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alex123456moralas · 2 years

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Miami Travel Guide

Combine many different styles, mix in a hefty dose of art and an ocean splash and you'll have Miami. As you gaze at the incredible art galleries and the thriving food scene, you may think it is impossible to believe that in the past century, the vibrant Floridian city was covered with swampland. As developers started to pounce on the region, it became one of the most sought-after tourist destinations and breathtaking city skylines in the nation were created. Today you can walk along South Beach before you and the Everglades in the background and the Everglades behind you, you can stroll through the streets that are bustling with activity, passing historic homes that are adorned with Spanish phrases and Caribbean music ringing in your ears.

The mini melting pot has preserved diverse neighborhoods like the well-known Little Havana as enclaves for distinct traditions to flourish. United the two communities, they make up an electrical network called Miami. The reputation of the city for its lively partying and nightlife can be seen at Miami Beach, a barrier island that lies to the east of the mainland. The city's laid-back atmosphere has an edgy feel. If you want to experience Miami Beach, sign up for one of Miami Beach's most popular boat tours. On these tours, you'll be able to admire the glittering skyline through the water, either by boat or by parasail.

*You can book your cheap flights from Detroit to Miami with the Lowest Flight fares and enjoy a trip.

Best Hotels in Miami

Mandarin Oriental, Miami

If you're planning on staying at the Mandarin Oriental hotel, don't expect to be in the chaotic atmosphere that many visitors think of when they think of Miami. The sophisticated hotel located situated on the shores of Brickell Key on Biscayne Bay offers a cozy atmosphere which can make it difficult to keep in mind that you're in a bustling and buzzy Miami. In the hotel, you'll discover suites and rooms that feature contemporary interiors and Asian designs, combining beige, blue, or orange shades. Each room also has televisions with flat screens as well as a bathroom that is spacious (outfitted with an additional soaking tub as well as an in-shower shower) as well as a private balcony that has stunning views of the city or the bay. Although they enjoyed these rooms and rooms guests gave a few kudos to the staff and the facilities of the hotel, particularly the infinity pool as well as the three eateries on the premises.

Four Seasons Hotel Miami

It's not likely there's a better thing to do than choose a hotel solely based on the quality of its fitness facilities, isn't it? The gym located at the Brickell Avenue Four Seasons is amazing: It's at a staggering 50, 000 square feet, and offers an array of cardio equipment, over 100 fitness classes per week, certified trainers, and many more. The only downside that you can say that way is the fact that it's closed all hours of the day. It's not all people who come here to work out as The Four Seasons Hotel Miami staff recognizes this and provides personal service and friendly greetings to anyone who steps through the front door, as per recent guests. Due to its central Miami location, The hotel is a great choice for business travelers by offering the business center 24 hours a day, as well as a free car service that takes guests to all nearby meeting locations. Self-parking and valet parking are also available should you wish to travel around town however, previous guests have been warned that rates are expensive. The bathroom amenities include luxurious items, LCD TVs, minibars, DVD players, and free Wi-Fi. Don't just spend your time curled up in your hotel room: Past guests have recommended spending the afternoon at the hotel's luxurious palm-peppered pool. When you're done with the day, indulge yourself in a delicious dinner in the EDGE Steak & Bar restaurant. EDGE Steak & Bar.

Hence, to enjoy a classic holiday, book your cheap flights to Nashville soon.

Best Things to Do in Miami

Miami Beach

Tourists visit Miami predominantly because of Miami Beach and they go to Miami Beach mainly for South Beach, the region's undeniably stunning most coveted jewel that people claim they cannot get enough of. The art deco heritage of the city collides with the bright lights and lively party scene of the younger generation. There are a variety of methods to reach Miami Beach from the center of Miami which include the Metrobus as well as taxi. A lot of travelers choose to cut down on the hassle by booking their trip on one of the numerous hotels available in this area. South Beach has the costliest accommodation - those who are more thrifty can get a bargain by staying further north, in the area between 24th and 192nd Streets.

Little Havana

The neighborhood is located to the West of the downtown area, Little Havana is the symbol of culture and the capital city for Cuban Americans in Miami. The area attracts a lot of visitors thanks to its lively atmosphere and great food. Calle Ocho (Eighth Street) is the main hub of activity in this. Maximo Gomez park, which is also called Domino Park, is located near the intersection of Calle Ocho and 15th Avenue It's a great place to chill out and participate in dominoes or Chess. (Keep in mind that it's a tiny park.) Travelers have praised El Pub for its authentic Cuban food at a reasonable price. Versailles is another place that travelers are fond of due to its Cuban bites. To get a break from the typical flavors of the neighborhood take a look at Lung Yai Thai Tapas. Each year in March there is it's the Calle Ocho Music Festival takes more than 15 blocks in Little Havana, drawing thousands of people to a huge street festival that celebrates Carnaval and a wide array of food, music, and dancing.

Tourists also love visiting the cigar factories as well as the Cuban Memorial Boulevard Park on the intersection of 13th Avenue and Calle Ocho. To help navigate the area, take a tour with a guide.

Miami Travel Tips

Best Months to Visit

The ideal time to go to Miami can be found between March to May. In these months you'll be able to experience temperatures that are in the 70s at low prices as the majority of the country is still undergoing defrosting. The all-year-round tropical climate and parties close to Miami Beach mean tourists - many tourists from the northern States, South America, Europe, Asia, anywhere, and throughout the year. If there are any events that are special that takes place, the city gets more people and has higher hotel prices. To maximize your chances of getting a deal make sure you book your hotel around city-wide events or during the scorching summer months.

How to Save Money in Miami

Don't attempt trying to catch up Miami people are likely an entire year ahead in every trend. Keep your credit cards safe in your wallet and spend your money at the local malls when you arrive back home.

The temperature rises and hotel prices drop in the summer's humid and hot. While the beaches are likely to not be as crowded, it's still going to still have to contend with mosquitoes for the sandy areas.

Find shelter in the inland areas: hotels further away from beaches are more affordable. Coconut Grove is an excellent alternative to inland for affordable lodging.

Consider a boat cruise If you do not have the money to purchase a private boat There are many boats available for public tours in Miami which let you enjoy the water. Are you not a fan of the water? Numerous other land-based guided tours are also offered.

Culture & Customs

It is a popular destination for famous people and those who are well-off Miami's vibe is more sophisticated than smaller coastal cities like Destin as well as Fort Lauderdale. It is important for visitors to dress in a professional manner, particularly when dining out or participating in the nightlife scene close to Miami Beach.

There's a different side to the town which is heavily influenced by Latin culture. A significant portion of the population is comprised of individuals who are from Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Haiti. Due to this large influx of newcomers, Spanish can be heard widely throughout the city, particularly in neighborhoods such as Little Havana - and you could hear a little French Creole as well. Latin culture also has played a significant role in Miami's nightlife scene with numerous establishments playing Latin dance and music.

With its diverse mix of cultures and larger-than-life persona, It's no wonder there's an energizing art scene in the Miami region. From a variety of art museums with a variety of tastes to many galleries that showcase contemporary and contemporary art, there's plenty of artistic talent in the city. The city is crowded with visitors in December to attend the renowned Art Basel show.

What to Eat

The city is an international one food from all across the globe can be enjoyed in Miami. Fast becoming a mecca for foodies, staples such as Cuban and Peruvian cuisines mix with traditional American meals along with Japanese sushi. Because of its location on the water, fresh seafood is easy to find either.

A lot of restaurants have a tradition within the community, going to the past, like the authentic Cuban cuisine on the menu at Versailles Restaurant and the fresh sustainable seafood available in Garcias Seafood Grille and Fish Market. You can also visit Little Haiti for a taste of the Caribbean at Chef Creole's. Be aware certain less formal restaurants only accept cash.

Some restaurants like Secreto include Latin, European, and Asian tastes to make something distinctively Miamian. If you're looking to eat that's more refined take a look at the restaurants in hotels that line the downtown. Highly recommended by locals and experts Restaurants like La Mar by Gaston Acurio at the Mandarin Oriental, Miami, or Area 31 at the Kimpton Epic Miami provide the finest dining experience and stunning views.

Safety

Miami is a major city, so it's important to think about safety always even at your hotel. Always have an emergency map (or download one from your smartphone) and avoid unexplored areas at the night. In any major city, you should keep the eye on your personal belongings always, particularly when you're in the city. Avoid carrying wallets in your back pockets and ensure you have a firm grip on any bags or purses that you might have. Similar to most major city centers, Miami does feature a small number of transients that typically shop in the tourist areas of the city. There are some experts who recommend staying away from the area around downtown during the night. Although it's a bustling area of the city during the day, however, it becomes a mess in the evening and may become somewhat shady.

Miami weather may also be the reason for concern. Be aware of the forecast for tropical storm warnings. If you happen to encounter a hurricane, remain at home and turn on the news or on television to get up-to-date information about emergencies. When the storm is over be sure to stay clear of power lines that have fallen and roads that have been flooded. Experts recommend being careful when walking because debris like broken glass may be difficult to identify.

