A guest post by JC Perez, author of Heisting the Beard.

We’ve all heard of the Duval crawl. That famous street in Key West that immediately brings thoughts of rum soaked nights and partying at places like Sloppy Joe’s after a long day at Smather’s beach. Well, we could easily argue that the father of the crawl was Ernest Hemingway, the hard drinking, heavy partying, Noble Prize winning author; Papa himself. Hemingway was drinking hard and partying away the nights well before the crawl ever got its name, and Key West is not the only place he was doing the crawl back to his hotel room after a long raucous night of slinging down rum.

Havana was probably the first, well before Key West became famous for its partying nature. The tight alley type streets of the forbidden isle’s capital, Havana, was the home to the bohemian set, the intellectuals, artists and writers who had a predilection for the taste of rum and its effects on loosening up your inner being and wild side. The stars of yesteryear like Clark Gable, Spencer Tracy, and Hemingway, the father of American literature, all did the crawl in good ole Havana. Maybe we all owe them a bit of gratitude for initiating that great tradition we enjoy today which allows us to let our hair down and enjoy our wild side. What goes on in Vegas stays in Vegas; HELL; what goes on during the crawl stays in the crawl should be the slogan.

Hemingway Relaxing in Havana - Photo from Wikipedia

Let me take you to some places you should crawl through if you’re ever in Havana. I’ll introduce you to Papa’s favorites and few that have come after. Sit back and enjoy, and slam down a few delicious rum drinks in the city that made rum famous.

The Havana Crawl

Let me start with the home of the Mojito, and the home of the Daiquiri, Hemingway’s favorite places in Havana and where he got sloppy and loose before staggering back to his room in the “Hotel Ambos Mundos,” where he wrote two of his classics, “The old man and the sea” and “For whom the bell tolls”, possibly under the influence of our favorite elixir, grog, good old rum.

A must see and a must, “La Bodeguita del Medio,” the home of the Mojito. It’s located in old Havana on Emperada Street and San Ignacio. It’s not the kind of place you want to hang out at all night long, but you do want to have a drink where Hemingway had his and made the Mojito famous, so don’t miss out. When I write anything about Cuba I always like to remind people of where they are, meaning, the revolution. The years of isolation have made it somewhat an eye sore, and Havana has suffered the wrath of years of neglect. But those years haven’t changed the taste of the rum or the nostalgic feel you get while you’re there. La Bodeguita is full of nostalgia with old photos of papa and the famous people of that era all over the walls. The place is small, touristy and always packed, but hell, if it was good enough for Hemingway its good enough for at least one drink and a great place to start your crawl.

Ready for a Havana Mojito? Photo from bar.lv

From there go Hemingway’s next favorite haunt, “La Floridita,” home of the Daiquiri. It’s located on Obispo Street and Montserrat Street, and it has been there since 1817. It’s a far cry from “La Bodeguita.” It’s much bigger, more elegant and very clean. The food is great, but expensive, and like “La Bodeguita” very touristy, but what the hell, have a Daiquiri, they’re great, and then continue your crawl. By then you’ll be a little numb and better able to handle Old Havana and the tight little streets. Remember, you went to Cuba to drink good rum and enjoy the beautiful beaches, not to go sightseeing in a city that has been in seclusion for 52 years, but then maybe you did, whatever, enjoy yourself, the rum, and the crawl, that’s what it’s all about for now.

La Floridita, Havana Cuba - Photo from panoramio.com

From there go check out the “Taverna la Muralla,” located in an 18th century building at number 368 Ignacio Street. It opened up in 2003 and for you beer lovers it’s the place to go in Havana. It’s owned and operated by Germans so you know the beer is good, and the food isn’t bad either. It’s a bit of a change from the rum, but maybe you want to wash some of that grog down with some good Bavarian brew, or maybe drop a shot of Havana Club in your stein and do some shooters. Whatever rocks your crawl, it’s all about good drinks and enjoying yourself.

