Havana is a demanding mistress and a paradox - a place and culture that takes effort to appreciate. It is not the Harry Belafonte Caribbean of our expectations.
The people are more in your face, especially the guys, trying to get something out of you, and scam you - but when they only get paid $20/month you can justify that. You don't feel unsafe but its not a comfort zone! That explained it was a great experience to see it the way it is now. There is a simpleness in life here that has great value.
Look at this lady she loves me (it only cost $1) and look at her mother she loves me too! (another $1) - capitalism is healthy in Cuba!
Havana is a place of wrecks ...
... and yet it is a place of cultural significance and grand architecture
Travel out a bit to the rural settings, which although in drought show the Caribbean lifestyle - but its not one of people slumbering under coconut palms. We visited tobacco plantations and witnessed the lifestyle and saw how a cigar is rolled from a pile of leaves. A rural rum ("Rrrrrron" as they call it) distillery provided a tasty treat.
Even with the charm of 1950's cars everywhere (some are in beautiful condition - but most are oil burning, dented bombs,) the everlasting memory of Havana for us is the Malecon, the sea-wall promenade, and the drenching splash as the occasional wave surges over the wall to everyone's delight!
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