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Havana, Cuba - Frozen In Time

#HeyFrancis | I never thought I'd ever make it to the "so-called" forbidden land of Cuba, until my good friend Josh offered me the wonderful opportunity.  With my flight booked, and Cuban Visa purchased, I arrived at Cancun (CUN) International Airport with high anticipation of finally making the trip.  

As I sat patiently, the delays began to pile on.  First, an hour (1), then two (2), then three (3).  Next thing you know it, the flight had been delayed four and a half hours (4.5) having me arriving in Havana at 6:30pm.  This was kind of upsetting being that I was only making a day trip to Cuba; but I knew it would be worth the wait.  After investigating a few flight changes, corresponding countless e-mails with Josh (thanks to the Edgar at AeroMexico letting me use their cell phone), and a couple free food vouchers later (yum :P), I decided to stick with my initial AeroMexico flight and arrived in Cuba later that night.  Finally, after purchasing Cuba health insurance and making it through immigration in a breeze, I met with Josh and boarded our taxi headed towards Havana.

Though the trip was short, I was able to see and capture a lot (INSTAGRAM - @hey.francis) thanks to Josh's guidance through the lively streets of Downtown Havana.  The city had an old-school feel to it, with an abundance of old and new (looking) 1950s motor vehicles.  We grabbed a bite to eat at Sloppy Joe's (not at all what you think), toured Obispo, walked down Prado, and then finally caught our two-stop, 30 minute taxi cab to Baracoa (where Josh stays).  

With all things said an done, I had a wonderful experience in Cuba; the people, the architecture, the culture, the food all unique and amazing.  Contrary to popular belief, we are now allowed in Cuba.  All you need to do is book a flight to a country servicing Cuba, purchase a travel visa (at the local airport servicing Cuba), and purchase health insurance (roughly $17 USD).  There were absolutely no problems at immigration (in Cuba), and getting back into the USA was smooth as butter.  Make the trip and have an experience of a lifetime!  I hope these photos find you well.

Have you ever been to Cuba, or would you like to?  Leave your comments and questions below!  Thanks for following the journey!  #heyfrancistravels #heyfrancisblog #heyfrancisvlog #meetmikefrancis