SWEET YELLOW CORNBREAD

  • Home
    • About >
      • Contact
  • Sunday Comforts
  • Recipes
    • Sunday Supper
    • APPETIZERS >
      • Loaded Spinach Cream Cheese Dip
      • Loaded Deviled Eggs
      • Easy Cucumber Appetizer - Grazing Board Approved
      • Southern Sausage Balls
      • French Bread Bruschetta Pizza Appetizers
      • Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
    • BRUNCH >
      • Lemon Pecan Biscuit Scones
      • Hot Pockets - Delicious & Flaky
      • Roasted Garlic & Red Pepper ​Cheddar Buttermilk Biscuits
      • Coconut Pecan Loaf
      • Thin & Crispy Oatmeal Pecan Cookies
      • Pumpkin Pecan Chocolate Chip Muffins
      • Orange Cranberry Bread - A Southern Brunch Staple
      • Breakfast Pizza
      • Chocolate Brioche Buns
      • Raspberry Thumb Print Tea Cake Brunch Cookies
      • Brunch Cereal Cookies -
      • BLT Egg & Cheese Brunch Sandwiches
      • Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
      • Banana Pecan French Toast
    • Pat's Granola's >
      • Energy Balls - No Bake Oat Balls
      • Peppermint Holiday Granola
      • Pat's Kitchen Sink Granola
      • Hello Dolly Granola
      • Pumpkin Dark Chocolate Chip Granola
      • Peach Crisp Parfaits
      • Caramel Almond Granola
      • Pat's Granola Goop
    • DESSERTS >
      • Cast Iron Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake
      • Moist Peach Bundt Cake
      • Carrot Maple Apple Pecan Cake - With Caramel Sauce Topping
      • Maple Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookies - Chocolate Heaven
      • Vitamin C Bundt Cake - Beautiful Orange Maple Bunt Cake with an Orange Maple Glaze
      • Christmas Gingerbread Men
      • French Vanilla Cranberry Pecan Bundt Cake
      • Dark Chocolate Mayonnaise Bundt Cake
      • Pineapple Pecan Cake - Pat's PPP Cake
      • Banana Cream Pie - Baked with #Purecane Sweetner
      • Dark Chocolate Pretzel Haystacks
      • INSIDE OUT GERMAN CHOCOLATE CAKE
      • Lemon Dark Chocolate Chip Cake with Caramel Sauce
      • Wedding Cookies
      • Oatmeal Choc Chip Pecan Cookies
      • Raspberry Bundt Cake
      • Divine Peanut Butter Cookies with Organic Cacoa Nibs
      • Pat's Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
      • Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread
      • CHEESE CAKE FOR THE 4TH
      • Cherry French Vanilla Cake - With a Hint of Lime
      • Lemon Cake
      • SUNDAE SUNDAE
      • Banana Blueberry Pudding
      • MOOSE MUNCH --Torani Caramel Sauce
    • Side Dishes >
      • Sweet Southern Macaroni Salad
      • Jalapeno Cheddar Buttermilk Cornbread Muffins - For the Spicy Cornbread Lover
      • Southern Sweet Potato Casserole
      • Twice Baked Potatoes
      • Pineapple Casserole
      • Oven Fried Garlic- Ranch Potatoes
      • Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges
      • French Green Beans
      • Sweet Yellow Cornbread....
    • Main Dishes >
      • Puff Pastry Cheese Pizza
      • Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti with Spinach
      • White Bean Chicken Chili
      • Pecan Crusted Chicken
      • Apricot Glazed Pork Tenderloin
      • Brown Sugar Meatloaf
      • Pat's Southern Goulash
      • Bruschetta Parmesan Chicken
      • Chicken Pot Pie
      • The Ultimate BLT Egg & Cheese Sandwich
      • Margarita Pizza - With a Twist
      • Canadian Bacon , Bacon & Cheddar Cheese Pizza
      • Slow Cooked Paprika BBQ Chicken Legs
      • Margarita Chicken - Kraft Style
      • Pasta Primavera w/Grilled Chicken
      • Slow Cooker BBQ
      • White Bean Soup
    • KETO RECIPES >
      • Keto Cheese Cake- Delicious Cheesecake for the KETO Lover
  • Business Lifestyle Tips
    • Six Key Tips For Rebuilding Your Confidence
    • Hobby Farming - How To Make Your Hobby Farm Pay
    • Tips for Starting a Food Business From Your Home
    • Do You Have What You Need to be a Great Entrepreneur?
    • Tips for Building A Successful Small Business From Home
