Today we embark on a journey with the e-bike from the bustling metropolis to the countryside along the west coast. This part of Havana is beyond the classic tourist routes and therefore very original and attractive.
The route puts us in direct contact with the Cuban lifestyle culture as it exists in its deepest interior. Near the fascinating metropolis of Havana, the world seems to have stopped in its own way. Almost no traffic, pedicabs, horse-drawn carriages, pedestrians and cyclists are beyond the means of transport. Stops at some of Cuba’s best-known artists on our way to the fishing villages of the west, form the grotesque contrast of this trip.
At 9 am our guide expects us with the e-bikes in the park “Parque Mariana Grajales”, named after the mother of the revolution´s hero General Officer Antonio Maceo (1845-1896). As an alternative, an individual meeting point can be settled for closed groups. After a short introduction to the e-bikes, client’s bike adjustments to each individual height and some general information about the roads and rules of Cuban traffic, we are ready to begin our discovery-trip with the e-bikes. As you will quickly notice, the means of transportation in Cuba are different from what we are used to.
Our first destination is the Museum of Kcho that includes several social projects with Google. Than we pass towards the Embassy District and the Palacio de las Convenciones, where many national and international conventions as well as political events are held. This impressive contrast between the classic Cuban lifestyle, the Embassy District and what still expects us on our journey, will engage us. We move towards Jaimanitas. Pass on our way the Havana Club and visit Fusterlandia. We will see the work of one of the most famous artists of Cuba, who is strongly inspired by Gaudí and the Santeria. Now we continue from Jaimanitas towards Marina Hemingway, the largest yacht club in Cuba, named after Ernest Hemingway. At this place we will have for the last time access to the internet, and may post the first impressions. During the next few hours, we can say goodbye to the Internet. We keep going on the Panamerican highway towards Santa Fe. The small beaches and the original living conditions along the promenade of Santa Fe are enduring experiences. On our way to Baracoa we pass the Latin-American Medicine School, where practically all physicians of the country did their doctor’s degree. These physicians also carry out medical care in other countries, as part of their duty for Cuba.
The fishing village of Baracoa has an incredible charm and is, fortunately for us, practically unknown by tourists. From Thursday to Sunday we will head to our seafood restaurant, which is hardly to beat in terms of location and cuisine. You can also go swimming here. From Monday to Wednesday we have lunch at an eco-farm, incl. a short tour around the farm. Afterwards, we start the way back with the gathered impressions. The Bar Hemingway at the Marina Hemingway is our last stop for this day, to have a drink and to rest a moment.