Into Cuba

Walked to our 38-euro hotel in Madrid and went out to eat. At midnight Judy started throwing up and went on till 2am. Checking in just after 4am the KLM staff thought she looked so ill they ordered her a wheelchair to get to the gate. Same help for the transfer at Schipol - KLM were really good. She was eating again by Cuba, and survived Havana airport immigration, luggage claim and the long queue to change money - cash only here.

After an interesting taxi ride our B&B in Havana Centro was expecting us (relief) and after a cool shower we wandered the streets. Amazing! Lots gently decaying which is part of the charm. Very little traffic, mostly old American cars in various states of repair. Failed to stay up long enough to see in 2015 but it was there the next day.

In old Havana we wandered the streets and looked at the mix of decaying and restored. New Year's Day is a national holiday so no museums etc open, but a fascinating day especially the experimental graphics workshop where we were nearly tempted to buy. Lunched in a shady square with live music in the background.

Next day walked over to Vedado which is "downtown" and where the Cuban state is run from. Less interesting but fascinating in a communist way.

Saturday saw everything open again so we got into the cathedral and did the Havana city museum. A good lunch with accompanying musicians (excellent) and dancers. Nearly bought a painting but by the time we got back it had been sold. Moving on to Vinales in the morning.