OUR TRAVELS

Photos of sightseeing enthusiasts

A TRIP ROUTE

Kuba - trasa wycieczki


IT IS WORTH SEEING

Havana is an American melodrama from 1990, directed by Sydney Pollack, based on the novel by Judith Rascoe. The action of the film takes place in 1958 in Havana. Batista's regime is declining, and Fidel Castro's revolutionaries are on the rise. Professional poker player Jack Weil, superbly played by Robert Redford, arrives in town. His goal is to get the big win. Fate causes Jack to fall in love with Robert Duran, wife of revolutionary Arturo. When a fighter is captured, the relationship between the gambler and Roberta develops into a passionate romance. Jack hopes that his beloved will run away with him to the States, but she still loves her missing husband. The film received three Oscar nominations, but did not achieve the expected success.

Plakat z filmu Hawana


IT IS WORTH KNOWING

Karol Roloff-Miałowski was a Pole who made a great contribution to the fight for the liberation of Cuba from Spanish rule. After the death of his father, the November insurgent, his family emigrated to America. Miałowski fought on the Union's side in the Civil War and was promoted to the rank of officer. Due to his work in a sugar trading company, he found himself in Cuba. He was active in the local community, and after the uprising broke out, he was appointed general of the troops fighting the Spanish. The troops under his command were victorious, and he was entrusted with ever higher positions. After the end of the war in 1898, he was appointed Inspector General of the Liberation Army, and in 1901, the Minister of the Treasury. At the end of his life, he was granted Cuban citizenship. He died in 1907 in Havana and rests in the Colon Cemetery.

Tablica pamiątkowa poświęcona Miałowskiemu na ścianie Palacio de los Capitanes Generales w Hawanie


INTERESTING STORIES

Che t-shirts can be bought from all over the world. And there is nothing surprising in it, because it is one of the most recognizable icons of the twentieth century. However, few people know that the famous Che Guevara was Argentinian and came from the middle class. Before becoming one of the main figures in the Cuban revolution, he studied medicine and traveled by motorcycle in Central America. This is told in a touching film - Motorcycle Diaries. During his stay in Mexico, he became friends with Fidel Castro and became involved in the July 26 Movement. In 1956 he took part in the attack on Cuba from the Granma yacht, and then in guerrilla fights against government troops. After the revolution was won, he was appointed Minister of Finance and Industry and President of the Central Bank. Due to the conflict with Castro, he resigned from all positions in the government and the party and went abroad to wage the revolutionary struggle there. In the course of this activity, he was captured and shot in Bolivia by soldiers of the government forces.

Che Guevara


INTERESTING FACTS

This eccentric looking gentleman with a lush beard and a thick cigar in his hand is, next to Fidel Castro, the most recognizable Cuban. And all thanks to the Polish travel monthly Traveler, which placed his likeness on the cover. A nice and easy-going man, he deals with professional posing for photos with tourists. Most often he can be found in the center of Havana in Plaza de la Catedral. He advertises himself by showing the interested person a copy of the Traveler, and the photo with it costs 5 dollars. However, when I told him that I was from Poland and showed my Traveler, he visibly brightened up and announced that he would pose for a Pole for free. He also inquired about the health of Martyna Wojciechowska, who turned out to be his good friend. In return, I gave him my copy of the magazine, as his was already badly worn out.

Polskie wydanie Travelera z artykułem o Kubie


Cuba

December 2015

I had been dreaming about a trip to Cuba for years. I wanted to see with my own eyes one of the last countries in the world where real socialism functions. I realized that this situation would not last forever, and in the end the island republic ruled by the Castro family would have to turn to the law.

I arrived at the last minute, because the agreement signed with the US will trigger a wave of changes that will take Cuba into the 21st century, while depriving it of this unusual aura of a place from another era. Traveling around the island on your own is difficult as the tourist base and services are underdeveloped. Poverty is visible here at every turn, and the inhabitants struggle to make ends meet. Cuba has no spectacular historical monuments or natural attractions, and Cubans are its greatest asset. Laughing and lively, sometimes nostalgic and thoughtful, they radiate unfeigned openness and honesty.