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tetrisfinished · 2 years

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CUBA 2023

okay so here we go! cuba 2023 trip recorded here so i don't forget! (or rather, when i do forget, i can come back here and recall :p)

JAN 11TH, 2023 - arrived at the airport at 3:30 am for our 6:15 am flight only to find out it had been pushed an hour. esa didn't sleep since leaving the house until bedtime that night and let me tell ya....sleepy toddlers are even LESS fun than fully well rested toddlers! when we arrived it was around 2:30 pm and check in was actually at 4 pm. but we requested an earlier check in and luckily were able to get a room right away! we had dinner - our first experience with the food. and then basically crashed in bed. i actually ended up going outside and catching a nighttime pool show which was super cool!

JAN 12TH, 2023 - my 32nd birthday! we spent the daytime at the beach! and in the eveninga after we showered and got dressed in non swim clothes, we took a ride on the hop on hop off bus that goes through varadero city. we hopped on but didn't really hop off - that was the extent of our outing - just to see what it was we might be experiencing. it was a nice sunny day and of course we went to the top level and had the wind in our hair. it was perfect. at night we went to the buffet where esa found a cat and fell in love with it. also that was the blessed day that yasir purchased a wicker cuban fedora from a local vendor at the beach. lol after dinner we went to go watch a show in the resort theatre area. prior to the beginning of the show, there was a clown/kids entertainer on stage. and of course esa found his opportunity and ran on stage to start uninvited dancing alongside him l o l. that was probably the highlight of my night. but we couldn't stay for long because esa was super tired and fussy when we forced him off stage so we went back to the room and called it a night around 9:30-ish.

JAN 13TH, 2023 - we took a tour in a classic american car with a company called authentic cuban tours to havana! we drove over bacunayagua bridge and saw a glimpse of the gorgeous yumuri valley. we went to old havana and new havana and saw the forts and the statue of jesus christ. we had lunch at a seafood restaurant that was so cool - it was the back of a really homely looking building (because we later found out it was actually a row of just people's homes!). it was such a gorgeous day that ended (as we were on our way back) with a cuban rain that brought about some chilly weather and wild atlantic waves for the next couple of days. when we got back to the resort, we had showers and then dinner. and then basically crashed in bed.

JAN 14TH, 2023 - this was a suuuuuper chill day! we didn't honestly do much and in the middle of the day (right after lunch) we went back to our room and took a roughly 3 hour long nap! earlier in the day, we went to the beach only to just come right back. the beach was empty (ie no one in the water) and the waves were nuts - courtesy of the previous day's storm. that night we had our first of 3 reservations at one of the in-resort restaurants. it was called la romantico - the gourmand restaurant. which was basically "continental" food. i enjoyed it! but by now i had also really started to enjoy the buffets since i figured out what i liked and what i didn't and i stuck to those specific items.

JAN 15TH, 2023 - in the morning we decided we would go back on the hop on hop off to varadero. except this time actually hop off lol so we got to the bus stop and realized the line was super long and nuts and since we had a stroller with us - we decided to wait for the next bus that came along. as it happens, another couple decided the same and when we were waiting we started talking. the other couple suggested we split a cab and when we split it ended up costing the exact same as the bus so we decided to do it! it was super convenient. when we got to varadero, we were dropped off at a scenic viewpoint and then we sort of walked around - saw the varadero street market and that was unfortunately all we could really get done. esa was going nuts running around on the sidewalks and occasionally on the roads so we called it and went back to the resort. as we were walking along trying to find the bus stop, the same cab driver who dropped us there found us and we ended up just going back to the resort with him. shukar alhumdulillah for the ways that Allah can make things work out for you. when we got back to the resort, again we showered and then i put esa down for a little nap. while he and yasir were napping, i went outside and sat by the beach and read my book under the sun. it was gorgeous and peaceful and courtesy of the cold-ish front from the storm a couple days ago it was still very quiet and calm (crowd-wise anyway lol). that night we had our reservation at the japanese restaurant and so we went to dinner and it was tepenyaki. it was really good food and i thoroughly enjoyed it! afterwards we went to the lobby where there was live music happening and esa had the time of his life dancing along. it was adorable.

JAN 16TH, 2023 - on this day we booked our tour of the caribbean. we took a 2.5 hour bus ride with other folks and a tour guide down to the south of the province matanzas and first went to the open air crocodile sanctuary. yepp, you read that right. we saw live crocodies from baby to adulthood stage and my goodness these animals are TERRIFYING. while we were there someone even tried feeding them. like goodness, i think my heart leapt into my mouth as i saw a crocodile leap up to catch the piece of meat. anyway, after that we got back on the bus and headed to a place called point perdiz (point paradise...that name could not be more justified!). we got to this park area where there was a beach and we went into caribbean (gulf of mexico) water (NOT the atlantic as was what we had experienced at the resort). and my goodness that water and the temperature were PERFECT. we got some snorkeling equipment but didn't actually end up snorkeling. but the water was sooooo clear and absolutely gorgeous that we could SEE the fish inside. i was too scared to go to far even though the depth of the water wasn't huge, but i wish i had. it was such a pleasurable swim. that was also the day yasir got one of his signature headaches and that's just a fun experience for us all. the ratio of 2 adults to 1 toddler becomes 1 adult to 2 toddlers and it is ZERO FUN for the 1 adult. anyway over there we had lunch, it was also delicious. then we got back in the bus and headed back to the crocodile sanctuary where we waited for our boat to take us to the island guamo. the island used to be a resort however after a couple major storms hit and broke it apart, it ended up becoming more of a tourist destination as a museum to show the history of the native people of cuba. the natives (whose name i am now going to butcher) called the teines. i'm not even going to google this because i'm pretty sure i'm so wrong in my recollection that google won't even recognize what i'm looking for. after the tour of that island, we went back on the bus and came back to the hotel. we of course took our showers and went to dinner and then came back and crashed in our room.

JAN 17TH, 2023 - this was our last day of sorts because our flight back home was the next morning early in the morning and so we would have no time actually on the resort itself to chill. so in the morning after breakfast we went down to the beach and decided to do the small little resort catamaran trip. it. was. perfect. i went into the water, esa went into the water. they bring bread and then throw it in the water and SO MANY fish crowd around! it was such a fun morning i THOROUGHLY enjoyed myself. afterwards we went back to the room and of course showered and got ready. and then we had our last reservation for the trip - again at the japanese restaurant and again the food was great! came back to the room and packed up as much as i could except the last few things i would still be using the following day and then went to bed.

JAN 18TH, 2023 - sunwing once again crapped on us and delayed our flight by an hour. but we still caught the bus at the regular time to go to the airport. we checked in our bags and had some overpriced breakfast at the airport. then we chilled for a little while and got in to the flight. the flight was fine up until the end when this one couple sitting in front of us TOTALLY killed our buzz. but i truly and honestly do not want to discuss that right now. so i'm going to end my cuba post here.

maybe tomorrow i'll come back and tell you the story of the assholes on the airplane. but for now i want to end on such a good note. cuba is not a country of abundance. their regime is strict and is not fair to their citizens and the fact that we as outsiders can go and enjoy the country and the food and the sights and the experiences - there really isn't much i can say that's as all encompassing as the words Shukar Alhumdulillah. Shukar Alhumdulillah that we have been given this privilege - we do not know why and we are certainly not deserving but we give thanks always and regardless because while there are so many with more, there are even more with less and we always always should be grateful.

that's all i want to say for now. it was a wonderful trip! coming back to the cold - i definitely want to go back. but overall, such a wonderful week and i especially appreciated past komal because while we returned back home on a wednesday, i had the foresight when i was booking my vacation time to book off thursday and friday also. and that was a good thing.

i have finally understood the value in taking the vacation from the vacation lol got a shit ton of laundry done these past few days!

now i'm energized and ready(ish) to go back to work tomorrow! and that's all for now!

goodnight lovely tumblr-verse.

-k

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havanacitytour-blog · 6 years

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Get ready for some adventure. Our Havana Vintage Car Tour Package is the perfect option if you want to explore all of Havana. For guests arriving via cruise ships at Havana terminal, Havana2000 offer flexible & customized private guided Havana city tours in classic American cars. For more info, visit www.havana2000.com

#havana city tours in classic american cars #havana classic cars tour #havana vintage car tours #private guided havana city tour service #classic american cars in havana cuba

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nextsunrisetravel · 5 years

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🇨🇺 #City #tour in #havana by #classic beautiful #cars 😎 !!! Even 🙆‍♀️ better , #take your🤩 time 👙 come back 😉 (en San Diego, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/B-AIzMVAg-4/?igshid=y2gmeqb5pju7

#city #tour #havana #classic #cars #take

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1962dude420-blog · 3 years

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Today we remember the passing of Joey Ramone who Died: April 15, 2001 in Manhattan, New York

Jeffrey Ross Hyman, known professionally as Joey Ramone, was an American musician, singer, composer, and lead vocalist of the punk rock band the Ramones. Joey Ramone's image, voice, and tenure as frontman of the Ramones made him a countercultural icon.

