Traveler: Beril Gülcan – Photographer
Where are you escaping? To Trinidad and Havana in Cuba.
What was the purpose of your travel? Mainly photography, and meeting Cuban people and their music.
With how many people did you travel? We were only 2.
Where did you stay? And is there something special we should know about this hotel/house? We stayed at Hotel Nacional De Cuba, which is the most traditional, and oldest hotel in Havana, where all the celebrities used to stay back in the day, like Frank Sinatra, Ernest Hemingway, Nat king Cole and many more.. And then we stayed at a house in Trinidad, where local Cubans cooked for us.
What did you most like about the trip? The people, the music, and most surprisingly the hidden restaurants.
Could you share an unforgettable memory about the trip? Alfredo, our private taxi driver taking us on a tour of Havana, being in an old classic pink convertible, just felt so good.
Favorite restaurant(s) or food you have tried during your trip in Trinidad?
Trinidad: Sol Ananda, (find Alfred there, funny local friend). La Ceiba, amazing food, and also you can see the oldest tree in Trinidad in the middle of the restaurant (it’s huge). And Canhanchara, the bar, one has to drink their traditional drink called Canchanchara, and stay for the live music. It gets you drunk fast..
Favorite restaurant(s) or food you have tried during your trip in Havana?
Havana: La Vitrola , the best Mojito with real sugar cane. Paladar Los Mercaderes, food is delicious. Another one is a little far away, but is is an Italian owned restaurant, who moved to Cuba many years ago. His restaurant La Corte del Principe serves great wine and delicious Italian food in its very cute garden. Zorro Cuervo is a cool jazz bar we found.
What are the must tries of the city? Going into peoples’ houses and talk to them about Cuba, A cup of coffee with them is always nice.
Any hidden secrets you could whisper to us? Just walk a lot and be friends with people, Cuba is very safe. Follow your new friends, and you’ll find yourselves in some hidden spots.
What are your travels quintessential? My camera bag, a blank notebook and books.
Would you go back? I’m going back again this year.
Could you list a few of your favourite finds you came back with? Cuban art, small instruments, hand-made necklaces, and bracelets.
Is there any tip that might be useful to know before going there? There’s no crime, no drugs, even the police doesn’t carry a gun in Cuba. Keep this in mind, and follow your instincts, you’ll be surprised.
Next stop you would like to visit? South Africa.
Beril Gülcan
Photographer
