palace grounds to witness the changing ceremony...SO I DID! It was a beautiful tradition and showed so much respect to the city and the Queen. I felt in awe, simply being allowed to watch. And another moment where a local, grabbed me by the shoulders and pulled me to the front of the crowd so that I could get a better photograph as he sang along to the national song. It brought tears to my eyes.

bike lanes are serious business, not just a concept

 One of the things I appreciated about the city was their conscious awareness of their footprint. It was obvious - saving the earth is not just a slogan, it is a lifestyle. The city is proactive in every portion of their living. There are more bike lanes than car lanes. Bikes are lined up everywhere, outside work spaces, outside the metro, in front of apartment buildings, schools, and eateries. Biking and walking are a way of life. I walked and took the metro everywhere I went, but loved the ownership of the bikes.
It just exists as such - freely and lovely. A simple life dedicated to keeping their city clean and easy. I understand that most people own more than one bike - it's like having cars in the U.S.
Even residents from other countries who happen to live there now, also fall right in, walking and biking, living a lifestyle that says, I care about this earth we inhabit; I care about you, my neighbor.

beautiful natural framing of Danish life

The beauty of the city extended far beyond the architecture and esoteric values visible to the naked eye. The beauty of Copenhagen is a feeling as well. A knowledge of something eccentrically good among the people, and the land, and the forward thinking of the society itself. I felt safe and welcome. In todays world, this is unique and sacred and I valued my time here.
I wish goodness everlasting for Copenhagen, its inhabitants, and the visitors so blessed to experience this wonderful city.
The kind of town you want to send a "thank you gift" to, after visiting.

For additional photos, please visit my youtube channel Copenhagen Youtube

Hawai'i, How I love thee

One of my favorite destinations on the planet. I have been to Hawai'i many times now. Maui hands down, is my favorite island. I was lucky enough this winter to get to share this island with my children in a family vacation.
I do not blog much on family vacations, because I travel solo most of the time. I also have older children, so I do not consider myself an expert on childrens, "things to do". I am well past that. It is a pleasure to share my experiences with my children and to find things to do that teens, young adults and grown folks all enjoy. How can you fail in Hawai'i?

Kihei

There is so much to see and do. I am a planner, so it was easy to mark the agenda with outdoor activities. Snorkeling, boating, beach hopping and typical tourist activities were abundant and accessible. We secured a condo in Kihei and drove up and down the coast in search of activities. The road to Hana, Paia, Lahaina, Kapalua, Napili - I think we hit all the hot spots on our 10 day vacation.




The famous Front Street in Lahaina provided entertainment for a couple days, as well as wonderful food and shopping. We tried three different restaurants on Front Street, and of course, the famous shaved ice. The seafood is amazing and the rooftop seating is worth the price of the menu. Be sure to enjoy the calamari at Captain Jacks Bar across the street from the Banyan tree. Almost all the bars offer cocktails with local POG juice. Yum. Add rum. Shake. Serve.

We secured a weeklong pass to the Maui Ocean Center and utilized the facility for bored afternoons when it was raining, or we were tired of our beach days. The aquarium has a wonderful shark tank as well as turtle ponds, and other local fish pools. A wonderful activity for families with small children. A bargain if you get the week pass (same price for one day).

Pride of Maui Snorkel/ Snuba tour

Oluwalu Point

We took a snorkel trip to Olowalu point where the tour company we chose (Pride of Maui) offered snorkel and snuba. A brilliant way to spend a half day. Morning tours as well as afternoon tours offered. Lunch and drinks provided. We were hoping to travel to Molokini Crater, which is where all the tour companies advertise, but the tour company decides where the boat sails dependent upon weather. Slightly disappointing,  but still a great day.

Haleakala National Park

The Road to Hana may be a bit overrated. We are not "car trip" people. So, six hours in the car on a dangerous windy road, shared with other tourists, who are not the best drivers, and locals who are driving exceptionally fast, was not our idea of a great day. It was exhausting at best. Once we reached Haleakala National Park, we found out the Seven Sacred Pools were not open for swimming due to rough water. Tough day. There were other similar areas (in regards to overlooks, rock formations and ocean access) which were closer to our condo and just as beautiful. I wish we had known beforehand. That might be a trip we avoided. Alternate destinations include, La Perouse as one example, south of Kihei. Blow Hole is another example, north of Kapalua Bay. Amazing locations, far less crowded and just as beautiful.

We took a quick day trip to Paia, where the local shops and brewery were a relief from the congested area on the west side of the island. Laid back and far more chill than Lahaina. Perhaps a bit too mellow to stay here for more than a  day or two, it was a quiet getaway from all the tourist shenanigans in the more congested areas. Mama's seafood is also in Paia, which is one of the best restaurants on the island.