Jeffrey Ross Hyman was born on May 19, 1951, in Queens, New York City, New York to a Jewish family. His parents were Charlotte (née Mandell) and Noel Hyman. He was born with a parasitic twin growing out of his back, which was incompletely formed and surgically removed. The family resided in Forest Hills, Queens, where Hyman and his future Ramones bandmates attended Forest Hills High School. He grew up with his brother Mickey Leigh. Though happy, Hyman was something of an outcast, diagnosed at 18 with obsessive–compulsive disorder alongside being diagnosed with schizophrenia. His mother, Charlotte Lesher, divorced her first husband, Noel Hyman. She married a second time but was widowed by a car accident while she was on vacation.

Hyman was a fan of the Beatles, the Who, David Bowie, and the Stooges among other bands, particularly oldies and the Phil Spector-produced "girl groups". His idol was Pete Townshend of the Who, with whom he shared a birthday. Hyman took up the drums at 13, and played them throughout his teen years before picking up an acoustic guitar at age 17.

In 1974, Jeffrey Hyman co-founded the punk rock band the Ramones with friends John Cummings and Douglas Colvin. Colvin was already using the pseudonym "Dee Dee Ramone" and the others also adopted stage names using "Ramone" as their surname: Cummings became Johnny Ramone and Hyman became Joey Ramone. The name "Ramone" stems from Paul McCartney: he briefly used the stage name "Paul Ramon" during 1960/1961, when the Beatles, still an unknown five-piece band called the Silver Beetles, did a tour of Scotland and all took up pseudonyms; and again on the 1969 Steve Miller album Brave New World, where he played the drums on one song using that name.

Joey initially served as the group's drummer while Dee Dee Ramone was the original vocalist. However, when Dee Dee's vocal cords proved unable to sustain the demands of consistent live performances, Ramones manager Thomas Erdelyi suggested Joey switch to vocals. Mickey Leigh: "I was shocked when the band came out. Joey was the lead singer and I couldn't believe how good he was. Because he'd been sitting in my house with my acoustic guitar, writing these songs like 'I Don't Care', fucking up my guitar, and suddenly he's this guy on stage who you can't take your eyes off of." After a series of unsuccessful auditions in search of a new drummer, Erdelyi took over on drums, assuming the name Tommy Ramone.

The Ramones were a major influence on the punk rock movement in the United States, though they achieved only minor commercial success. Their only record with enough U.S. sales to be certified gold in Joey's lifetime was the compilation album Ramones Mania. Recognition of the band's importance built over the years, and they are now regularly represented in many assessments of all-time great rock music, such as the Rolling Stone lists of the 50 Greatest Artists of All Time and 25 Greatest Live Albums of All Time, VH1's 100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock, and Mojo's 100 Greatest Albums. In 2002, the Ramones were voted the second greatest rock and roll band ever in Spin, behind the Beatles.

In 1996, after a tour with the Lollapalooza music festival, the band played their final show and then disbanded.

Ramone's signature cracks, hiccups, snarls, crooning, and youthful voice made him one of punk rock's most recognizable voices. Allmusic.com wrote that "Joey Ramone's signature bleat was the voice of punk rock in America." As his vocals matured and deepened through his career, so did the Ramones' songwriting, leaving a notable difference from his initial melodic and callow style—two notable tracks serving as examples are "Somebody Put Something in My Drink" and "Mama's Boy". Dee Dee Ramone was quoted as saying "All the other singers in New York were copying David Johansen (New York Dolls), who was copying Mick Jagger... But Joey was unique, totally unique."

In 1985, Ramone joined Steven Van Zandt's music industry activist group Artists United Against Apartheid, which campaigned against the Sun City resort in South Africa. Ramone and 49 other recording artists – including Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Keith Richards, Lou Reed and Run DMC — collaborated on the song "Sun City", in which they pledged they would never perform at the resort.

In 1994, Ramone appeared on the Helen Love album Love and Glitter, Hot Days and Music, singing the track "Punk Boy". Helen Love returned the favor, singing on Ramone's song "Mr. Punchy".

In October 1996, Ramone headlined the "Rock the Reservation" alternative rock festival in Tuba City, Arizona. 'Joey Ramone & the Resistance' debuted Ramone's interpretation of Louis Armstrong's "Wonderful World' live, as well as Ramone's choice of Ramones classics and some of his other favorite songs; The Dave Clark Five's "Any Way You Want It", The Who's "The Kids are Alright" and The Stooges' "No Fun."

Ramone co-wrote and recorded the song "Meatball Sandwich" with Youth Gone Mad. For a short time before his death, he took the role of manager and producer for the punk rock band the Independents.

His last recording as a vocalist was backup vocals on the CD One Nation Under by the Dine Navajo rock group Blackfire. He appeared on two tracks, "What Do You See" and "Lying to Myself". The 2002 CD won "Best Pop/Rock Album of the Year" at the 2002 Native American Music Awards.

Ramone produced the Ronnie Spector album She Talks to Rainbows in 1999. It was critically acclaimed but was not very commercially successful. The title track was previously on the Ramones' final studio album, ¡Adios Amigos!.

Joey Ramone died at the age of 49 following a seven-year battle with lymphoma at New York-Presbyterian Hospital on April 15, 2001, a month before he would have turned 50. He was reportedly listening to the song "In a Little While" by U2 when he died. In an interview in 2014 for Radio 538, U2 lead singer Bono confirmed that Joey Ramone's family told him that Ramone listened to the song before he died, which Andy Shernoff (The Dictators) also confirmed.

His solo album Don't Worry About Me was released posthumously in 2002, and features the single "What a Wonderful World", a cover of the Louis Armstrong standard. MTV News claimed: "With his trademark rose-colored shades, black leather jacket, shoulder-length hair, ripped jeans and alternately snarling and crooning vocals, Joey was the iconic godfather of punk."

On November 30, 2003, a block of East 2nd Street in New York City was officially renamed Joey Ramone Place. It is the block where Hyman once lived with bandmate Dee Dee Ramone and is near the former site of the music club CBGB, where the Ramones began their career. Hyman's birthday is celebrated annually by rock 'n' roll nightclubs, hosted in New York City by his brother and, until 2007, his mother, Charlotte. Joey Ramone is interred at Hillside Cemetery in Lyndhurst, New Jersey.

The Ramones were named as inductees to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as part of the class of 2002.

Several songs have been written in tribute to Joey Ramone. Tommy, CJ and Marky Ramone and Daniel Rey came together in 2002 to record Jed Davis' Joey Ramone tribute album, The Bowery Electric. Other tributes include "Hello Joe" by Blondie from the album The Curse of Blondie, "Drunken Angel" by Lucinda Williams, "You Can't Kill Joey Ramone" by Sloppy Seconds, Joey by Raimundos, "I Wanna Be Your Joey Ramone" by Sleater-Kinney, "Red and White Stripes" by Moler and "Joey" by the Corin Tucker Band, "I Heard Ramona Sing" by Frank Black, Amy Rigby's "Dancin' With Joey Ramone" and "The Miracle (of Joey Ramone)" by U2.

In September 2010, the Associated Press reported that "Joey Ramone Place," a sign at the corner of Bowery and East Second Street, was New York City's most stolen sign. Later, the sign was moved to 20 ft (6.1 m) above ground level. Drummer Marky Ramone thought Joey would appreciate that his sign would be the most stolen, adding "Now you have to be an NBA player to see it."

After several years in development, Ramone's second posthumous album was released on May 22, 2012. Titled ...Ya Know?, it was preceded on Record Store Day by a 7" single re-release of "Blitzkrieg Bop"/"Havana Affair"

#april 15 #2001 #r.i.p.#joey ramone #the ramones

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eandamj · 5 years

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CUBA - Havana - 27 -29 February 2020

We arrived with friends in Havana to spend a couple of days in the city ahead of a tour of the western part of Cuba. We stayed just outside the old town but nearby to Havana Bay. On our first evening we went for a quick walk down to the El Malecon (coastal road) and discovered how much of the sea comes over the sea wall. We went into the old town the next day and visited the stunning Capitol building which has been renovated. It use to house the Parliament, although latterly has been used as a science academy.

The parliamentary chambers were very impressive:

Surrounding the Capitol were buildings where renovation seemed to have stopped or buildings that were generally poorly maintained, symptomatic of the duress of sanctions against the country. (We were told later by our tour guide not to walk on pavements in the old town as there had been cases of balconies collapsing due to poor maintenance and killing people!) All around the area of the Capitol we saw many colourful classic American cars being offered as taxis or on offer for an hour’s tour of Havana.

We visited the art museums: one of modern Cuban art and the other traditional with art from all over the world. Here is the impressive internal balconies on the stair case of the traditional gallery.

We spent the evening at the famous Buena Vista Social Club where we had dinner and Cuban entertainment from many bands and singers with Salsa dancing. Audience participation was virtually mandatory which made for an interesting evening. On the 29 February we returned to the old town again and visited the Museum of the Revolution. This told us the background to and the delivery of the revolution. We noted that apparently ever since the revolution, when things have not gone smoothly eg arrival of dengue fever, this has been caused by the CIA. Here are items kept by the museum which are important to the delivery of the revolution.

We visited the Hotel Ambos Mundos to see the room where Ernest Hemingway lived for several years writing novels in the 1930s. This was the view from the room which has probably hardly changed since!!

We returned to our hotel to transfer to the famous Hotel Nacional to start our tour. Fortunately this was a short walk.