Taverna de la Muralla, Havana - Photo by Davidlansing.com

Before ending your crawl or finding a few places of your own to crawl to in old Havana, check out the “Bar Museo del Ron. A bar called the museum of rum for some of Cuba’s own grog “Habana Club.” It’s located at Avenida Del Puerto down by the bay and enjoy a beautiful view of Havana Harbor and the old Morro Castle on the other side.

Bar Museo del Ron, Havana - Photo by Chericbaker via Flickr

Just one more thing, before you end your crawl go to “El Gato Tuerto”, the one eyed cat, and listen to some of the world’s finest salsa music played by some of Cuba’s most famous musicians. The place is small and tight but worth the time for the music alone, and hell, while you’re there slam another one down for the road, you’re on a crawl right, so enjoy.

El Gato Tuerto, Havana Cuba - Photo from Panoramio

After a night of crawling and rum drinking, if you’re not to groggy, (No pun intended) head a few kilometers east of Havana for what has been internationally recognized as one of the finest beaches on the planet, “Varadero Beach”, and if you’re up to it begin another day of the crawl right there.

If you want to know how to get to Cuba check out some other articles I’ve written for my buddy and fellow rummy Ryan. Remember, I’m not condoning anything, just recommending. Enjoy yourselves rummies; don’t hold back, life is too short. Maybe we’ll meet someday at one of rumshop’s tropical getaways, you never know.

To Gin clear water and plenty of rum drinks.

Your fellow rummy and island life lover,

JC Perez
(Lead photo from jungledrumsonline.com)

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This is what the pirates did back in the golden age of the Caribbean. If you think about it, it really isn’t that far off from what the modern day cruiser does. Yes I am a pirate, 200 years to late.

The Caribbean is full of beautiful harbors and ports of call, some more beautiful than others though. These harbors/harbours act as hubs for the islands, a place where first time seafaring visitors first fall in love with the island. A love that will surely have them coming back time and time again. A mistress is never satisfied.

5 Most Beautiful Caribbean Harbors

1. Willemstad, Curaçao

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This lively port is one of six UNESCO World Heritage sites in the Caribbean, joining the ranks of Old Havana, Old San Juan, and Colonial Santo Domingo.

The Punda District – once fortified and walled – along with its neighboring districts of Otrobanda, Pietermaai, Scharloo, preserve some 765 buildings as national monuments. Chief among these are Fort Amsterdam, the Governor’s Palace, Mikve Israel-Emanuel Synagogue and the colorful Penha building on the waterfront.

2. Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas

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Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas - Photo by Scott Moran via Flickr

Charlotte Amalie on the island of St Thomas in the US Virgin Islands, is nestled on the mountainous slopes of a large natural harbor that accommodates several large cruise ships each day. The city has been declared as the shopping mecca of the Caribbean.

3. Gustavia, St. Bart/St. Barths

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Most cruise ships anchor outside sheltered Gustavia Harbour and tender guests to Port de Pleasance, past all the mega-yachts. Gustavia, the island’s charming capital city is a slice of France in the Caribbean. Surrounded by elegant designer boutiques, topless beaches, vibrant nightlife and waterfront bistros, the French vibe wraps around you like the warm blue sea.

4. English Harbour, Antigua

English Harbour, Antigua

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English Harbour is a center of boating, especially yachting. There are two sheltered deepwater harbours nearby; English Harbour itself and Falmouth Harbour.

English Harbour is best known for Nelson’s Dockyard, which occupies the site of the British Navy base. It displays restored buildings and other historical artifacts from the colonial period of the dockyard, especially the time it was commanded by Horatio Nelson. (Info from wikipedia)

5. St. Georges Harbour, Grenada

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St. Georges is the capital of Grenada and it’s also the largest harbor and city on the island. The city extends for miles in every direction from St. George’s Harbor, and ashore are more facilities than most can ever see in a single visit. Entering the harbor is easy, as the approaches from north or south are deep, wide, and easy to navigate, even for deep-draft boats.

