parks – Snapping The Globe

Stepping onto Obrapia Street, I first looked left and then right.

First instincts were to gauge how safe I felt in this new city. Heading back one block, I decided to walk along Obispo Street, which is only open to foot traffic. Walking along this pedestrian friendly thoroughfare, I noticed that it was very well kept and there were many shops, banks, parks, restaurants and a few museums.

Ducking into an artisan market, I browsed the unique souvenirs available and then made my way across the street to inspect a statue of Don Quixote by Leo D’Lazaro (1989), in the Parque de Obispo. There were many locals relaxing in the shade of the large, old trees and the smell of Cuban cuisine filled the air.

Taking a seat on one of the benches, I observed the passersby. Everyone was going about their business and there appeared to be many tourists in the area, making me feel more comfortable. I felt good about venturing further.

After taking a look at my map, I decided to walk westward toward the famous El Floridita bar, located at the Parque Francisco de Albear y Lara. Floridita is a historic fish restaurant and cocktail bar located across from the National Museum of Fine Arts of Havana. It is a hot tourist spot, perfect for people watching and known for having been one of the favorite hangouts of Ernest Hemingway. Though I never made it inside, I was told that there is a life size bronze statue of the writer and excellent daiquiris!

Interesting little tuk-tuks were parked all along the square, waiting for someone to hire them, and along with horse-drawn carriages, there were countless classic beauties driving through and parked inside the square. It was evident that the owners were quite proud of their vehicles and most posed alongside waiting for someone to hire them or just engage them in conversation. I watched as many a gentleman popped the hood, eager to share the immaculate condition of their automobiles.

Continuing on, I walked through the Parque Central among the tall, elegant palm trees lining the square and admired the statue of Jose Marti, poet, essayist, patriot and martyr, who became the symbol of Cuba’s struggle for independence from Spain.

*Parque Central and Jose Marti Monument*

Next on my walking tour was the Boulevard de San Rafael where I spotted the London Bar, Hotel Inglaterra and many old but intriguing buildings. Back to the corner of the boulevard and the Paseo di Marti, I stood in awe of the National Theater. True elegance reigned here, both on the exterior and the interior, as it is the home of the Cuban National Ballet. The Baroque exterior boasts some amazing white marble sculptures which are part of a group of ninety-seven by Giuseppe Moretti and Geneva Mercer and represent charity, education, music and theater. There were posters advertising upcoming performances and I wondered if I could somehow procure tickets for a memorable evening!

What I had spied from my balcony now stood before me…the National Capitol Building or El Capitolio. One of the most visited sites in Havana, the building dates back to the initiation of its construction in 1926 and is located in the exact center of Havana. Prior to the Cuban Revolution of 1959, Congress was housed in the building until it was abolished and disbanded. The building fell into disrepair and since 2013, the government of Cuba has undertaken a restoration project hoping to use the building once again for Cuba’s National Assembly.

Although its design looks much like the United States Capitol, it is a meter higher, a meter wider, a meter longer and much richer in detail. Until the 1950’s, it was the tallest building in the city and houses the world’s third largest indoor statue, located in the apse. La Republica or the Statue of the Republic stands at almost 92 meters high. There are also statues at the main entrance, flanking the fifty-two steps, by Angelo Zanelli, twelve ionic granite columns measuring forty-six feet tall and three large bronze doors with bas-reliefs also by Zanelli which allow access to the main hall. Though I would have loved to have toured the building, it was later in the day and I wasn’t sure it was open. There were other things that I wanted to see, so I hoped that I could squeeze the Capitol into one of my other activity-packed days.

Leisurely strolling along the Paseo di Marti, I admired the unique lamp posts, colorful buildings and the occasional classic car that drove by. Crossing the street near the Capitol, I entered the Parque de la Fraternidad or Fraternity Park with its multitude of busts of Latin and North American leaders. Once known as the Square of Mars and the site of military exercises, the park is now a busy meeting place and centered with a massive ceilba tree.

After making my way around the park I casually glanced down the street and noticed something that I was not expecting to see. A Chinese gate!

