April 30, 2015
Facts about Casa Particulars
From Lonely Planet Guide to Cuba
Private rooms are the best option for independent travelers in Cuba and a great way of meeting the locals on their home turf. Furthermore, staying in these venerable, family-orientated establishments will give you a far more open and less censored view of the country, and your understanding and appreciation of Cuba will grow far richer as a result. Casa owners also often make excellent tour guides. You’ll know houses renting rooms by the blue insignia on the door marked ‘Arrendador Divisa.’ From penthouses to historical homes, all manner of rooms are available from CUC$15 to CUC$50. Although some houses will treat you like a business pay- check, the vast majority of casa owners are warm, open and impeccable hosts.
Regular government inspections ensure that conditions inside casas remain clean, safe and secure. Most proprietors offer breakfast and dinner for an extra rate. Hot showers are a prerequisite. In general, rooms these days provide at least two beds (one is usually a double), fridge, air-con, fan and private bathroom. Bonuses could include a terrace or patio, private entrance, TV, security box, kitchenette and parking space.
Friendly Faces
Adolfo: The owner of Casa Adolfo, he speaks really good English having worked at the nearby resort/all-inclusive hotel for 20 years before buying his own Casa Particular. Adolfo and his wife Dailee seized their opportunity to run their own Casa about 4 years ago and haven’t looked back. Despite losing their restaurant to fire once already, it was rebuilt and they continue to make improvements to their property which includes two suites, restaurant, and lovely garden.
Today’s Highlights
Cool breeze under the palapa; playing games; pasta dinner.
Today’s Lowlights
Andrew had another case of montezumas revenge last night and was unable to join me for a fabulous breakfast.
Cycling Stats
Rest day.
What happened…
Andrew writes:
My rest day was mostly spent in bed, with my eyes closed. I pretty much knew, right when the alarm went off at 6:30, that I wasn’t going to be riding today. When I did finally venture out, I played some cards with Amanda, as well as other games with Amanda and Adolfo Jr (5 years old?). Amanda had this awesome garlic shrimp lunch, which I just didn’t have the stomach for. We also took time throughout the day to talk to Adolfo about life in Cuba. This was a Casa where we really felt like we were being included, as opposed to some like the last one where we just felt like we were paying a fee to sleep and that was it.
Dinner was amazing though! I had asked the day before why Cubans always have so much garlic but we can never taste it in the food, which is always pretty bland. I had also asked how come it was so hard to find/get pasta for dinner anywhere. It just hasn’t been commonly seen, especially at any of the kiosks or cafeterias we visit. So Adolfo had a special treat for us; his wife had made a garlic and gouda infused pasta sauce, and some nice bow-tie pasta shells for us. It was SOOOO good, particularly because we knew that it would be great fuel for our ride the following morning.
Amanda writes:
We learned from our hosts that the last 4 days have included record breaking hot temperatures. Somehow this makes me feel better as we struggle with the heat a bit.