traveltales: PALADARE EXPERIENCE

Sunday, November 4, 2012

PALADARE EXPERIENCE

Our Last Havana Evening

Our last evening in Havana we all elected to visit a paladare, meaning palate, for dinner. A paladare is a private home where food is served to small numbers of people. An entrepreneurial endeavor they are quasi-condoned by the government. They cannot hire help, but relatives may help out. There is a license fee, which we were told is quite high. The food is usually better than in restaurants.

The one we visited was a large mansion with dining on an outside covered patio. Everyone at my table had Cuban pork, which although delicious tasted nothing like pork as we know it, black beans, rice and a fresh salad. We did not have time to stay for desert because we needed to get to the Hotel Nacional (1930) to see the Buena Vista Social Club. Our cab driver took a long round-about route to the hotel, but we did make it on time and was seated well before the show began.

The Buena Vista Social Club puts on one performance a month and we happened to be in Havana for the November show. Not having seen the movie, I knew nothing about the show, but decided to go anyway. During intermission we checked out the recently renovated lobby of the famous old hotel. Then strolled the lovely grounds to admire the royal palm lined entrance and lovely tropical landscaping.

When leaving, we hopped into one of the cute little yellow cococabs standing outside the hotel for the ride back to our hotel. It was a fun ride up the Malecon. (coastal drive or ocean boulevard) The ocean was splashing spray over the sea wall and periodically we’d get sprayed. Almost back to the hotel a cab passed on the right splashing enough water to short out the motor to the cococab. The driver struggled until he probably flooded the motor. Since we were less than a block away and could see the hotel, we paid him and walked the rest of the way.

It had been a fun evening.

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Travel Tips

Wet feet, who has rubbers these day? To dry wet shoes put crumpled newspaper inside the shoe and it will wick out all the moisture. If you expect your travels to take you where your feet are likely to be walking in puddles or streams, pack a section of newspaper in the bottom of your suitcase.
In many places in the world the tip is included in the restaurant bill---good to know!
In Europe bathrooms are referred to as WC or toilet. Any other term is not understood.
When hiking, stop to tighten shoe/boot laces before starting down hill.
When traveling by plane be sure to wear all cotton clothing, which today is no problem. In case of fire, man-made fibers melt, cotton burns instead, leaving a clean burn vs one with all kinds of junk melted into it.
Didn't expect a sunburn and have no Rx for it? Dab the area with a cool wet tea bag. the tannin in the tea will reduce inflamation.
I bet you travel with a small bottle of hand sanitizer either in your purse or pocket. Did you know that when you spill something in your lap or wear part of your lunch that a few dabs of hand sanitizer on the spot will make it disappear like magic!
Speaking of shoes, I do not recommend removing them on a long flight. Untie and loosen them. I have actually seen people not be able to get their shoes back on because their feet have swollen during a long flight. Oach!
As painful as it may be limit yourself to two pairs of shoes. You are not traveling to make a fashion statement. Wear your heavest pair which should be a good pair of walking shoes. Pack a lighter pair or sandals.
Make a copy of all your documents and credit cards before leaving home and carry seperately. Also before leaving home leave a copy of your itinerary including hotels and their phone numbers and dates of stay with a family member.
It's always tempting to take a sleeping pill on a long overseas flight, BUT I never do because in the unlikely event of problems I want to have all my senses about me!
Afraid of bedbugs these days? Carry a small squirt bottle of lavender along with your other liquids. Spray your pillow and around your bed and mattress. This will give you a good visual and also repel the little devils.
I carry a couple of aspirin in my pocket and once the plane is in the air I swallow one. I feel this is especially important on long overseas flights to avoid leg problems.
If you do need to do laundry when traveling wring it as dry as possible by hand, then lay the article flat on a bath towel and roll tightly. Unroll and hang. It should be dry by morning.
I carry a small empty water bottle when traveling. I place it in the tray along with my plastic bag of liquids. Once through security I fill it from the water fountain. I always have water to take a pill or a drink when I'm thirsty.
Beware that European bath tubs are very deep and water is often scalding hot. Be careful especially if you have hip or knee problems.
If you're going to be gone more than a few days water your indoor plants well then cover with a large plastic bag tucking the edges well under the pot. If you use a laundry bag simply knot the area where the hanger protrudes. When you return your plants will be healthy and well.
In the largest print possible print your last name and hotel on a sheet of paper and place it on the top of your clothes before closing your suitcase. If your bag gets way laid hopefully it will make it to your hotel.
If you are the owner of the common black bag personalize it by adding various cut outs from colored duct tape. It will be easier to identify than if it carries a bit of ribbon.