6. San Juan Harbor, Puerto Rico

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Shoehorned onto a tiny islet that guards the entrance to San Juan harbor, the atmospheric ‘Old San Juan‘, with its historical authenticity and pulsating modern energy, this seven-square-block grid of streets that was inaugurated almost a century before the Mayflower laid anchor in present day Massachusetts. Surreal sounds and exotic sights resonate everywhere.

7. Havana Harbor, Cuba

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Havana Harbour, Cuba - Photo by Boxley via Flickr

A view across the harbor in Havana, with a monument to Jose Marti in the Plaza de la Revolucion visible centre right. The monument was constructed between 1953 and 1959, just in time for the more recent revolution.

Which harbor is your favorite? Did I leave any off the list? Leave a comment below if you think you have a more beautiful Caribbean Harbor. My favorite? Going off of these photos, I’d have to say…St. Georges, Grenada. Simple, beautiful and old school Caribbean.

Cheers to the weekend Castaways!
RumShopRyan

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Today’s Photo Friday photo is a picture of el Bahía de Cochinos, the Bay of Pigs. It’s a beautiful photo, one that tells a different story from the one that we read in history books. It tells of fisherman setting out on the sea to catch their food and trade. It tells of natural beauty and a world that doesn’t need America.

Things are slowly changing in Cuba and tense relations with the US are starting to cool. To me this is a good thing and a bad, a double edged sword in a way.

Yes, I would love to see Cuba. I would love to walk the streets of Havana, take in the history and visit the beautiful beaches the country has to offer. But it won’t just be me, it will be millions of Americans doing the same thing. You think that’s going to have an effect on Cuba? You think that’s going to have an effect on the beautiful quiet beach pictured above? You bet it will. The natural state the island finds itself in now will change.

Sure Cuba get’s its share of European tourists and has a number of resorts scattered around the island, but it’s nothing compared to what will happen if the American tourist flood gates are opened. Hopefully by the time that happens Cuba’s government will have enough self control to limit the resorts, limit the golf courses and save the true identity of Cuba.

Do you have any desire to visit and explore Cuba if and when the US embargo is lifted?

(Photo by Robin Thom via Flickr)

Enjoy your weekend Castaways!

Cheers,
RumShopRyan

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Heisting The Beard - A Novel By J.C. Perez

“Cuba”

As Jimmy Buffett so eloquently put it, “Havana Day Dreaming”, well you don’t have to dream about it anymore, it has become a destination favored by more and more travelers every year. Its isolation makes it alluring, and when you arrive, you’ll find that somehow you have stepped back in time. The old Spanish Colonial buildings and the hoard of pre Revolutionary sights are fascinating. The one thing you will notice right away, and the theme that runs throughout Cuba, is all the pre 1960’s American Cars. Chevys, Fords, Dodges, Cadillac’s, they’re all there for you to marvel at or tour Havana in. From the minute you arrive your visual senses will be attacked with beauty and wonder, just keep in mind that you have just stepped back into 1959 and you are no longer in 2010. The good thing is, the beaches are still as beautiful, there’s wonderful accommodations for tourists, the food is great, and the Mojitos never stop flowing, ahhh, those wonderful Mojitos.

Havana is a breath taking place no matter how you view it; it’s a place of wonderment and incredible contrasts, from wonderful beaches and historic hotels to the old buildings hanging on to an era gone by. If you are a normal traveler and prefer your stays filled with beaches, good food, plenty of cerveza and quaint drinking holes with the best Salsa music you’ll ever hear, then you’ll never have to leave the city area, and all your pleasures will be met.

Hotel Nacional

I don’t usually recommend places, but the “Hotel Nacional” is a must even if you don’t stay there. The “Nacional” is a favorite with many people for a few different reasons. Number one is great accommodations with its nostalgic allure of the past. Good food, good drink, and if you’re into it, an excellent Cabaret show at the Parisien that will make you think of Vegas in the old days. This place has history, built on a hill in 1930 to mimic the Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach it has a beautiful view of Havana bay, Havana proper, and the old sea wall winding to the center of town, and out into the Straits of Florida. On the infamous side, the Nacional is where Meyer Lansky and Lucky Luciano planned and ran the underworld for years until Castro spoiled their plans. Walk through the Café, order a Mojito, and check out the old pictures on the walls, you’ll be amazed and amused; Eva Gardner, Frank Sinatra, Errol Flynn, and the list goes on and on, I told you that you were going back in time.