Havana - people



Cubans are generally open-minded, willing to talk and sociable, although often the language barrier did not allow me to establish closer contact. On the island, the distinction between a house and a street is often blurred. People talk to each other from balconies, from the stairs in front of the entrance or on the sidewalk. Havana residents spend their time outdoors, chatting, playing dominoes or chess, flirting, cycling or just relaxing.


Havana - city


inny świat mini industria aleja spacerowa Paseo del Prado odrestaurowane budynki łuki w stylu neomudejar w drodze do pracy zakupy zakupy stragan każdy się gdzieś spieszy tani transport moja nowa bryka egzotyczny mural w Callejon de Hammel Muzycy w Callejon de Hammel tanie cygara kapitol chyba się przejadę monumentaly budynek Gran Teatro monumentalna fasada z rzeźbami Morettiego w oczekiwaniu na turystów pomnik Jose Martiego Calle Obsipo stara skrzynka na listy uliczni muzycy przy Calle Obsipo moja nowa dziewczyna hotel Ambos Mundos w którym mieszkał Hemingway Plaza de Armas sjesta Castillo de la Real Fuerza wiatrowskaz La Giraldilla El Templete Palacio del Segundo Cabo stragany bukinistów pamiątka z czasów reżimu Batisty barokowy Palacio de los Capitanes Generales pomnik Kolumba na dziedzińcu pałacu Salon de los Espejos impresja hawańska dorożka Castillo de San Salvador de la Punta wieżowce dzielnicy Vedado wędkarze Malecon Castillo De Los Tres Reyes Del Morro narożnik dzwonnica i iglice kościoła Angel Custodio w oczekiwaniu na klientów mural La Bodegita del Medio linia produkcyjna mojito ale pyszne pamiątki po stałym bywalcu Erneście Hemingwayu kubańskie klimaty katedra św. Krzysztofa surowe wnętrze companeros Palacio de los Marqueses de Aguas Claras widok z dziedzińca pałacu Detal architektoniczny muzeum Sztuki Kolonialnej meble z epoki kolonialnej witraż o łuku typu medio punto widok na Plac Katedralny sjesta bazylika św. Franciszka fuente de los Leones wzorowana na fontannie w Alhambrze spotkanie z Chopinem small business każdy szczęściu dopomoże, każdy dzisiaj wygrać może tanie cygara pranie kafejka przy Plaza Vieja detal architektoniczny fasada Casa del Conde Jaruco z witrażami medio punto podcienia mural okna uliczny krykiet powrót do domu mural w oczekiwaniu na klientów Centro Habana pogawędka Centro Habana scena uliczna supermarket obwożny handel wszechobecny Fidel brama wjazdowa do Necropolis de Colon La Milagrosa - opiekunka ciężarnych kobiet Pałac prezydencki Batisty, obecnie Muzeum Rewolucji Sala Lustrzana ślady kul po nieudanym zamachu na Batistę w 1957 r. plac Rewolucji Memorial Jose Marti statua Jose Martiego kubańska flaga sztormowe fale zachód słońca nad Maleconem

Havana is a bustling capital city, full of color and hustle and bustle. The former glory is best seen in the historic center of Habana Vieja, which has been included on the Unesco List. A stroll through the Malecon and Paseo del Prado, a visit to Bodeguita del Medio and Callejon de Hammel are must-see for every tourist. Fortunately, I had enough time to wander the alleys and forgotten streets after visiting the most interesting monuments, tasting the exotic atmosphere of the city.


Havana - cars



I am not a car enthusiast, but what immediately caught my eye in Havana were old American cars. These big, fabulously colorful road cruisers from the 1940s and 1950s are eye-catching and evoke emotions. A well-maintained car costs up to 10,000. dollars, which is an astronomical amount for the average Cuban. Therefore, only those who have a family abroad can afford such a gem. Well, even under socialism they are equal and more equal.