  • Home
    • About >
      • Contact
  • Sunday Comforts
  • Recipes
    • Sunday Supper
    • APPETIZERS >
      • Loaded Spinach Cream Cheese Dip
      • Loaded Deviled Eggs
      • Easy Cucumber Appetizer - Grazing Board Approved
      • Southern Sausage Balls
      • French Bread Bruschetta Pizza Appetizers
      • Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
    • BRUNCH >
      • Lemon Pecan Biscuit Scones
      • Hot Pockets - Delicious & Flaky
      • Roasted Garlic & Red Pepper ​Cheddar Buttermilk Biscuits
      • Coconut Pecan Loaf
      • Thin & Crispy Oatmeal Pecan Cookies
      • Pumpkin Pecan Chocolate Chip Muffins
      • Orange Cranberry Bread - A Southern Brunch Staple
      • Breakfast Pizza
      • Chocolate Brioche Buns
      • Raspberry Thumb Print Tea Cake Brunch Cookies
      • Brunch Cereal Cookies -
      • BLT Egg & Cheese Brunch Sandwiches
      • Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
      • Banana Pecan French Toast
    • Pat's Granola's >
      • Energy Balls - No Bake Oat Balls
      • Peppermint Holiday Granola
      • Pat's Kitchen Sink Granola
      • Hello Dolly Granola
      • Pumpkin Dark Chocolate Chip Granola
      • Peach Crisp Parfaits
      • Caramel Almond Granola
      • Pat's Granola Goop
    • DESSERTS >
      • Cast Iron Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake
      • Moist Peach Bundt Cake
      • Carrot Maple Apple Pecan Cake - With Caramel Sauce Topping
      • Maple Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookies - Chocolate Heaven
      • Vitamin C Bundt Cake - Beautiful Orange Maple Bunt Cake with an Orange Maple Glaze
      • Christmas Gingerbread Men
      • French Vanilla Cranberry Pecan Bundt Cake
      • Dark Chocolate Mayonnaise Bundt Cake
      • Pineapple Pecan Cake - Pat's PPP Cake
      • Banana Cream Pie - Baked with #Purecane Sweetner
      • Dark Chocolate Pretzel Haystacks
      • INSIDE OUT GERMAN CHOCOLATE CAKE
      • Lemon Dark Chocolate Chip Cake with Caramel Sauce
      • Wedding Cookies
      • Oatmeal Choc Chip Pecan Cookies
      • Raspberry Bundt Cake
      • Divine Peanut Butter Cookies with Organic Cacoa Nibs
      • Pat's Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
      • Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread
      • CHEESE CAKE FOR THE 4TH
      • Cherry French Vanilla Cake - With a Hint of Lime
      • Lemon Cake
      • SUNDAE SUNDAE
      • Banana Blueberry Pudding
      • MOOSE MUNCH --Torani Caramel Sauce
    • Side Dishes >
      • Sweet Southern Macaroni Salad
      • Jalapeno Cheddar Buttermilk Cornbread Muffins - For the Spicy Cornbread Lover
      • Southern Sweet Potato Casserole
      • Twice Baked Potatoes
      • Pineapple Casserole
      • Oven Fried Garlic- Ranch Potatoes
      • Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges
      • French Green Beans
      • Sweet Yellow Cornbread....
    • Main Dishes >
      • Puff Pastry Cheese Pizza
      • Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti with Spinach
      • White Bean Chicken Chili
      • Pecan Crusted Chicken
      • Apricot Glazed Pork Tenderloin
      • Brown Sugar Meatloaf
      • Pat's Southern Goulash
      • Bruschetta Parmesan Chicken
      • Chicken Pot Pie
      • The Ultimate BLT Egg & Cheese Sandwich
      • Margarita Pizza - With a Twist
      • Canadian Bacon , Bacon & Cheddar Cheese Pizza
      • Slow Cooked Paprika BBQ Chicken Legs
      • Margarita Chicken - Kraft Style
      • Pasta Primavera w/Grilled Chicken
      • Slow Cooker BBQ
      • White Bean Soup
    • KETO RECIPES >
      • Keto Cheese Cake- Delicious Cheesecake for the KETO Lover
  • Business Lifestyle Tips
    • Six Key Tips For Rebuilding Your Confidence
    • Hobby Farming - How To Make Your Hobby Farm Pay
    • Tips for Starting a Food Business From Your Home
    • Do You Have What You Need to be a Great Entrepreneur?
    • Tips for Building A Successful Small Business From Home