Hemingway's Fincala Viglia

If you’re into Hemingway, visit his old house, “Finca Vigia” just south of the city, or “Hotel Ambos Mundos” where he wrote “For Whom the Bell Tolls”, me I prefer the other Hemingway trail, the one where he drank his Daiquiris, and his Mojitos. Everyone in Havana new Papa Hemingway, not only for his writing and celebrity, but also for his huge appetite for consuming Daiquiris and Mojitos all over town and brawling with anyone who disagreed with anything he said. His love of Cuba, drinking, and brawling, made him a hero and friend to all in Havana. Go to the seaside town of Cojimar just east of Havana and see the setting for his book “The Old Man and the Sea”, and I say this because last I heard, the old man himself, “Gregorio Fuentes”, the one Hemingway patterned the book after is still alive. He was Papas guide for 30 years, and loves to have his picture taken with tourists and answer questions about Papa.

Back to the “Cuba Libre”, Daiquiri, and Mojito trail followed by everyone in Havana, and they don’t necessarily follow Papas footsteps, in Havana you can make your own trail. I’ll give you a couple you might want to check out.

El Floridita

Go to the “El Floridita” for a Daiquiri or two and enjoy them in nice surroundings at a quaint bar with Hemingway memorabilia, ask for his special mix and they’ll whip it up for you. Prices are sane and a lot better than most if not all of the Caribbean. It’s on Calle Empadrado, # 206, can’t miss it. For your Mojito go to Monserrate and Obispo Street to “La Bodeguita del Medio”, it’s in the middle of old Havana and it’s a little grittier, but the atmosphere is wonderful with old pictures on the wall, and it’s easy to picture a raucous Papa Hemingway slinging them back and challenging any takers to a fight. The Mojito made its claim to fame here, and they make hundreds upon hundreds every day, and they are wonderfully refreshing. Make your own path through old Havana and discover your own favorite little watering hole or club. Speaking of Clubs, there are many throughout old Havana with good food, drinks, and great salsa music. There’s a neat little club on Calle O between 17 and 19 street called “El Gato Tuerto”, “The One Eyed Cat”. It’s a small place with good food and drink and the best Salsa on the Island, Some of the best Salsa musicians that travel the world playing big concerts play here impromptu on a regular basis, you’ll like this little nook.

El Malecon

When you’re done with your night on the town, stroll the old sea wall “El Malecon”, on the way back to your Hotel, and enjoy the beautiful view of the Florida straits in the moonlight as the wave’s crash over the wall creating a wonderful sea mist that arouses the senses of your inner islander. Don’t be afraid to walk around Havana at any time, Cuba is without a doubt the safest place in the Caribbean, if not the world. As a tourist, traveler, you are the proverbial goose that lays golden eggs to the Cuban Government, messing with foreigners is a no no there, and heavily punished, believe me when I tell you that you are safe in Cuba.

Varadero Beach - I could of gave you another blue water, white sand beach photo..but this Cuban Art Photo was just to beautiful to pass up.

Don’t worry, I didn’t forget about the beach, and when in Cuba there’s only one to speak of, “Varadero”. You’ll find beaches around Havana, but if you’re willing to take a trip of 80 miles or so east of the city you’ll find what is arguably the most beautiful beach in the Caribbean, “Varadero”. A spit of a peninsula 20 kilometers long, jutting out into the Straits of Florida with endless white sand beaches reaching out into the blue Caribbean waters. It is the closest thing to South Beach in the Caribbean that you will find. Beautiful hotels, clubs, wonderful food and service, but it all comes at a price. You won’t get much local flavor here, but the place is gorgeous.

I hope I was able to give you a little taste of what is definitely an intriguing, beautiful, and complex place; I call it the “Forbidden Isle” (To Americans). Hopefully that will soon change.

