Vedado, La Habana, Cuba

Paseo del Prado, La Habana, Cuba

Quite a bit of time was spent wandering the streets of Vedado (Vedado extends from Calle 19-Calle 25). With this district being considered one of the more modern parts of Havana, it was fascinating to see how this business district functioned from day-to-day.

I learned pretty quickly that nothing seemed to be open before 9am, and even still, you would've probably had to wait an extra hour before any doors were even unlocked. And running on "Cuban time" is a real thing people, it's not some made up excuse for tardiness, apparently. I had to travel straight to the source to learn that since you end up with the same amount of money at the end of the month, heading to work for 9am vs 12pm has no impact on your wallet (*enter Communism*), so no one is really ever in a rush to be anywhere. I don't know about you, but personally having lived around so many Cubans in South Florida, I feel as though life now makes complete sense (lol)!

No, but seriously, strolling through the district can really give you a sense of perspective. I found beauty in every inch of Havana that I was exposed to- the remodeled and restored, as well as the raw and untouched. I chose to visit the island before resorts and massive hotels pop up on every corner because I wanted to witness whatever was left of the old Havana while it's still there. Most buildings and homes are weathered, some falling apart, in need of a paint job and some refurbishing, but that is what you sign up for. That is what I signed up for. That IS Havana. And I am okay with that.

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I wanted to share a few pictures from a very small portion of Vedado with you all; sharing a bit of the district through my eyes. I think my only regret may have been not taking more pictures, but oh well. I hope you enjoy nonetheless! :)