The land of mogotes


Dolina Vinales palmy pamiątkowa fotka miasteczko Vinales scena uliczna kubański fast-food scena uliczna Valle de Vinales Tradycyjne domy przejażdżka mogoty mural de la Prehistoria pamiątkowa fotka pamorama okolicy ze szczytu mogotes mogoty plantacja tytoniu tradycyjna orka wołami zaprzęg szopa do suszenia liści tytoniu prace rolnicze przedmieścia Vinales drobny handel wiejska szosa do zwycięstwa Parque Marti kościół Sagrado Corazon de Jesus

The town of Vinales greeted me with the sun and said goodbye with rainy clouds. It is a pity, because the huge mogot karst formations, resembling heads carved out of sugar, look most beautiful in the rays of the afternoon sun. During the bike trip, I also had the opportunity to see the traditional way of growing tobacco, thanks to which the entire region called Valle de Vinales was inscribed on the Unesco World Heritage List.


Santiago de Cuba


poranek w Santiago secesyjne kamieniczki generał Hechavarria deptak Jose Antonio Saco ślicznotka ratusz przy Parque Cespedes wieża i anioł katedra Wniebowzięcia przy Parque Cespedes zestaw awaryjny Wnętrze w stylu kolonialnym w Casa de Diego Velazquez malowidła na fryzach zwane cenefas witraż o łuku medio punto degustacja daiquiri w hotelu Casa Granda muzeum Karnawału w drodze plaza de Dolores wesołe kumoszki z Santiago eklektyczny budynek Museo Provincial Bacardi Moreau forteca Castillo del Morro widok z centralnego placu kamienne schody armata pamiątkowa fotka strąki guaje panorama zatoki powrót do miasta secesyjny budynek przy Parque Cespedes balkony taryfa domino wnętrze starej kawiarni La Isabelica mała czarna w stylowym wnętrzu schody Padre Pico ulica Padre Pico randka ojczyzna lub smierć dziękuję Santiago Fidel

The visit to the capital of the carnival, Santiago de Cuba, disappointed me a bit. The guides describe it as the most African, vibrant and singing city in Cuba. Instead, I met busy people busy with livelihoods. Santiago is considered the "cradle of the revolution" and propaganda banners are everywhere. On the other hand, I was impressed by the Castillo del Morro fortress, included in the Unesco List, once defending the city from the sea.


Camaguey


Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de la Soledad wnętrze kościoła modlitwa figura św. Barbary polichromia plaza de la Solidaridad kubańska flaga calle Independencia mała czarna sklep La Gran Antilla chwile radości prywatna inicjatywa dżolo kafejka cafe cafeteria Olbrzymia kadź tinajon do zbierania deszczówki sprzedawca kalendarzy warzywniak pociąg osobowy uliczny sprzedawca przydomowy sklepik wszechobecny Che uliczny sprzedawca Iglesia de la Merced taryfa obserwator uliczny sprzedawca pamiątki dla turystów tani transport wesołe kumoszki park Ignacio Agramonte katedra Matki Boskiej Gromnicznej rowerzysta jamnik zagubiona uliczka ślicznotka trzeba jakoś zarobić na dalszą podróż tani transport Dom z epoki kolonialnej przy Plaza San Juan de Dios iglesia San Juan de Dios radosne chwile

Located in the interior Camaguey, it is on the Unesco World Heritage List. I liked the classicist buildings of the center and the colonial-style quarters, but the city is difficult to explore. Lots of winding alleys, dead ends and forks that make me get lost at times. The local curiosity is the tinajon, huge clay vats for storing food or...rainwater, standing in the courtyards and squares.