The hotel has a great position with gardens overlooking the bay and the sea wall on the El Malecon.

That evening we met up with the rest of our tour group - seven Australians and our great guide Adita.

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wehavana2000-blog · 5 years

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Why Make A Tour To Havana With Havana Old Car Tours?

This isolated Caribbean nation of Cuba has got a rich history buried in its land .It has been always a very attractive spot for the travelers and the adventure loving people for more than decades. You have been keeping up with your projects and assignments for ever and promise yourself an amazing escape from the stress and fast paced life. Its time, that instead of keeping an idea of having an exotic experience at a bay. You look into it, and plan for a great holiday with your loved ones, somewhere in the shores, in the beautiful sceneries, a place where the experience will be unforgettable.

Once you have made up your mind, then you would need some guidance to travel and to organize your living, day’s out, and excursions by a travel agency. After getting everything set and arranged. You land up in this mesmerizing city of Havana. You will be travelling with Havana Old car tours to many of Havana city's premium attractions which includes old Havana, the Revolution Square "José Martí", Morro Castle, The Capitol, El Floridita Bar, Old Square, La Bodeguita del Medio, El Cristo de la Havana, Cathedral Square, Square of Saint Francis de Assisi, El Templete, Malecón, Payret Movie Theater, La Reunión Pharmacy and much more.

Havana Old car tours provides you an easy access to these classic American cars from the year 1950’s and has gained a very high popularity among the tourists. These services are very reasonable and along with that, very safe and secure. Picking you up from your hotel to dropping off safely is the prime objective. You will be having a guide with you who is going to narrate you all the past events related to the place, making you seem familiar and acquainted with the city.

You are exposed to a different kind of culture and people who belong to different communities, serve a unique style of food. You must definitely try on these. This amazing and breathtaking experience is promised by Havana Old car tours to you. We take you to an immensely powerful and captivating beautiful sceneries, driven with us in the classic American cars. It's an experience that remains in the heart of people, alive and fresh for years. From ancient history, to modern art, clubs and pubs for someone who loves to have some party or a jazz music, or just a simple cup of coffee in the cafes. Havana has got it all for you.

This is a place that you must target for your upcoming weekend. Because there are plenty of the things that you would be missing out on if you are not packed for Havana yet.

#Havana Old Car Tours

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melvinpmiller · 2 years

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Havana 60 Classic Car Tours {Cuba}

The post Havana 60 Classic Car Tours {Cuba} appeared first on Gr8 Travel Tips. This Content Originally Appeared On And Is Copyright Protected By The Author at https://ift.tt/QJu2SpZ Post Last Modified – August 09, 2022 Trinidad and Cienfuegos Tour From Varadero On our vacation to 🏖 Varadero Cuba a few seasons ago, one of the things I most wanted to do, was to take a private 🚗 Classic Car Tour to the historic city of Trinidad. My wife and I had the pleasure of taking this full day tour with – 🚘 Havana 60 Classic Car Tours. This tour also included a stop and walk about in the old city of – Cienfuegos. A Full Day […] The post Havana 60 Classic Car Tours {Cuba} appeared first on Gr8 Travel Tips. You Can Find The Original Post at https://ift.tt/QJu2SpZ from Havana 60 Classic Car Tours {Cuba} Source:

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travel-rdm · 2 years

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Top Cities to Visit In USA

The United States has so many diverse cities and locations containing unique attractions, from coastlines to huge cities, from beautiful islands and concrete jungles that deciding which ones deserve to be called the greatest or best in America is difficult. If you're ever in need of a last-minute vacation destination and itinerary, then you need not look any further.

New York City

NYC, There is no place on Earth like the Big Apple. A stroll down any street in Manhattan is always a fascinating experience, as it is an incredible fusion of cultures, neighborhoods, languages, and styles. Classic old buildings coexist with new ultra-modern architecture. When you're in town, catch a Broadway production, go to all of the museums, the Statue of Liberty, walk around Central Park, taste some of the best bagels you’ll ever get, and if you can then experience a Yankees game or watch a US Open match.

Los Angeles

Hollywood is synonymous with LA. The glamorous city should be on your must-visit list if you're in America. As you travel and explore L.A., you'll see everything from the beach to the mountains. You can head to Malibu for some surfing fun, visit the Getty Museum, find the footsteps of iconic legends at the Hollywood Walk of Fame, walk up the famous Hollywood hills, go shopping at Rodeo Drive, or spend some magical time at Disneyland.

San Francisco

Although the city is only 7 miles long, it is jam-packed with activities that will appeal to nature enthusiasts, foodies, and travelers of all types. The Golden Gate Bridge is a must-see, and a tour of Alcatraz Island's infamous and now-closed federal prison should also be on your bucket list as it is one of San Francisco's biggest attractions. Cable car tours of the city are a recommended activity and a must, plus a visit to the California Academy of Science is a great attraction to visit with the entire family.

Chicago

It's a big city with a pleasant and happening vibe, with a full street dedicated to drinking and dancing, Rush Street. Don't miss out on the Taste of Chicago, Pitchfork Music Fest, and the biggest of them all, the Lollapalooza music festival if you want to experience Chicago’s rocking party scene. Also, think of Chicago when you next eat a deep-dish pizza which the city is famous for.

Washington, DC

The United States capital city is a beautiful place to be, to visit and it continues to get better. The National Mall, the Lincoln Memorial, and Smithsonian museums truly give the city a magnificent appeal. Aside from politics, monuments, and museum tours, D.C. has some exciting new districts, such as the Wharf that are worth exploring.

Miami

Because of the city’s Latin-American influence and multiculturalism, Miami attracts a large number of tourists. Miami is known for its beautiful beaches, lively nightlife, and excellent weather. It also boasts a stunning skyline, opulent shopping malls, Art Deco architecture, and luxury hotels. Miami Beach, Ocean Drive, Little Havana, Bayside Marketplace, Zoo Miami, and Deering Estate are just a few of the major attractions.

#nyc #newyorkcity #usa #museum #statue of liberty

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naman19rawat · 2 years

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Top Cities to Visit In USA

New York City

2. Los Angeles

3. San Francisco

4.Chicago

5. Washington, DC

6. Miami

#NewYork city #statue of liberty

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havanacitytour-blog · 6 years

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Are you ready for some adventure? Our Havana Vintage Car Tour Package is the perfect option if you want to explore all of Havana. For guests arriving via cruise ships at Havana terminal, Havana2000 offer flexible & customized private guided Havana city tours in classic American cars. For more information, visit www.havana2000.com

#havana city tours in classic american cars #havana classic cars tour #havana vintage car tours #private guided havana city tour service #classic american cars in havana cuba

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theladyjstyle · 6 years

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Royal Caribbean cruises to Cuba

Royal Caribbean offers regular cruise sailings to the island of Cuba, where guests can enjoy the Cuban culture, history and cuisine that has been a signature of the country for centuries. Vibrant culture. Iconic music. Storied architecture — there really is nowhere in the world quite like Cuba.

Royal Caribbean visits three one-of-a-kind ports around the island, with two ships that sail to Cuba regularly. Many itineraries offer overnight stays in the capital of Cuba, Havana.

Royal Caribbean ships sailing to Cuba

Two Royal Caribbean ships can currently visit Cuba. The Cuban port infrastructure is limited, so only smaller cruise ships can fit into the docking facilities.

Empress of the Seas

Royal Caribbean brought back Empress of the Seas into the fleet specifically to offer cruises to Cuba. Empress of the Seas offers cruises to Cuba from Miami, Florida on a refurbished 1,602 passenger vessel.

Guests sailing on Empress of the Seas will enjoy curated people-to-people experiences designed to immerse them in the country’s architecture, cuisine, music, art and natural beauty. They’ll explore Old Havana—a UNESCO World Heritage site—as well as a rum museum, Hemingway’s former residence, a local artisan market, and more.

Onboard, Empress will have a range of activities designed to bring the spirit of the island to life for the duration of the journey. Look for cortaditos and café con leche in Café Royal, along with live salsa music alongside signature amenities like a rock-climbing wall, new pools and whirlpools, an adults-only Solarium, a Vitality Spa and a complimentary Adventure Ocean youth program.

Majesty of the Seas

With the popularity of cruising to Cuba, Royal Caribbean added Majesty of the Seas to the roster of cruise ships sailing to Cuba. Majesty of the Seas began offering cruises to Cuba in 2018.

Sailings to Cuba on Majesty of the Seas leave from either Tampa or Fort Lauderdale to Havana, and includes stops elsewhere in the Caribbean such as Cozumel, Key West or Nassau.

Majesty of the Seas underwent a dry dock in 2016 that added new upgrades and received new onboard amenities. Guests on Majesty of the Seas can enjoy Voom high speed internet to stay connected, brag about their vacation to friends and family, stream their favorite movies and music, and enjoy popular online video gaming. Splashaway Bay, an interactive aqua park for kids, features a vibrant waterscape for kids and toddlers with sea creature water cannons, winding slides, a gigantic drench bucket and a multi-platform jungle-gym. In addition, the pool deck was revamped to include a new expanded bar area, family-friendly Jacuzzis and a poolside movie screen.

