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Handcraft Trinidad
11 Reviews Trinidad has a large outdoor craft market that goes on for blocks. Primary items seemed to be wood carvings, jewelry, knitted garments, dolls and toys. Some of the vendors are really creative—I was...
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All shops and retail sales places are very colourful and friendly and expect one to barter with them concerning the price of an item. Popular buys include Cuban Cigars, rum, liqurs, arts and crafts, T-shirts and cassettes and CD's of Cuban music. Not very expensive in dollars and cents compared to our prices in Canada.
We purchased the Havana Club Rum, which seems to be quite popular. Despite the fact that I am not a rum drinker or lover, I had my friends tell me they quite fancied the dark Havana Club. Rich and full bodied.We were allowed to bring back 2 bottles per person into Canada, this was in Year 2000, so please check if this has changed.
Who wouldn't want to savour a cigar in Cuba. Just be aware that there are a lot of FAKES out there and it is very very easy to be fooled.TIP: Always, always, always buy from a reputable dealer. The last thing you want to do is to purchase cigars off the street, we met a few people who were fooled very easily into that.Some key things to look for to determine the authenticity of the cigar:TIP: The warranty seal which features a host of information that makes it difficult to be counterfeited.TIP: The acutal seal on the cigar itself.The dimenions, length/thickness of the cigar.TIP: The Habanos logo in the top right hand corner of the boxes. "Habanos" is the name of the Cuban company that exports cigars.TIP: At the bottom of the box look for the factory date and stamp.TIP: Inside the box there will be a piece of paper that is of a cellophane like quality. It is of a particular size/shape and...
On Saturday's there is a local art market not far from the cathedral in Old Havana. Unfortunately, I dont remember the exact name of the area it is in, but I am sure you can ask and anyone can tell you where it is. If you dont speak Spanish, just say "Donde esta el mercado de arte?" and Im sure someone can assist you. On my last day, being an art lover and not having bought anything, I happened upon this woman and her husband's work. This is a collage made from heavy paint, pieces of fabric and paper, all formulated to create what I think is a depiction of a Medieval crusader. It now graces the entrance to my loft in Manhattan. There are a lot of homemade arts and crafts at the mercado, artwork, posters, and very commercial items. If you are looking for more serious artworks, you have to keep your eyes wide open, or you'll end up with the same cigar or Che rendition as everyone...
I think nothing special to buy in a shops The most popular things in Cuba: cigars, and rom. In the tourist shop one box of sigars costs abt 350 euro. On the streets it costs from 20$ till 50$ (I think they are the same) Only one example: bottle of local beer in tourist zone costs abt 2$, outside 0.75 $
Respeta mi TamboThe "son", undoubtably the most recognized and traditional sound of CubaStrong Afro-Cuba / Afro-French and Spanish influence and patterns goes back to the early 20ths of the 20th centuryLos Naranjos is a group founded in the early 20ths in Cienfuegos - central Cuba ( see my pages)
Two shopping items in one picture.Cigars you better buy in official stores - Cd's you will find in many shops but the price for both is rather the same than in Europe.The choice and variaty for music is of course more extended. Next to those two items - have a look on the Plazza des Armes in Old Habana.Here you find old books, postcards and many stuff of the golden years Cash - american dollars
If you are a Che fan, like me, you will want to buy everything Che.....T-Shirts, Hats, Paintings, Beach Towels.Be sure to buy everything you like....when you get home, there will be at least one Che item you regret not buying. And, bad news, you won't find these things anywhere else!! Depending on where you shop for your Che-wear, you might be able to make a deal. The more you buy, the more you save!
The shops are so particular - Bodega's, payable in return of tickets - Official government markets payable in Cuban pesos, and the American dollar markets where you can find a pallet and various choice or basics. Fresh food and fruit US dollars
Old Havana has a wonderful art market located near Parque Luz Caballero, round the corner of the Catedral de San Cristoball de La Habana, towards the harbour.There are many huge colourful abstract art-works, those with typical La Habana look - the Chevrolets and crumbling colonial houses and other sorts of interpretations.However, I read from the guidebook that you have to obtain an export permit and official receipt in order to bring the art-work out. For more details, I supposed your best bet is to check with your hotel, HOW to get the export permit. Apparently, many people had had their art-works confiscated when they are leaving Cuba. The customs officer apparently claimed the works were 'state treasures'. Yeah, right... (Sorry, no personal experience.)
Villa Las Brujas Cuba
2 Reviews and 51 Opinions I could have chosen Okay but some problems, but I still think it falls too short to express how...
NH Parque Central Havana
8 Reviews and 1269 Opinions This is a jewel of a hotel, located just a block or two away from Old Havana, and the shops of Calle...
Iberostar Varadero Varadero
5 Reviews and 1871 Opinions great food gained 5 lbs on the french sauces whatch out for the car rental guy Frank , he takes the...
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Q: We're hoping to do Eastern Cuba in December, we've already done the west. I'm trying to book flights, ideally from Manchester. I...
A: flights domestically it is, aerocaribbean do it, as you are in Manchester check the Cuban tourist office http://www.travel2cuba.co.uk/ hope it helps cheers
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