Little Havana

58 this morning, much cooler after yesterdays rain, but heated up in the afternoon, Still, a lovely day.

Little Havana is the Cuban part of Miami, and our son wanted to take us there because he knows we like to see real life and not the tourist areas. We sure got a taste of it in Little Havana.

We've been in Hialeah with Tommy in the past, another place that has a lot of Cuban culture. He took us to a Cuban restaurant for breakfast and I have not yet forgotten the delicious bread and coffee. Little Havana is further south in Miami, along Calle Ocho, or 8th Street. It's a colorful, vibrant area, filled with people who all seem to know each other, and who didn't mind us gringos poking around in their neighborhood. 

One of the most colorful places we saw was The Cuban Store. Filled with souvenirs of every kind and description, it felt like immersion into the sights and sounds of Cuba. 

This room was the history room, filled with artifacts, memorabilia, and books.

In front of the store was a beautiful dominoes table--I had no idea there even was such a thing, but apparently dominoes are big in Cuba, and this table was a work of art. The store owner was working carefully with mannequins, glassware, etc to make an eye-catching display. I bought some Cuban coffee to bring home and wish I'd bought some dominoes too. They had some beautiful sets for sale.

But the best part of our visit was when I asked if they had a baño and the owner said yes, you must see it, you will love it. That startled me, until I saw it. 

Castro is even painted in the toilet. 

He is apparently a persona non grata in Little Havana. Socialism isn't well liked either.

As we cruised down Calle Ocho, I spotted a junk shop. My son obligingly turned around and back we went. My daughter-in-law Lorena and I got out of the car to investigate the wares spread out in front of the shop, and we were greeted by three Cuban men. They, of course, had eyes only for beautiful Lorena, and each one greeted her with "Buenas tardes" and big smiles. The smiles changed a bit in nature when my son emerged from the car. It was so funny, but soon Tommy and the men were talking in Spanish like old friends. 

The men brought out their new puppies for us to hold--little chihuahas--and the older man told us he had to keep the mother penned up. Because, he said, "She tricky, that one. One day she bite my leg, and when I got home, my pants they were torn and my leg it was bleeding!" Such storytellers, laughing while he told his tale of woe. I bought a chandelier from them, and after more conversation we said our good-byes. I wish I had thought to take a picture with them, but I will always remember the warmth and humor of our short visit. Next time, we'll be trying out one of the many Cuban restaurants.

Copyright Susanna Holstein. All rights reserved. No Republication or Redistribution Allowed without attribution to Susanna Holstein.