Lifestyle Stories 

#wherefoodmeetslife - life stories & more

Single dad's solo adventure in cuba

12/17/2018

0 Comments

 
Cuba Adventures
This Post is a guest post of a co-worker of mine.   Toby is a Project Manager with L. R. Mourning Company and is raising his three children at home.   His older son and son's girlfriend along with their two kids, recently moved in as well.

Toby has a full plate.   He recently went on a solo vacation to get some much needed R & R to Cuba.   This is his story, in his own words:

Picture
As a young boy growing up on a midsized ranch, I was always outside and looking for places to go.  Many times going to what I thought was the far reaches of our farm, picking blackberries, and basking in the sun.  As I got older would find out was not that far.   The same inward desire to explore and find new places and experiences as a young boy has stayed with me, and so that is what inspired me to travel to Havana Cuba, and this is what I have experienced and learned along the way.
​
Picture


​As you step off of the airplane you are immediately transported back in time.  When the plane lands, and you look out of the window, there is no large terminal with a jetway extending to the airplane for your exit.  You simply walk down the mobile staircase and onto the ground floor.  There is no danger, but just the simple effort it takes to unload your things and walk into the terminal.  And that is what Havana is about, old-fashioned simplicity.   Most buildings, equipment, and of course the cars are classic, from a different era of time, but just as important very functional.  After waiting in line for customs clearance, your passport is stamped, and your visa is verified.  For US citizens a visa is obtained at the last point of entry into Cuba.  So before I could check into to my flight I had to pick up my visa at the gate terminal where I was departing.   You will want to pay for the visa at least one week prior to departure.  Once purchase the visa will be available at will call in the airport.  The US visa can be purchased for a small fee.  Mine was a total cost of $50 dollars.

As you finish customs you will need to exchange your currency for theirs.  The Cuban currency is a dual system.   The Cuban convertible peso (CUC) and the Cuban national peso (CUP).  The main difference is the value.  The convertible peso is considered equal to the US dollar, (1CUC = 1USD) and is almost exclusively used for tourists, and within the tourist industries.  The National Peso is used among the Cuban people primarily for day to day living.  The national peso is value is less (24CUP=1USD).  The most important thing to know about being in Cuba for an adventure is this; Cuba is what I consider a cash country, I did not see credit cards or debit cards, everybody paid cash, so bring your own before you depart from your original country.  There is not an  ATM or bank inside of the Cuban airport and I did not see one during my five days of travel.  As a single dad on a solo adventure, I was traveling on a budget.  For me, I made a 5 day trip on 340 USD.  Because I was going outside of Havana and into the country, I split my money, 300 CUC, and 40 CUP.  I did purchase a small Hotel 2-night stay prior to arrival.   
  

Picture
Picture
Picture

There are many options available for lodging, but typical to Cuba, there are a few challenges, if you are looking for an adventure.   You can book an all-inclusive resort, which is easy, and if that's your style, go for it.  Another option is booking a hotel through a third party website. Although not as easy, and lacking some amenities you will probably have a private bedroom, bathroom, and shower, you will also share a common space for eating and relaxing.  The third and most adventurous would be finding a local Casa Particular.  The Casa particular is best explained as what most people would find on Airbnb or a room to rent.  All over Cuba, people offer rooms to rent.  Keep in mind there are casa particulars for tourists and nationals.  The Government requires a sign be posted to advertise availability.  The difference between the two is the color of the sign, blue for tourists, and black for nationals.  For my adventure, I pre-booked and pre paid for a small hotel on a third party site for the first two nights in Havana.  Knowing that I was going to explore outside of Havana, during my days, I gathered intel about casa particulars north of Havana.  I found several and the cost was minimal, only $20 CUC per night, in contrast to $100 CUC per night at the Hotel.   The casa particular was a great experience for me.  Not only was it cheap, but it gave me a good perspective of what it is like for the Cuban people, and a bonus the owner cooked me breakfast each morning.   