Ports of call in Cuba

Royal Caribbean sails to three incredible destinations in Cuba.

Havana

The capital of Cuba is home to unforgettable sights of the place where yesterday lives today. Guests can ride along the historic Malecón in a classic car guided by a local. Or experience one of the famed Cabaret Tropicana’s folklore-laden musical extravaganzas. In Havana, timeless sights and sounds await around every corner.

Santiago de Cuba

From castles to cathedrals, quiet parks to towering landmarks, Santiago de Cuba offers endless discoveries. Guests can learn about Cuba’s spiritual heritage at the El Cobre cathedral. Discover how cigars are hand-rolled by locals at La Casa del Habano. And learn some Danzón steps from a local during one of the city’s many colorful carnivals.

Cienfuegos

For a taste of Cuban culture that few get to savor, Cienfuegos is the place to be. Spot stalagmites in Martin Infierno Cave, explore forest trails in Parque El Nicho and soak up the city’s French-colonial history as you stroll past centuries old buildings. In Cienfuegos, paths lead to new discoveries.

Important Cuba cruise tips

Before you cruise to Cuba on Royal Caribbean, here are some helpful things to know about Cuba cruises.

Documentation

To enter Cuba, American citizens need to meet certain standards for at least one of the 12 categories of travel approved by the U.S. Treasury Department. Royal Caribbean will take care of providing each guest with a Cuban visa. The cost of a visa is $75 per person, and will be processed by the cruise line and will be waiting for you when you board the ship. You just need to sign an affidavit certifying participation in one of the ship’s excursions or ensure that you qualify for another category.

In order to satisfy United States law, you will need to to fulfill on one of the allowed reasons for visiting, but that’s easy too. You just need to book a shore excursion that complies with U.S. requirements (this includes any Royal Caribbean shore excursion). Just be sure to know that a day tour must be booked; night tours alone won’t meet the requirement.

The Cuban government requires all U.S. visitors to have health insurance coverage during their time discovering the island nation. Chances are, your current insurance will not cover you while in Cuba, but no worries: Royal Caribbean also has this covered for you, so there’s no extra work needed on your end. The cruise fare also includes a local health insurance fee should any medical attention onshore be required.

Passports

Guests need their actual passport book — passport cards, birth certificates and driver’s licenses will not be accepted to go on-shore.

Note: Make sure your passport is valid for six months past your sailing date.

Currency

There are two main currencies in Cuba — the Cuban Peso (used by locals) and Cuban Convertible Peso (used by tourists).

Most businesses accept cash-only, and small U.S. bills can be exchanged at the cruise terminal, in banks and exchange offices (ask for a “CADECA”), and in hotels.

Like U.S.-based mobile phone service, credit card service can be equally limited on the island. Restrictions on U.S. credit cards have been lifted but banks and merchants are still working out what’s needed to support them. Your best bet is to carry cash while in Cuba.

Souvenirs

For the most part tourists are free to purchase goods to bring back and enjoy in the U.S. — even the world-renowned cigars and rum. Just make sure they’re bought from authorized sellers.

Internet & Connectivity

In general, internet connectivity in Cuba is nearly non-existent, so do not expect to find WiFi access while on shore. Your best bet is to rely on your cruise ship's Voom high speed internet signal, which will work while the ship is docked in Cuba.

Your U.S.-based cell phone might work in Cuba, but it’s safer to bet it won’t. Some carriers currently offer roaming service in the country, but like much of the tourism infrastructure, many providers are working on rolling out services to the island. Check with your carrier prior to sailing to Cuba to avoid any pricey fees.

Accessibility

Wheelchair users should note that accessibility is limited in Cuba. There is a lack of curb cuts, ramps, accessible vehicles and elevators. Doors may not be as wide and grab bars unavailable

More Cruises to Cuba

Expert tips and advice for visiting Cuba on a cruise

Majesty of the Seas cruise to Cuba review

Old Havana City Sightseeing shore excursion review

Category:

Cuba

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#cruise #Royal Caribbean Blog

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dherzogblog · 7 years

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songs/17

Hey everyone. Welcome back. In a break with tradition I expanded this year’s playlist well beyond the 80 minute limit of a CD. in addition, and let’s be honest here, I did have some extra time on my hands to listen to music in 2017. So for your listening (and reading ) pleasure I present 1 hour and 50 minutes of the good stuff from the past year. I know, I know, it’s a lot. So is this blog for anyone who actually tries to read it. I’ll promise to try and get it back under control next year, but in the meantime…. enjoy! PS- Click on the bold type below for the music, extras and surprises.

Ride with Me- The Mavericks My theme song for 2017. This year was all about travel and figuring out what I was going to when I grow up. I checked ALL the boxes on the travel end, while the latter remains a work in progress. As the year began and I found myself “unencumbered”, I literally told Noreen to keep her bags packed. A few weeks later the always dependable Mavericks echoed my thoughts with this tune singing: “I gotta go… a whole world to see. So pack your bags up baby, Come along and ride with me “. And ride we did. From Havana to The Grand Canyon, Tokyo to Tel Aviv, Motown to Muscle Shoals and many places in between, It was trains, planes, and automobile’s across thousands of miles with Noreen and as well as some good friends. It was nothing but good times, and I was so grateful for the opportunity.

No Particular Place To Go- Chuck Berry In 1973 a concert film entitled “Let The Good Times Roll” was released. It was a document of the then popular Richard Nader Rock & Roll revival shows that filled Madison Square Garden regularly. The film featured performances by Bo Diddley, Little Richard, Fats Domino, The Shirelles, and Chuck Berry. It was an era of great popularity for the vintage rock sounds of the 50′s. American Graffiti, Happy Days, Sha Na Na, and even The Beach Boys had helped usher in a “oldies” music revival. It was “retro” and” throwback” before anyone coined those terms. And it proved that music that was once considered disposable as well as the exclusive domain of pimply teenagers had true enduring appeal. At the time Chuck Berry was riding the wave of his somewhat regrettable “My Ding A Long” novelty single. That song, as well as the 50’s/60’s revival in general is probably what got my 12 year old self into the theater. It was incredible to watch Little Richard climb all over the stage in a frenzy, his androgynous image predating Bowie, and his frenzied stage antics providing a blue print for Prince. Then there was Bo Diddley all in black, strutting the stage with his signature guitar chugging like a freight train, and Chuck Berry duck walking the crowd into a frenzy, it all had me mesmerized. Upon seeing the film, I was so blown away I went back to see it a second time just days later. It was the only way to see it again back then. The acts were all well past their prime and were considered mere “oldies” acts at the time. Berry was not yet 50. (He wouldn’t have been old enough to play Desert Trip) For me, it was a crash course in rock history helping me understand and process almost everything I heard after.

Champagne Corolla- Justin Townes Earle More Songs About Cars And Girls. JTE covers a lot of ground on this outing. He’s 8 albums into his career, and stepping out of the long shadow of his father.

How to Boil An Egg- Courtney Barnett One off single from Australian singer songwriter making her return to the list. More messy, jangly musings on Millenial angst. She returned later in the year with a full length album with in partnership with Kurt Vile.

On The Rock- Bash & Pop Speaking of jangly and messy, Replacement Tommy Stinson delivers one of my favorite songs of the year. Good fun.

Bad Art and Weirdo Ideas (Quiet Slang)- Beach Slang The original version of this song appeared on the songs/15 list. James Alex the band’s leader starting touring under the moniker Quiet Slang last year. This EP contains some remakes as well as covers recorded in a “Quiet Slang” setting that includes strings. I loved this song the first time around, and even more so now.

Slow Me Down- Jess Ware This year’s model. Yet another of the UK’s seemingly endless supply of soulful female vocalists. I love a good torch ballad.

Brand New Me- Aretha Franklin and The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra I’m normally suspect of these types of projects. Too gimmicky. Messing with these seminal records borders on sacrilege, But it being Lady Soul, along with some of my very favorite songs I gave a listen. Pairing classic Aretha vocals with brand new backing from London’s Royal Philharmonic Orchestra these reboots seem to reach for something else. Imagine them as part of an Aretha Franklin Broadway jukebox musical or the lush soundtrack to an Aretha biopic. And while this particular cut doesn’t have the low key swing of the original, it does have it’s own big, brassy charm. Cinematic orchestration aside, these Aretha vocals remain stone cold classics in any settings.

At The Breaking Point- Zeshan B Remarkable debut from an Indian Muslim soul singer out of Chicago. The album, recorded in Memphis, is a mixture of obscure R&B , and retro feel originals expertly capturing a mid sixties soul vibe. Sung in three different languages , including Punjabi, the disc also features a great rendition of George Perkins Civil rights song “Cryin In The Streets”

Feeling Alive- Earl St. Clair This young man from Alabama delivers a positive and upbeat message in a modern R&B setting. Plus, I am totally down with the sentiment: “My friends say I should live a little, gotta say yes more”. From his gospel influenced singing to the fiddle heard near the end, their are echos of the deep south felt throughout.

