In the morning we walked in the colourful streets La Habana (Havana) old town. Amazing buildings and lots of different colour buildings. Especially the vibrant yellow seemed to dominate the Havana as if it was their symbol of Sun.
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Exploring the Streets of La Habana (Havana)
We saw La Bodeguita del Medio and Cathedral de la Virgen Maria. Wondering the streets were thrilling. We parked in front of hotel and a guy was objecting us parking there since we weren’t the guests, but I told him that it is only for half an hour and the guy said OK.
That jewel-toned 3D mural by Alfredo Sosabravo in Havana, created in 1992, is a significant and captivating piece, even without a specific, widely known title. You can find it tucked away in the backyard of an old, charming house off Calle Oficios in Havana’s historic district.
This mural is a fantastic example of Sosabravo’s distinctive style, which often blends vibrant colors, whimsical figures (both human and animal), and abstract, almost surreal elements. Being crafted from ceramic tiles, it possesses a tactile quality and a lasting durability suited for an outdoor environment. The three-dimensional aspect likely comes from variations in the thickness or layering of the tiles, creating a sense of depth and visual interest as light plays across the surface.
Sosabravo, born in Cuba in 1930, is celebrated for his versatility as a painter, draftsman, engraver, and especially as a ceramist. This mural showcases his mastery of the ceramic medium, transforming simple tiles into a complex and visually engaging artwork. His pieces often feature a playful and imaginative spirit, drawing inspiration from nature, mythology, and the human condition, all rendered with a bold and colourful palette.
Étienne Pirot’s widely recognised sculpture “The Conversation” features two simple, often elongated figures seated opposite each other in silent communication in public space of Havana to encourage contemplation on connection. Its minimalist and expressionless forms invite diverse interpretations about the essence of dialogue, the importance of both spoken and unspoken communication, the nature of relationships, the potential for internal reflection, and the universality of human interaction. The power of the piece lies in its ability to evoke personal meaning and highlight the significance of presence and silent understanding between individuals.
Once we came back to the car we drove off to Varadero.
Devastation in the Streets of La Habana
We saw the part of Havana devastated by the Tornado and a lot of people cleaning up the mess.
On the way to Varadero
The highway was really good and well maintained.
We stopped to refill our tank and then in Cuba de Saturno.
Curvaceous de Saturno was less impressive than I have expected. 5CUC for entrance. It was a bit dim so quite hard to take pictures, also abuse of tourists came in just when we arrived, so it was quite difficult to take pictures without other people.
Finally, after a long drive we were in Varadero! We arrived to our Muthu Playa Varadero hotel exactly for check time at 4pm. We’ve got some free drinks and snacks at the bar and soon it was dinner time.
In the evening after dinner they had a magic show, and I was tipsy and tired and I was called out on the stage. It was really scary when the guy was splashing his whip at me. Luckily I was not injured in the process. Tomorrow and day after tomorrow was going to be the beach days was waiting!