Yes, Havana has a Chinatown!

Though not very ornate in nature, it was surprising and probably one of the only places in the world that you will spot antique Fords and Chevrolets driving though its arch. Making my way only a short distance past the gate, I learned from my tour guide the next day, that there are actually some pretty good Chinese restaurants in this area.

There were many buildings in various states of repair or disrepair. As I walked along Cienfuegos Street, one of the most photographed areas in the city and known for its unique architectural elements, I remember thinking that some might think it is not a beautiful part of the city because not everything was new and shiny. I, however, thought the opposite. I loved every bit of peeling paint, every cracked pane of glass, trees growing off of the roofs, every colorful, but dirt-covered tile and every rusty piece of ironwork. This was a city with character.

Realizing that it was the beginning of the end of the day (a very long one, I might add), I decided to make my way back towards my hotel with the hopes of finding a nice little outdoor restaurant where I could have a nice cold beer and watch the world go by!

But first, as I made my way through Parque Cristo, admiring the monument in the center, I noticed something that I could not resist…a church, Iglesia Del Santo Cristo Del Buen Viaje. Since this was my first visit to a church in Havana, I wasn’t sure of the protocol for visitors, especially since this seemed like more of a neighborhood church. The woman at the door, however, greeted me warmly and allowed me to walk through freely and take photos. There were many beautiful stained glass windows and interesting statues but the ceiling was what gave this church its singularity. I learned that this church is one of the oldest in Havana, dating back to 1755 and once acted as the Cathedral of Havana…I picked a good one for my first!

*Iglesia Del Santo Cristo Del Buen Viaje*

Winding my way back to Obispo Street, I walked along with the crowds, admiring the architecture and every little thing that I could take in. Finally, locating a restaurant with outdoor seating, I grabbed a seat, ordered some food and ordered the beer that I had been thirsting for during my wanderings under the blazing Cuban sun. All the while, I relaxed and enjoyed the Cuban musical stylings of local musicians.

As I wandered back to my Airbnb, it was growing dark.

But, you know what? I never once glanced over my shoulder. I never worried about anyone hiding in some dark corner. In fact, I was awed by the gentlemen who stepped off the sidewalk to allow me to pass. I was awed by the hospitality of everyone I met and the pleasant greetings extended to me when they found out I was an American.

Now, why was I nervous about coming?

Sitting on my balcony that night, I watched the children play in the street below and the neighbors sitting on their stoops listening to music and talking until late. Though I could still hear the goings-on through my closed balcony door, once I crawled into bed, it really didn’t bother me.

It was Havana!

Hello Havana!

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El Floridita Bar and Restaurant

https://www.facebook.com/Bar-Floridita-639688816080211
Address: Obispo 557 Esquina a Monserrate esq. a Monserrate, Havana Vieja, Havana, 10100 Cuba
Hours: 1100-2400, daily

National Theater

Address: Plaza de la Revolucion Havana, Cuba
The theater has 4 ticket offices located on the south side (Avenida Paseo) of the facility. Their hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 1000-1200 and 1300-1400. When the shows take place on Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays or holidays, the ticket offices open from 1000 until just 30 minutes after the start of the presentation.

El Capitolio

Address: Paseo de Marti, Havana 10200
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 1030-2200 and Sunday 1030-1300

Iglesia Del Santo Cristo Del Buen Viaje

Address: Plaza del Cristo, La Habana Vieja, Havana, Cuba

Its wonderful to travel to distant cities and countries. There are so many things to see and do in this world, though, sometimes it is easy to forget to look in your own backyard at the many magnificent things available nearby.

Many years ago, a hurricane was coming. Growing up in Louisiana, I was accustomed to hurricanes, however after moving to Virginia, it never really occurred to me that we might be subject to an occasional storm…but that’s just what happened.

With three young children and a husband out of town on business, I decided to seek shelter in the western part of our state. This is how I came to know the Natural Bridge of Virginia.