To see Havana and other parts of Cuba it is easy to move around within the city, and my experience showed me that it is very safe and accommodating for tourists and adventurers.   The most obvious way to see Havana is from a seat inside of a 50’s style classic car.  A very popular tourist attraction, the cost is around 40 CUC for a short city tour.  Just for getting around from place to place taxi’s are readily available, but I recommend negotiating a price upfront before you get in.  I found a tourist bus going round trip to Santa Maria Del Mar, a beach about 45 minutes north of Havana. The bus stop is located at Parque Central in front of Hotel Inglaterra, the cost is minimal, one way is 5 CUC.  A taxi will cost 20 CUC.   The bus route runs all day and the last pick up from the beach back to Havana is at 6 pm.  

Cuba is a unique place in terms of technology, they do have internet, however, it is not found in each individual home.  The internet for most Cubans is found at the local parks or provided at Hotels.  There is usually someone who walks around and sells an internet access card.  The access card gives you one hour of time.  Cost is about two dollars (2 CUC).  The Cuban Government does not give subsidies to US-based cellular or Data services.  Before you go, take advantage of google maps and download a map for offline use, and use other wifi for data usage to connect to the rest of the world.

My trip was for four nights and five days.  Upon arrival, I took a taxi ($25 CUC).  The cost was more than expected, but I did not see an alternative means since the airport is a good 20 min ride outside of Havana.  I arrived about 8 pm at the Hotel in the Verdado area on the West side of the city, and since I only brought a backpack for a suitcase it took no time to put my things away and explore the city that night.  I walked along the Malecon, a seawall protecting the bay for the ocean.  The Malecon is a popular place as people go there to cool off from the heat and gather for music and dancing.  The next day, I spent time walking around Old Havana.  There are several Plazas of interest that gives a quick history of the people and culture before the revolution.   Plaza De Catedral and  Plaza De Armas, have beautiful architecture.  Along the way stop by La Bodeguita Del Medio, the storied watering hole of Hemingway and other Celebrities.  I took a final stop at an artisans market called Almacenes San Jose.   This, in my opinion, is the best place to pick up a souvenir.  While you're there find a pop-up shop selling fresh drinks using a fresh pineapple as your cup mixed with coconut or pina colada… !!! After two days and about 18 miles of walking, I was ready for some relaxation.  I went to the beach and was very surprised at how beautiful it was.  Santa Maria Del Mar was a great getaway, there are several hotels along the beach.  This area is not commercialized and gave me thoughts of what a small beach town might have looked like in the 50s.   At the beach, for 6 CUC I was able to have an umbrella and lounge chair for the day.   Although there are hotels available, I chose to stay at a Casa Particular about 5 miles from the beach.  I used the local bus system to navigate my way and must say.  Speaking Spanish would have been a big help since it is easy to get on the wrong bus, I found from experience!!  