Beach wise, it's hard to go wrong anywhere on the island. I am a fan of Kapalua Bay, simply because the water is calm and it is less congested(by tourists). Located in a  high end area, I find it soothing and comforting for a quiet beach day. My 21 year old daughter preferred Napili Bay which is a great family beach. Also, calm waters, but it is so crowded I find it appalling. If you are looking to socialize and aren't bothered the incessant sound of screaming children, you will not have issue with this beach. Both are on the west side of Maui. My son liked the beaches at Paia. Typical surf beaches. Great waves and lots of young people. The beaches at Kihei were beautiful and perfect compliment to the calm area.





 The sunsets were the icing on the cake. Every evening, undeniable. Hard to forget where you were...a beautiful end to every day in paradise. Hawai'i gorgeous and peaceful.

Sunset Kihei

OH Canada!! Victoria, B.C.

Victoria B.C.

 

Victoria, BC is a lovely island slightly north of Seattle. You can travel there easily via air, or ferry. My first impressions were, “clean, friendly and easy to navigate”. The people were genuine and helpful, without appearing to patronize travelers. Victoria is a distinct tourist town. There are cruisers, snow birds and young international tourists milling around the small city. The city has so many statues, fountains and totem poles, it is surprising this isn't a well noted fact in the tourism paraphernalia that is distributed about the city sights. Victoria respects it's Native history and that is one of the beautiul points I noticed in the city no matter where we traveled.

sightseeing tour bus

   The downtown is extremely busy with a heavy tourist industry. Double-decker sightseeing buses and horse-driven carriages regularly make the rounds around the central port/ wharf area. It is common to see people walking around with their suitcases as they come to and from the ferry drop off areas.

University of Victoria

There is also a University in the area which attracts a number of international students and other visitors. The campus is spacious and encompassed by a natural, wooded setting, and plenty of deer and nature framing the campus. The University of Victoria is probably one of the more beautiful campuses I have visited, based purely on serenity and scenic beauty, accented with totems and fountains in homage to the local residents and tradition.

We stayed at the Marriott, right on the waterfront for the first couple of nights, enjoying the sights and easily walkable route to downtown and all the restaurants and bars centrally located. A brisk 10 minute walk over the bridge into downtown afforded us plenty of time to peruse the shops and experience a variety of eating opportunities. There is outdoor dining available, including rooftop bars, and seafood patios. We moved to the Capital City Center hotel for a couple days to get a better idea of a different part of the city and take in other artistic options closer to Chinatown. The entire experience gave us a full view of what Victoria has to offer; A beautiful city with many options for locals and tourists alike.

Local breweries and fine restaurants were as unique as the festivals and daily events which seemed abundant (CityVibe). We caught a farmers market which had an art and music aspect which seemed universal but had many nuances common to Canada. There were so many galleries and museums, we couldn’t visit them all. We did visit the Robert Bateman museum which is a small dedication to the local artist himself. We received a complimentary ticket to that gallery with our ticket purchase for the Big Bus. We also found renting bikes, scooters and cycles were easy and affordable and quite convenient. We rode from downtown Victoria to the University and all around the island, including a detour to Craigdarroch Castle.

You can get around easily with the help of the locals, maps, and accessible bike lanes. A fantastic and enjoyable option more cities should utilize. Maps were available everywhere we went, and appreciated.

We also purchased a two day pass on the Big Bus of Victoria which toured us all over the island and allowed us to hop on/ hop off at various designated stops. This allowed us to hear a colorful history of Victoria and some of the interesting stories we may have missed on our own. We also saw much more real estate, and all of the shore line.

Fisherman's Wharf Residences

We found many attractions to spend more time in the next few days, such as Fisherman’s Wharf, the Oak Bay Marina, and the historic Victoria Golf Club. The residential housing on the water at Fisherman's Wharf is fascinating, but there are local shops and lots of delicious, fresh seafood in this area as well.

Centennial SQ

Once we were at the Capital City Center Hotel, closer to Chinatown, it was easier to walk the Olde Town area and stumble upon smaller festivals in the Centennial

and Bastion Square areas. There is the same dedication to community art, totem and statues in these squares as there is in the downtown, wharf area.
We were excited to stumble upon a Flamenco Festival at the Centennial Square during our visit and not only see fun dancing, but listen to local music and nosh on food from local food trucks which were servicing the festival.

Pariament

The Parliament area is also the center of all touristy things to do and directly across the street from the Empress Hotel which is a popular hi-end hotel directly across the street from Inner Harbour. 

We found the entire island walk-able, bike-able and so accessible I would say it was one of the easiest destinations to get around I have ever visited. Canada is fantastic and although my tourism had been limited to Niagara Falls in the past, Victoria is the cherry on top.