Trinidad


poranek cafeteria nuda uliczka warzywniak zakupy scena uliczna cukierkowa kraina ozdobne kratownice beztroska zabawa pierwsze śniadanie zagubiona uliczka kapłan santerii bóstwo Eleggua boginii morza Yemaya konna taksówka konstrukcja dachowa kościół Santa Ana w drodze ruiny kościółka Ermita de Nuestra Senora fasada typowego domu rękodzieło uliczka na przedmieściach pamiątkowa fotka drewniane okiennice i barrotes Plaza Mayor detal architektoniczny kościół Trójcy Przenajświętszej nawa główna ołtarz Matki Boskiej Łaskawej Dom Konspiratorów balkon stylowa restauracja ulica wybrukowana otoczakami rzecznymi dzwonnica kościoła św. Franciszka panorama miasta z Palacio Cantero Callejon de Pena widok Plaza Mayor casa Ortiz Calle Cristo portfenetr turyści element zdobniczy z kutego żelaza La Canchanchara flirciara Przygotowanie koktajlu canchanchara na zdrowie ręczna produkcja cygar degustacja leniwe popołudnie pamiątki dla turystów scena uliczna martwa natura z anansem gosposia choinka bożonarodzeniowa z...desek drzwi ozdobione pilastrami i okna z drenianymi barrotes kubański styl życia malownicza uliczka powrót do przeszłości sesja fotograficzna w plenerze sjesta powrót do przeszłości nabożeństwo baptystyczne Pismo Święte ostatnia wieczerza guarapera modele z lat 50-tych uliczni sprzedawcy atrakcje dla turystów taxi Luis grafitti trzeba jakoś zarabiać na życie

If I could only visit two places in Cuba, the second one after Havana would be Trinidad. The city, which in the 17th and 18th centuries was the center of sugar and slave trade, was entered on the UNESCO list. And no wonder, because the original buildings from the colonial times have been preserved almost unchanged. Trinidad charmed me. I enjoyed walking along the cobbled streets around Plaza Mayor, admiring the fabulously colorful facades of the houses and architectural details.


Ancon Beach


w drodze rozlewiska rozlewiska czapla półwysep Ancon pamiątkowa fotka tawerna skaliste wybrzeże półwysep Ancon Playa Ancon Playa Ancon czas wracać do domu pastwiska

The proximity of Trinidad to the coast made me decide to laze around a bit. I chose Playa Ancon, which is visited by both locals and tourists. The weather was not conducive to swimming, and there was no living spirit on the beach within several dozen meters, so I was a bit boring. However, the very bike ride along the coast, picturesque backwaters and green pastures was a great fun.


Cienfuegos


Katedra Nipokalanego Poczęcia surowe wnętrze Matka Boska adorowana przez rybaków katedra Nipokalanego Poczęcia Łuk Triumfalny kilometr zero na placu Parque Marti pomnik Jose Martiego rozmowa fasada teatru Thomasa Terry`ego Pałac Ferrera eklektyczne wnętrze schody dachy wnętrze pałacowej kopuły Parque Marti w całej okazałości niech żyje rewolucja zakupy kącik patriotyczny sprzedawca ananasów zagubiona uliczka kontemplacja przedmieścia seniorita relikty przeszłości cementario Genaeral La Reina rzeźby aniołów słynna Śpiąca Piękność klekocząca piękność spokojne wody Zatoki Jagua kormoran port słynna Paseo El Prado Palacio de Valle na zdrowie taras w stylu mudejar czar tropików

Cienfuegos, known in the colonial era as the "Pearl of the South", still dazzles with classicist architecture and a wonderful past. The divine Enrico Caruso himself performed at the local Teatro Tomas Terry, and Benny More was born in nearby Santa Isabel. The city is also the birthplace of cha-cha. However, I liked the walk around the Reina and Punta Gorda districts the most, where you can feel the atmosphere of a port city at every step.


Varadero Beach


uliczka w Varadero niebiańska plaża masaż dobry na wszystko Playa Varadero spacer Playa Varadero kąpiel leniwe popołudnie czas coś przekąsić skromne, ale pożywne pamiątki dla turystów Viazul jedyny przewoźnik

The popular resort of Varadero was my last stop while on the island. I spent half a day there, enough to laze on the beach, swim in the ocean and grab a bite to eat. The city itself, full of hotels stretching along the entire Hicacos peninsula, does not impress. However, wide, sandy beaches, crystal clear water and tropical palm trees made an electrifying impression on me.








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