This great trip had to come to an end.   Reluctant to leave, the owner of the Casa Particular called a friend to drive me back to the airport.   It is important to arrive 2-3 hours before departure.  The departure process can take time.  If you have any currency left over an exchange it after you go through customs.  Be warned the airport exchange will not exchange CUP back into your original currency, again another lesson learned!  Looking back on my adventure, I am glad to have had such a great experience.  Cuba is a great place for adventure, my travels only scratched the surface.  Havana is very safe, the people are welcoming, and there is a rich history and cultural.
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    SHOP
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    White Chocolate Chip Almond Lemon Cake, Moist, Delicious, Oh So Southern, Sweet Yellow Cornbread, Southern Food Blog, Southern Lifestyle Blog, Pat Downs, Arkansas Food Blogger, Arkansas Lifestyle Blog, Pat Downs, Contributor, KTHV11 The Vine
    Skinny Lasagna, A Perfect Sunday Supper Comfort Food,  Sweet Yellow Cornbread, A Lifestyle & Food Blog, Southern Lifestyle Blog, Arkansas Lifestyle & Food Blog, Arkansas Food BloggerPicture
    Picture
    The Ultimate Edible Table Runner, Large Grazing Table, Sweet Yellow Cornrbead, A Southern Lifestyle & Food Blog, Arkansas Food Blogger, Pat Downs, Southern Lifestyle
    Jalapeno Cheddar Buttermilk Cornbread Muffins, Sweet Yellow Cornbread, Southern Lifestyle Blog, Arkansas Food Blogger
    Picture
    Picture
    Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti with Spinach & Tomato, Sweet Yellow Cornbread, Southern Food Blog, Southern Lifestyle Blog, Arkansas Lifestyle & Food Blog, Pat Downs, Contributor KTHV 11 The VinePicture
    Quick & Simple Meal Tips, Sweet Yellow Cornbread, Southern Food Blog, Southern Lifestyle Blog, Arkansas Lifestyle & Food Blog, Pat Downs, Contributor KTHV 11 The VinePicture
    Get Sponsored by Big Brands
    Picture
    Pat Downs: influencer & brand ambassador
    dealspotr.com
    Picture
    Sunday Supper Ideas
    Puppy Chow -- Holiday Puppy Chow
    Shop SHEIN.com For The Latest Fashion Trends!
    Black Eyed Pea Salad, Sweet Yellow Cornbread, Southern Food Blog, Southern Lifestyle Blog, Arkansas Lifestyle & Food Blog, Pat Downs, Contributor KTHV 11 The Vine
    Peppermint Patty Granola
    Picture
    Picture
    Download our first On-Line Magazine

    Sweet Yellow Cornbread, A Lifestyle/Food Blogger Fall Digital Magazine
    Arkansas Women Bloggers
    Shop SHEIN.com For The Latest Fashion Trends!
    Picture
    I'm a member of Food Blogger Pro. Learn how to start and grow your food blog.
    Pumpkins and Fall, Sweet Yellow Cornbread, Popular Arkansas Food Blogger shares her favorite Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread
    Shop SHEIN.com For The Latest Fashion Trends!
    Picture
    Cheesy Pineapple Casserole, The Ultimate Side Dish,, Sweet Yellow Cornbread, Southern Food Blog, Southern Lifestyle Blog, Arkansas Lifestyle & Food Blog, Pat Downs, Contributor KTHV 11 The VineCheesy Pineapple Casserole
    Picture
    Picture
    Margarita Supreme Pizza, Cool Summer Lunches, Sweet Yellow Cornbread, Southern Food Blog, Southern Lifestyle Blog, Arkansas Lifestyle & Food Blog, Pat Downs, Contributor KTHV 11 The Vinepaghetti with Spinach & Tomato, Sweet Yellow Cornbread, Southern Food Blog, Southern Lifestyle Blog, Arkansas Lifestyle & Food Blog, Pat Downs, Contributor KTHV 11 The VineSupreme Pizza

    Categories

    All

    Picture
    Picture

    Archives

    December 2021
    November 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018

    RSS Feed


    Popular Blog Post:
    Fight off Wrinkles
    Avocado OIl Benefits
    Southern Connections - A Smidge of South
    Cake By Emily
    Morning Comforts
    Hospitality is Alive - 
    Meet Newk's Eatery
    The Rehearsal Dinner
    The Art of Giving


    Cheeseburger Casserole - Kraft Made Easy
    Picture
    Arnold Palmer Legendary Golfer
    ​​​Disclosure: Sweet Yellow Cornbread is a participant in the affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees and be compensated for products purchased or reviewed by the Affiliate Links included on this page or site.
    Shop SHEIN.com For The Latest Fashion Trends!
    Gabriel Beauty
    Starbucks Coffee & Smiles
    Mirror Mirror On The Wall -
    Inspirational Stories From Sweet Yellow Cornbread - Meet Callie
    Panera Bread - Food As It Should Be
    Newk's Eatery - My favorite lunch spot
    Cake by Emily - Beautiful Custom Artistic Cakes
    The Modern Day Mom - Keeping it Simple
    Chicken Pot Pie - The Ultimate Comfort Food
    Picture
    Lemon Moist Cake - Torani Syrup
    Picture
    Picture
Picture
Copyright © 2017-2022 Sweet Yellow Cornbread.com

Southern Living & Southern Recipes