A friend of mine, Randy Wayne White, a prolific writer and New York times best seller for his critically acclaimed book “Sanibel Flats” has set up a Cuban connection for when relations normalize between the US and Cuba. Randy has done a lot of work in Cuba with the Grand Masons Lodge in many charitable areas including working with needed children. With some friends in Cuba he has set up a guide service from arrival to departure with qualified professionals and trusted people. Feel free to read about it on Randy’s web-site at www.docfordssanibel.com, check it out, it’s a nice site, it’s also on Facebook, or write him at with the word Cuba in the subject line, and ask him all the questions you want, he’ll get back to you.

See you in Paradise.
JC Perez

********************************

I want to thank JC Perez for another great story about the real Caribbean and the real Cuba.

Over and out from somewhere south,
RumShopRyan

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“The Forbidden Isle”

Traveling to Cuba can be a daunting thought, most Americans only know it as Castro’s communist Regime, or associate it with the Cuban missile crisis, not that those aren’t things to consider, but they are products of the cold war, an era gone by. Yes, Cuba still is a communist State, but it is also much more than that. It’s rich with history and beauty, and the allure and mystery of it having been closed off to most of the world for the last 50 years makes it a place of great interest. It has without a doubt, become the darling of European vacationers, as well as many Americans. You will have no problems with the language, as English is spoken everywhere, and the US dollar is the number one form of currency, preferred by all.

There’s only one problem, Americans are barred from traveling to Cuba, but somehow that doesn’t stop the thousands upon thousands that travel there every year. I’m not advocating breaking the law to travel to Cuba, but there are ways to go, where you can bend it a little, and not suffer consequences. So for those of you who are brave at heart, die hard island travelers, who enjoy it a little bit off the beaten path, I will give you a brief rundown on getting to the “Forbidden Isle”.

Getting to Cuba is a lot easier than you might think, today it’s as easy as a click on the internet, and I’m sure you’ll find plenty of agencies booking passages to Cuba. I’m sure they’re all good, but they’ll all book your trip the same way, via another country. (I.e. Canada, Mexico, the Bahamas). So if you decide to take the plunge, just find your best price from one of the many to choose from.

On the other hand if you’re more adventurous you might want to go by boat. Once again you’ll find that you’re just a click away. There are more than a few qualified Boat Captains in the Florida Keys who make forays to the Forbidden Isle for a price. A little more costly than air travel, but the fun and adventure are priceless. Now I’m not contradicting myself here, I know I said that travel for Americans is banned from the US, but there’s always a loophole. With the consent of the US government travel to Cuba is allowed for certain reasons, I.e. Religious, Educational, some Business, and actually a myriad of other groups and organizations. Back to the loophole, these savvy Boat Captains give you a historical education on the “Pearl of the Antilles” on your trip across the Gulf Stream to the “Forbidden Isle”. I don’t know how extensive or thorough these history lessons are, but they qualify your trip as educational. Never underestimate an old salt, modern day Caribbean Pirates; who doesn’t love a pirate.

Now, as with travel to any foreign country, have your papers in order, don’t break the law, and you’ll find that the Cuban people are gracious and kind, fun loving, and always willing to lend a hand. They love Americans and always want to hear about the States. Remember, English spoken almost everywhere and the good old US greenback is King.

Maybe I’ll get back to you soon and let you in on where to go and how to get the most bang for your buck. Hope to see you in Paradise.

JCP

*********************************

JC Perez’s first book, “Heisting the Beard” will be out later this year.  I’ll post links to places you can buy.  Keep posted.

I again want to thank JCP for the guest post today. If we are lucky he might just surprise us with a few more.

Over and out from some where south,
RumShopRyan

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Even with talks of better relations between the two countries they still think we are the big bad imperialistic to the north with thoughts of over taking their country.  I makes me sad that the propaganda machine of Cuba is still in full affect.  Here is the link if you want to read about it.

http://www.caribdaily.com/article/230698/cuba-conducts-war-games-with-us-invasion-in-mind/

Your thoughts?

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Heisting The Beard - A Novel By J.C. Perez