Sweet Love- Wizkid Slinky exotic riddims from this Nigerian hip hop artist

Skin and Bone- Phil Cook I don’t know much about this guy. From north Carolina by way of Wisconsin. His previous record (this was a one off single) was mostly performed in an acoustic country blues/gospel vein. This track reminds me of a late era Sly Stone groove meeting conscious hip hop. The message is right on time, so “clap your hands”.

Birds Of A Feather, We Rock Together- Vulfpeck Vulpeck are back with all their funky, eclectic, quirky charm intact. You not be be able to get the title refrain out of your head after hearing it once.

Brutal- the Expanders “Man say it brutal out deh”. Perfect description for the world at large in 2017. This Southern California unit specializes in rekindling the spirit of 70’s roots reggae, specifically the unique sounds of the eras classic vocal trios. This is a faithful remake of the Itals track from 1981. Original Ital Ronnie Davis died earlier this year.

Ladies Nite- Bootsy Collins It’s ladies night in America folks. Bootsy always knows what time it is. O.G.Funk style.

My Old School- Steely Dan (Walter Becker) When I got to college in the fall of 1977, Steely Dan’s Aja was just about to hit record shops. It was an immediate smash upon being released. Prior to that release I knew their pop hits, but not the LP’s to a large degree. I really loved Aja. I was a big jazz funk fan and it had a lot of that influence. Later that school year, during the blizzard of 78, I have vivid memories of that record blasting from nearly every dorm room stereo and radio as we were cooped up for days on end. My next door neighbor in the dorm (from Worcester/“"Woostah" Mass) was a true Steely Dan fanatic. He considered Aja a bit of a sell out on their part. He insisted I listen to the 5 albums in their catalogue that proceeded it. So I did, borrowing from his collection one LP at a time. I liked them all, especially the magnificent Katy Lied. But the song that always stayed with me was My Old School. A funky (and and not a bit bitter) anthem with a blast of horns straight from E Street topped off with an unforgettable sing a long chorus. As of this printing the Becker estate is now suing Fagen. California might fall into the sea just yet, and but no one is gong back to their old school.

Heart Of The City- Los Straitjackets In 17 years I’m not sure I’ve ever included a rock instrumental. Los Straitjackets remain the premier purveyors of that long forgotten genre. On their latest the band tackle’s the great Nick Lowe’s canon. Super rockin fun all the way through.

Jackpot- Nikki Lane Stylish Nashville rebel with a great voice, rolls the dice and comes with a twangy and rocking winner

A Little Pain- Margo Price A slice of country soul heaven from alt country’s it girl.

Living In The City- Hurray For The Riff Raff On her latest outing band leader Alynda Lee Segarra embraces her Bronx bred Hispanic roots moving ever so slightly away from the alt country sound of previous albums. This track splits the difference nicely.

Here Comes My Girl- Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers I vividly remember both the first time I saw Tom Petty perform, as well as the last time. The first was in Madison Square Garden as part of a tremendous line up at one of The No Nukes Shows headlined by Bruce Springsteen. The under card was pretty strong that night. Bonnie Raitt, Peter Tosh, and Gil Scott- Heron. I was a fan of all the acts and had seen them all play live, save Petty. I was not sure what to expect from Petty that night. At that time he had three songs garnering airplay and scratching the Top 40. There was the Byrds like “American Girl”, the AOR ready “Breakdown”, and the taught, urgent energy of “I Need to Know”. That track had me wondering if The Heartbreakers might just be another skinny tie band. In addition there was the slight confusion because punk rocker Johnny Thunders band was also named The Heartbreakers . So I wasn’t exactly sure what I was about to see. His short dispelled any notions of a the act being new wave flash in the pan. It was clear Petty was more straight ahead rock classicist. The release of Damn The Torpedoes just a few weeks later would confirm that. Petty had arrived and was thrust onto the charts and into the big leagues. I was never a huge fan. I loved the best albums and ignored the others. I never found him a great live performer, but always left his shows happy. The songs were great and the band was top notch. Somehow despite his nuanced low key approach he became an unlikely MTV video star. He made continually great clips and they dominated the channel. Despite that, he never did promotions and contests, was rarely interviewed, and his managers did not work us nearly as much as his superstar peers. He toured regularly and always seemed to have a clip in rotation. He was the every man rock star, not bigger than life, not overly political, just writing great songs, hanging with The Wilbury’s and doing his thing. It felt like he was was always there, but he never was. A huge star, yet somehow in the shadows. Hence I rarely ever came face to face. My one memory is standing on stage at Live Aid next to him, and then Heartbreaker drummer Stan Lynch as they waited like anxious school boys to see the reunited Led Zeppelin. They could not have been more excited, anxiously awaiting the set to begin. The band hit the stage and started too play. It was a disaster, just awful. Half way through the second song Petty threw Lynch a sour look. In a flash they were gone, back to the artist compound. They could not bear to watch. I saw Petty perform for the last time just ten days before he passed. I was in the first row at The Hollywood Bowl. Early on I remarked to my wife “He doesn’t look good” (although truthfully, did he ever?). His energy seemed good, and his demeanor upbeat, but he was pasty and wan. He stumbled crossing the stage a few times, took some quiet puff of a cigarette hidden on the drum riser. And he was doing a weird thing with his mouth/lips/teeth. But honestly my reaction was not unlike running into a friend you haven’t seen in a bit where they did not look their best. Like everyone else, I was shocked when I heard the news. When all is said and done for me, it was the songs. Lyrics clear and concise, monster melodic hooks, classic influences and great production. Petty had a chip on his shoulder for sure, but it fueled the hope, ambition, and longing in his best songs and allowed him to achieve pop perfection over and over.

Gentle On My Mind- Glen Campbell 1968. I listened to what ever WABC played on the radio. Around that time there were three sappy and saccharine pop hits that always managed to make my cynicism free, nine year old heart ache with melancholy. The country soul of “O.C Smith’s. “Little Green Apples”, the maudlin mush of Bobby Goldsboro’s “Honey”, and the gorgeous,”Gentle on My Mind”. 1968 turned dark quickly with the assassination of Martin Luther King and Bobby Kennedy, the simmering controversy around the Vietnam War, and a divisive presidential election. The bright sunlight of The Summer Of Love disappeared as quickly, as did this type of 60′s pop (and psychedelia for that matter). Campbell continued to write mainstream and country hits, star in his own prime tine TV series (”Hello, I’m Glen Campbell!”), and later become tabloid fodder with his drama and drug fueled marriage to country bad girl Tanya Tucker. All of this conspiring to obscure the fact that he was a truly a tremendous songwriter and performer. I was moved recently watching the heartbreaking documentary “I’ll Be Me” which chronicles his battle with Alzhiemers on his final tour. Its well worth a watch and adds to the story of this somewhat overlooked legend.

Tupelo- Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit Beautiful ballad from the ex Drive By Trucker. A great album overall as well.

Transformation- Van Morrison If this sounds familiar, that’s probably the point. This track echoes back to Van’s great mid 70′s albums. It’’s smothered in enough tupelo honey, crazy love and celtic soul to turn on your electric light and send you into the mystic. I’m gonna guess you’re all ok with that.

Midnight Rider- Allman Brothers Band (Greg Allman) CLICK HERE for my earlier Greg Allman post (REVISED AND UPDATED)

Find Yourself- Lukas Nelson and The Promise of The Real Willie’s son and band fresh off the road deliver a promising set. This southern soul track recalls classic’s like William Bell’s “I Forgot to Be Your Lover”, and Delaney and Bonnie’s version of “Everybody Loves A Winner. That plus the pedigree gets my interest. Willie clearly raised him right.

What Would I Do- Lizz Wright The elegant and soulful Lizz Wright delivers plenty of grace on her latest set of well chosen covers like this Ray Charles gem.

Have You Heard Anything From The Lord Today- Cody Chestnutt Elusive and genre hopping Cody Chestnutt returns with only his fifth album in over 15 years. Better known within the industry than out, he always delivers something interesting. This time it’s a little bit of a little bit of faith.

Not Dark Yet- Shelby Lynne& Alison Moorer Two of country’s finest voices, and sisters, finally team up for an entire album. This is one of my very favorite latter day Dylan tunes, and they sing it beautifully. I was haunted by their version the very first time I heard it and have played it quite a bit since. I’ve always interpreted the lyrics to be the final reflections of someone getting ready to meet their maker. As 2017 brought some very tough days, there were times I couldn’t help thinking of it as a reflection of the state of our union and the planet. “It’s not dark yet, but it’s getting there” I thought to myself once too often. Here’s to a better 2018. Here’s the whole thing on Spotify: songs/17 The Herzogs wish you and all of yours the very best. Look forward to seeing you in the new year. xo dh Los Angeles, December 2017

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thevacationer-blog1 · 5 years

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What to do in Havana: our top recommended activities

Havana is top destination in the Caribbean, hundreds of thousands tourists travel to this mystical city every year to enjoy the beauty of the earlier days with a modern touch that the Cuban capital has to offer to those willing to spend a few days wandering around its narrow streets. There is a lot to do in Havana but here are the top activities. There is a lot of information on the internet about all the activities you can engage in your trip to Havana, and they are all mostly right about the information they provide, there's no need to keep preaching to the choir, but we'll share with you our top rated things to do, feel free to leave your comments below to keep this listing updated and add more amazing things to our what to do in Havana list.

