La Ciudad, Day 4

Today was a mixed day. After having a shower in the off-and-on warm water with its off-and-on flow, we had our breakfast and began by heading over to see the remainder of the Habana Vieja walk. This involved going down some pretty sketchy streets.

Although we never felt unsafe, this was clearly a poorer area than we had seen previously. But, in the centre of this was often a renovated building of great beauty. Also, unfortunately, a fair bit of garbage, and many apparently feral dogs and cats. We saw an old folks home in a former convent, tried to go into a church which had been also a bank (no contradiction there!) and was now a religious museum. Then walked by a section of the old city wall, went through the central train station, visited a farmer's market,

and then went on to the Capitolio and the Teatro Nacional in Parque Central.

On a whim, we decided to spend the money so we could get inside the Teatro and look around, and it was indeed worth it.

A gorgeous building, which you will see in the pictures. We couldn't get into the actual theatre, but the study rooms, practice rooms, and staircases were spectacular enough to satisfy. And on our way out, we met again the jinatero who sold us a picture with him, and a cigar, a few days before. We were not as gullible this time.

Walked down the Prado to look at the Sunday art show, and then stopped for a beer at the Sevilla Hotel. It felt good, and we will likely return for a supper before we leave.

After a stop at the hotel, we had some lunch at the Café Santa Domingo, then went back to the Plaza de Catedral to check out the scene there. We were so thirsty by this time, it being very hot and humid, that we had to stop at an outdoor café for water and a coffee (no, honestly!). Then back again to the hotel. On the way, we were side-tracked by a series of parades with lots of drumming and music, and people in costumes suggesting Santería or some religious activity. One local lady said it happens all the time, but it was pretty exciting for us. Lots of pictures.

My day took a decided turn for the worse at this point. My camera had given me some trouble when at the Teatro, but seemed to be okay after a while. But it quit completely back the the Florida. Recharging the battery didn't make a difference. So I will be relying on the iPhone for the rest of the trip.

Then, after a pretty god supper at La Imprenta on Calle de los Mercaderes, we walked home along a side street and I stepped in a good-sized doggie mess. Yech! Home to clean my sandal, and mourn the loss of the camera, plus write this blog.

Tomorrow we will get some internet again, as well as going to the Plaza de la Revolución, and visiting the Museo de Artes.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Habana, corner Cuba y Obispo