The Voice Box

With a population of over two million, Havana presents itself as the largest city in the Caribbean islands, with a colorful mixture of Hispanic architecture and currently an eclectic mi-style of wonderful, but yet varied entertainment. Designated by UNESCO as a cultural heritage site in 1982, it is now under an ambitious government organized restoration program, after centuries of neglect. The grand aim is to restore the historic beauty and characteristic features and subtleties of the Old Town - La Habana Vieja, to the standard it once acclaimed. Visitors have a lot to chose from, formal walks around the streets of the central city area,much more detailed look at the many museums, including those which chronicle the history of the revolution, or simply grab a meal or drink at one of the many impromptu or formal restaurants or bars. Whatever options you choose, Havana is waiting for you. THE CAPITOLIO https://www.lonelyplanet.com/cuba http://www.nytimes.com/interac

PLAYA DE ORO Arrived very late, almost at midnight, and grabbed a taxi from Varadero Airport,                         and headed to the Playa de Oro Resort complex. It was a very welcoming environment,             and very soon I was settled in my room.  On the table was a warm welcome sign, a bottle           of Cuba rum, two cans of beer and two soft drinks. Too late to join the party, I decided             to have a quick look around the resort, and then crashed into bed, after all it was a very           long American Airlines flight all the way from London UK. https://www.lonelyplanet.com/cuba http://www.varaderoguide.net/index.html http://www.varadero-airport.com/facilities.html http://www.viazul.com/ http://www.accorhotels.com/gb/hotel-2215-mercure-playa-de-oro/index.shtml

October 1st, the Chinese National Day, I intended to rise early and take in the expected celebrations in Tiananmen Square. I did not make it.  Still jet-lagged from my ten hour flight from London, I overslept.  Rising swiftly, I quickly got dressed, and  grabbed some breakfast downstairs in the restaurant, at the excellent Novotel Hotel where I was staying  in the downtown area of Dongcheng, and headed for the ‘Forbidden City’ complex . Today called the Palace Museum – (The locals call it Gu-Gong which means Ancient Palace), it offers a striking insight about the Emperors who ruled China many years ago. It was so impressive that I spent a whopping five hours there; walking through an imperious Meridan Gate, gliding into numerous halls of Harmony and Palaces, all offering splendid architectural styles of the day. And then on towards the revealing Treasure Gallery with its minature icons, and finally exiting through the Imperial Garden.   Enjoy the photos. Icons of the