Visit Fusterlandia and Callejón de Hammel.

Fusterlandia community project by José Fuster in Jaimanitas, Havana, Cuba Fusterlandia and Callejón de Hamel are two art community projects in Havana, there are both designed to bring locals and foreigners closer to the Cuban culture. More than 30 years ago artist José Fuster installed his workshop in Jaimanitas, a shore line community in the far west of Havana, he transformed his neighborhood landscape into an open air art gallery, he name it Fusterlandia, today more than 80 houses are in involved in one of the most singular visual art attractions in Havana. On the other side of the city you can find the Callejón de Hamel (Hamel's alley), a tribute to Fernando Belleau Hamel a former French-American resident who built houses to African and Chinese slaves in the area, nowadays this alley has been transformed into a cultural hotspot featuring the African heritage in the island where the mysticism of the Yoruba religion and the Rumba dance are the most important values in this community project.

The Malecón at Sunset.

Beautiful sunset over the Malecón seawall. Malecón Avenue if favourite place for both nationals and foreign visitors in Havana, this 5 miles long seawall stretches from Habana Vieja, the colonial center, through the boring (Russian) apartments of Vedado and is one of the city's most soulful and cultural Cuban thoroughfares. Every afternoon thousands make their way to the Malecón to watch how he sun filters like a dim torch onto the crumbling buildings of Centro Habana, afterwards many religious (Habaneros bring offers to the Yoruba gods and throw it into the sea) and cultural activities takes place in this important avenue. There is no other place which shows more of the Havana's soul, or attracts more locals and tourists than the long stretched Malecón.

Ride in a 1950’s Convertible: top rated of what to do in Havana.

Our classic car tour is a best seller excursion in Havana. Riding on a classic convertible car should be at the op of your list when visiting such a place like Havana, nothing compares to the feeling of being transported back in time in a World Heritage Site made by Unesco. From a 1950’s convertible you will get to see the most iconic places of Havana City and learn the history of every one of them, you will also experience the juxtaposition of modern and old cars on Cuban roads.

Have a Mojito at National Hotel.

Terrace of the Hotel Nacional de Cuba. Just a walking distance from the Malecón the National Hotel of Cuba stands out as one of the most historical places in the city, reflecting its extraordinary art deco style. The hotel opened on December 30, 1930 at a time Cuba was a prime travel destination for Americans. If you decide to have a Mojito at the hotel's terrace you will be sharing the space with some local and international celebrities as the hotels is favourite destination for world class personalities. The hotel also has a dark history linked to the American Mob, its former casino served as a meeting between the U.S. and Sicilian Mafia in 1946. This meeting is depicted in Francis Ford Coppola’s film “The Godfather Part II.”

Visit el El Floridita for a Hemingway's Daiquiri.

Floridita Bar, Ernest Hemingway's favorite place in Havana. El Floridita is a historic restaurant and cocktail bar famous for being Ernest Hemingway's favourite place. Located in the heart of Old Havana is an open door to the history of the famous writer, where visitors mob the place just to cruise the yellowed photos of Papa Hemingway hung on the walls and take a photo with his statue at a corner of the bar. Dubbing itself as “the cradle of daiquiri,” the Floridita Bar holds the Guinness Record for the World's Biggest Daiquiri, one of the most favorite cocktails on the menu is named after the writer—the “Papa Daiquiri.”

Walk around Havana Vieja, World Heritage Site by Unesco.

The beautiful architecture if Old Havana's greatest charm. Havana Vieja (Old Havana) is one of the most beautiful places in Cuba and World Heritage Site for the rest of the world, the crumbling facades of the Spanish architecture in Old Havana is its more peculiar charm and also a great opportunity to take stunning pictures. Old Havana is the right place to connect with the Cuban people as you can see them sitting on their door steps or just doing the common activities of their day by day life, Havana Vieja is one of those places that will linger in your memory for a long time. Related links: World Heritage Sites in Cuba: list of 2020.Book hotels in Havana Vieja via booking.comBook Casas Particulares via The Vacationer: ask our team to find the perfect accommodation for you in Cuba.

Visit the Cannon Firing Ceremony: on the top of your what to do in Havana list.

The Cannon Firing Ceremony take place every night at Morro Fortress. The Cannon Firing Ceremony is a must see activity in your trip to Havana, based on a former military procedure the ceremony had beed taking place without stopping for many years. Visitors from around the globe are invited every night to witness how young soldiers dressed in Spanish military uniforms shoot a cannon bullet to the bay of Havana every night at precisely 9 o'clock to warn (like in colonial times) that the city walls are about to close. Related links: Cannon Firing Ceremony: a tradition kept alive for centuries.

Have local food at a private restaurant: a Paladar.

Don't miss the chance to taste the new Cuban culinary movement in a private owned "paladar". Undoubtedly the Cuban paladares are the engine for the new culinary movement that is changing the way food is prepared in the island, now that Cuba has opened up the rest of the world local chefs have introduced foreign species to make local food even more tastier. This "paladares" are private own businesses that appear and operate much like a normal restaurant, usually with a much higher service quality than government owned establishments, some of our favorite paladares in Havana are: The Kingbar, La Guarida, Café Laurent and La Atelier, in later articles we will sharing more information about these local restaurants so make sure to stay tuned for more posts about Cuban paladares.

Visit Tropicana Cabaret

The Tropicana Cabaret show. The Tropicana Cabaret has been entertaining visitors for many years with high performance standards that have made from its legendary show one the most famous in the American continent, the most important value of the live show itself is the extravagant mixtures of Folies Bergères and carnival parades served as the kind of production you would expect from a New York or Las Vegas show but highlighting the very best of the Cuban culture. Those who visit the Tropicana Cabaret and enjoy its majestic show receive an injection of authentic Cuban flavor.

Fabrica de Arte Cubano (F.A.C.), vanguard of the Cuban contemporary art scene.

Inside of the Fábrica de Arte Cubano. Founded by Cuban fusion musician X-Alfonso in 2014, Fabrica de Arte Cubano (F.A.C.) has been supporting the development of art projects from young local and international artists, it has become a patron of the young artistic production, as well as a participant and promoter of community projects. The Bauhaus style atmosphere in the facility has positioned Fabrica de Arte Cubano (F.A.C.) as a leader in the acceptance of national and foreign public, from Thursday to Sunday all expressions of art are combined to promote the best of the Cuban art scene.

Visit the beaches of Santa María del Mar.

The white sandy beach of Santa María del Mar outside Havana, Cuba. Santa María del Mar is a shoreline town outside Havana that is home to some beach resorts but has not been overly developed for real estate, as it would be expected. This broad, beautiful beach stretches for 2 miles and is lined with lounge chairs and shade umbrellas, many nautical activities are available for sea lovers. Just 15 minutes drive from Havana these beaches are the perfect spot to relax on the white sand and get a nice looking Caribbean to to show off back home. What to do in Havana: our conclusions. One thing is for sure, visitors in Havana have no to time to get bored, there are a wide sort of activities that you can do on your own while for others you'll need the help from a local travel agent, feel free to contact us if you would like us to help you set any activity in Cuba or leave feedback about your Cuban experience to help other travelers know what to expect in the island. Read the full article

#WhattodoinHavana

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havanacitytour-blog · 6 years

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Unlimited fun for UK citizens Havana Classic Car Tours!

The capital of Cuba, Havana is usually known as Habana locally. The most fascinating city in the Caribbean region is what this beautiful city is most undoubtedly known as. With cobbled lanes where American vintage cars run on Russian engines and Habarenos (inhabitants of Havana) with their lively spirit as there is a certain earthy charm to Havana. So, we bring for UK citizens Havana Classic Car Tours.

For Rum, Mambo, mural paintings, Cohiba Cigars and much more is what Havana is famous for. There is life in even the tiniest lanes of Havana as the city may lack the grandeur of Paris the spectacular settings of Rio-de-Janeiro. A group of drummers doing the rumba beat here, cycle rickshaws that chug along with groovy cars, revolutionary slogans that are shouted out of colonial edifices, etc so just take a walk across the lanes of Havana and you could simply feel the city.

Tours Which You Can Take

It was not open to the tourists until the 90s tourism in Cuba. With many people now wanting to experience life in the Caribbean first hand, as it is now popular tourist destination. There are many places in this Cuban Capital which may attract you a lot.

Detailing the Capitol Building in Washington, you could visit the Capitolio Building which is strikingly similar and taller than this. Housing the Cuban academy of sciences and the National Library of Science and Technology as this building was the seat of the government until 1959. The Capitolio is certainly the most interesting building in Havana inspired by the neo-classical and art décor styles.

The Best of Attractions

You can now get into Havana city tours in classic American cars for a perfect insight into what Cuba was some 200 years ago. In 1982, this place was declared as a UNESCO heritage site and has surfeit of sights of historic, social and architectural significance. Plaza de la Cathedral, the Cathedral de San Cristobal and the historic Bodeguita Del Medio are the major attractions included in this tour.

From many restrictions which are prevalent in Cuba, you could also visit Havana’s Chinatown which is the only place in Cuba that has been granted autonomy.