After the storm had passed, we were heading back to a home with no power. Three cranky children had no desire to sit in a car for the long ride, so when I spied the exit for Natural Bridge of Virginia, I decided that it would be a great place to let them stretch their legs.

Years later, driving home exhausted after a long college visit, my son and I needed a place to stretch our legs. Spying the sign, we decided it was time to revisit this state treasure.

The Natural Bridge was formed when a cavern collapsed leaving the span that exists today, however, a different story comes from the Monacan Indians. They relate a tale of the bridge appearing before them…The Bridge of the Gods, as they called it…when they needed an escape from an approaching enemy. In 1750, George Washington surveyed the land for Lord Fairfax and the initials GW, which were carved into the side of the bridge, can still be seen today. At the end of the century, Thomas Jefferson built a two-room log cabin, reserving one room for guests. This began the property’s development as a retreat. Eventually, after the sale of the cabin, a new inn was built to accommodate the increasing number of visitors. These visitors still continue to this day.

Pulling into the parking lot, the red brick building was pretty much how I remembered it. What had changed was the admission price. $20 for adult admission seemed a bit steep, but thankfully, I was able to secure a student discount for my son.

As we made our way down the steep, rocky path, we soon found ourselves wandering along the small stream which led us to the thing we had come to see, the Natural Bridge. Funny thing was…last time we had visited, I thought that I had remembered seeing the Natural Bridge last, the culmination of a long walk. Either the path had changed or my memory is not as good as I think! Nevertheless, we took many photographs and gazed upon this spectacular marvel.

Continuing on the Cedar Creek Nature Trail, we enjoyed being out in nature and reveled in the sun and amazing views.

Soon we came to the Monacan Indian Village, a living history exhibit and a joint venture between the Monacan Indian Nation and the Park. This exhibit gives guests the opportunity to step back in time to visualize what life was like in a typical Monacan Indian settlement. Visitors can learn about cooking, tool production, pottery, basket weaving, venture into reproductions of Indian structures.

After walking for another two hundred yards, we soon came to the Saltpetre Mine, which is a large hole in the canyon wall formed by flowing water and erosion. During the War of 1812 and the Civil War, workmen made gunpowder from the nitrates that were mined and from bird and bat droppings. The cave is now closed, however, you can walk across the bridge and look into the dark opening.

Further along the trail, we came to the Lost River, an underground river, which is located about half a mile upstream from the bridge.

Finally, the culmination of our easy hike was the Lace Waterfalls. A small, round, walled area, gives visitors a place to gaze upon the small waterfall and rest for a short time before returning to the trail and the Visitor’s Center. As we rested, we were lucky to be able to enjoy the many colorful butterflies flitting around the area!

Despite the hefty admittance price, the trail was extremely scenic and historic and we thoroughly enjoyed our time on the premises. Shortly after our visit, however, I came across an interesting article informing that the Natural Bridge Park will officially become the 37th of Virginia’s State Parks on September 24, 2016.

“At long last, this historic site will be under public management, operated by Virginia State Parks as a state park in perpetuity. Visitors will immediately see changes with new signs, new Virginia State Park staff, new state park branded items in the gift shop, and lower daily admission fees.” Plans include increased programming and activities, and new hiking trails. From the website: Bearing Drift https://bearingdrift.com/2016/09/22/natural-bridge-becomes-virginias-newest-state-park-free-admission-saturday/

Great news! Virginia’s state parks are extremely well run and great places to spend time. So with this announcement, put on your walking shoes, pack a lunch, grab your family and go out and visit the Natural Bridge Park! With a lower entrance fees, cooler weather and changing foliage, now is a great time to visit the Natural Bridge State Park.

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Natural Bridge State Park

15 Appledore Lane, Natural Bridge, VA, 24578
Hours: 08:00 until dusk, daily
Admission: Adults (13 and over) $8, Children (6-12 years) $6 http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/document/feesadmprk.pdf
How to Get There: From I-81, take exit 175 or 180A to U.S. 11 and follow signs to the park. From Northern Virginia, driving time, three and a half hours; Richmond, two hours; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach, four hours; Roanoke, 30 minutes.