Without an educational insight on the two very famous exports of Cuba-Cigars, and Rum, a visit to Havana is certainly incomplete. You can take a guided tour of the Havana Club Rum Factory or can also visit the Partagas Cigar Factory.

To Conclude

Rent an American vintage car and take a tour around the city if you want to travel in style. It is the best place where you have music flowing around the corner. From the fact that almost every restaurant has a decent house band that plays old favorites as this is absolutely evident through it.

It is a city of contrasts when it comes to Havana. Best museums, well preserved palaces, cheap hotels with top notch service, but also where you would find streets where children still play baseball with rolled up balls of plastics or musicians playing rumba, or Habaneros playing a game of dominos and even working class women dropping off their kids to school with rollers is what you would find here.

#UK citizens Havana Classic Car Tours #Havana city tours in classic American cars

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searchingforstillness · 5 years

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Havana

Our Havana Vacation

Earlier this year the husband’s brother and his wife took a cruise that had a stop in Havana. They enjoyed the day there so much, they said they’d love to go back to spend more time exploring the city. That got us thinking….this year is our 20th wedding anniversary and in June our only son would be traveling for 2 weeks with a school group…..maybe we should take the opportunity to visit Havana ourselves. I mean, we currently live just a 45 minute plane flight away, why not!

I’d like to get a few details out of the way before I start telling about our trip.

1) Traveling to Cuba from the U.S. is still allowed, you just can’t go there on a cruise ship. Through some research we discovered that the easiest way was flying there under the Support for The Cuban People visa. We found it as easy as traveling to Mexico.

2) I recommend changing your US dollars to Euros or Canadian dollars (which ever has a better exchange rate at the time) before you go to Cuba. There is a 10% tax on exchanging US dollars in Cuba (also, when we were there, Euros and Canadian dollars had a better exchange rate than US dollars regardless of the extra 10% tax). When you get to the Havana airport, only change what you need to pay your taxi. You can get a better exchange rate at the banks in town than you will at the airport.

3) Water in casas and hotels (anywhere, I assume) comes from a large blue tank on the roof that is filled by a large water truck. I’m not sure how often they are filled, but you see the truck all over the city constantly filling tanks. We found out the hard way that you can run out of water. Now before you go on the “wasteful American” kick, we don’t/didn’t waste water. We took quick showers and shut the water off while brushing our teeth, etc., but it seems that the toilet continued to run one day after we left our casa. That evening we ran out of water during our showers. While our host was quick to switch the tanks and get our water back running, it would have been nice to have been aware of the water situation (and toilet situation) when we got there so we could have kept an eye on it.

4) They don’t have any emissions standards, so be ready for some pretty noxious fumes (Thank You EPA Emissions Standards!).

5) The average salary in Havana is $15-$20/month….yes, MONTH. So you will have many friendly Cubans offering to show you around, sell you cigars, take you to the best restaurants, etc. as a way to try to make extra money. Also, what we Americans consider a normal tip (15%-20%) is often the monthly salary for these hard working people. So be generous, gracious, and tolerant. These folks are just trying to get ahead while sharing their wonderful hospitality and beautiful country.

6) We booked all of our trip, except for the flight, through AirBnB (we flew Southwest). You can rent a casa particular for much less per night than a hotel room in the U.S. There are homes, condos, apartments, or just rooms available, depending on the type of trip you want to have. The casas are privately owned by locals, so the money is going to the Cuban citizens. You can also book tours through AirBnB. That’s what we did. These are hosted by the locals as well. The tours we took were very informative and certainly recommended.

7) There are two forms of currency in Cuba, the CUC which is the tourist currency, and the CUP which is the local currency. The CUC is very close in value to the U.S. dollar, so keeping track of how much you're spending isn’t that difficult. The CUP is worth much less (the CUC is worth 25 times as much as the CUP). So when you are looking at prices, make sure to note whether it is in CUC or CUP.

Now, on to the trip……

Day 1 - We flew into Havana from Ft Lauderdale on a Wednesday afternoon. Our casa host arranged a cab to pick us up at the airport. Our cab driver was waiting when we got there. The airport is about a 30min ride from Old Havana, where we were staying. The cost of the cab ride was 30cuc and we tipped on top of that. Also, I want to note that the cool classic ‘50s cars you see in all of the pictures are not the cabs that will pick you up from the airport. If that is what you are wanting, you will need to make special arrangements, and those cabs will probably cost a little more. Otherwise you will get to ride in a Russian Lada. Our host greeted us at our casa, showed us around the area, and helped us get settled. We scheduled a walking tour of Old Havana for our first evening so we could get a feel for the area and what we wanted to see/do (FREE walking tour: Welcome to Havana is the AirBnB listing). This is a tour I would definitely recommend. Our guide, Daniel, was a great host, knew much about the city and its history, and was happy to answer questions. The tour was listed as free, but you should tip what you feel the tour was worth. As I said earlier, the people of Cuba offer these services as a way to make extra money. Daniel works as a journalist and does these tours on the side. Our tour started at Parque Central, just a block from the capitol building (Explanada del Capitolio) and where all the cool ‘50s cars park and offer city tours. From there we learned the history of the Gran Teatro de La Habana (Great Theatre of Havana), and that the Explanada del Capitolio was modeled after the U.S. Capitol, but is one meter taller ;). It also has a diamond in the floor in the middle of the rotunda and the distance to every place in Cuba is measured from that diamond. From there we toured on foot to the Revolution Museum, saw the remains of the original walls of the city, the fort protecting Havana Port, and visited the four Plazas. We ended the tour at the Plaza Vieja, which was just a few blocks from our casa and was the location of one of the restaurants our host recommended. That evening we enjoyed some Cuban beer on the balcony while people watching.

Day 2 - After a surprisingly restful sleep (I was worried because I didn’t bring my pillow and the beds there don’t have box springs, just a mattress) we went to meet up for our second tour. This was to be a 9.5 hour nature walk and swim at Canasí Ecological Reserve. Well, after meeting the guide and checking the weather, we opted to head back to the casa and just wing it that day. And after it stormed all afternoon, we were glad we made that choice! We spent the part of the day, before the storms, exploring some of the areas we were introduced to the night before. We also began the husband’s quest for authentic Cuban cigars. After the storms started, we found a nice rooftop bar (covered) and watched the storms roll across Havana. That evening we enjoyed dinner at El Rum Rum de la Habana where the husband had the biggest lobster tail we’ve ever seen. Delicious and inexpensive (by U.S. standards)!!

Day 3- One of the best things we found in Cuba was the coffee! So our mornings were spent coffee shop hopping (kinda like bar hopping, but for coffee instead of beer). All that caffeine made the 8 miles we averaged walking each day a little easier. Our favorite place to stop was the Iberostar by Parque Central. There we could get one hour of wifi with the purchase of a drink. So coffee and stalking the son became our morning routine (#StalkerMomReturns). After our coffee, we spent the rest of the morning on the quest for cigars. After visiting one the government stores, the only place you can ensure you’re getting authentic Cuban cigars, we tracked down a classic ‘50s cab (a beautiful ’56 Ford Fairlane) to take us to the Vedado neighborhood for our final scheduled excursion. This last tour was a cigar tasting. We met at Cigar Passion (which also happens to be the name of the tour on AirBnB) and ordered drinks. We each received a Cohiba to enjoy with the tapas and mojitos while our host, Luis, told us the history of cigars in Cuba and what makes Cuban cigars special. Luis has worked at the cigar factory for 20 years and is now one of the tour guides at the factory. We were joined by a lovely young Russian couple. This was probably the most splendid evening of our trip. Our 2 hour cigar dinner turned into 3 hours of wonderful conversation. Luis was a great host. A definite must do when visiting Havana. After returning to Old Havana we enjoyed dinner at Esquina de Cuba, then back to our casa for drinks, cigars, and people watching.

Day 4 - During our tour on our first day, Daniel told us there is an art show every Saturday at the Paseo del Prado just down the street from Parque Central. So we left our Saturday open for this and to check out all the things we had seen but hadn’t had time to explore. When we got there we were surprised by a fun run taking place along the Paseo de Marti. Of course I had to stop and cheer for the runners, and be jealous that I wasn’t able to participate. The art show was very interesting with a mix from whimsical to political in a variety of mediums. Another recommended activity if you are in the Old Havana area on a Saturday. After the art show, we decided to take a city tour in a beautiful ’56 Cadillac. These tours last about an hour and cost 40cuc. Our driver spoke English very well and showed us all of the highlights of Havana…from Revolution Square and Lennon Park to the University and Hotel Nacional de Cuba. Another recommended experience.

Day 5 - Our host arranged a taxi to take us to the airport. We changed our left over CUCs back to Euros at the airport. While we probably should have done that at the bank in Old Havana, we didn’t think of it in time. The flight and customs was easy to manage. They just want to know what you purchased while in Cuba. I believe that you need to pay tax if it’s over a certain dollar amount, but with only a box of cigars and a couple of paintings, we were safe from extra fees.

While this was not your typical relaxation vacation, it was a wonderful cultural experience for both of us. The husband said that if he were asked to describe Havana in just one word it would be ‘alive’ and he is correct. The city is very much alive, and just like their music, there is movement everywhere.

#Havana travel cigars

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