Hemingways Havana, CUBA
Airing Date: Jun 23rd, 2003
At the mention of Havana most people immediately think of its most famous resident, Ernest 'Papa' Hemingway.
The city was his home for more than 20 years, and the setting for several of his novels. There are Hemingway references throughout Havana, starting with the bar where the writer drank nearly every day.
Today El Floridita has cashed in on the Hemingway connection and is one of Havana's most expensive restaurants. A daiquiri will set you back $6, compared to the $1.50 charge anywhere else in the city. The Floridita's classic daiquiri is sugar, rum, lemon and crushed ice, but Hemingway came up with his own version called the 'Papa Double'. It consisted of rum, no sugar, grapefruit, crushed ice - and then another hit of rum.
Once you've tried the Papa Double, head down to Hemingway's House. This 19th century house is perched on the hillside and offers great views of the countryside and Caribbean Sea. It looks exactly the way Hemingway left it in the 1960's, with thousands of books and trophies. But you can't actually go inside - the only way to check it out is through the window.
Down by the harbour you'll find the old boat that Hemingway once used for chasing marlin. During World War II he turned it into a patrol boat to search for enemy subs off Havana, although none were ever found. They've even named a marina after him - Marina Hemingway.
The marina hosts several fishing tournaments, including the legendary annual Ernest Hemingway International Marlin Fishing Tournament each May.
If you're keen to go marlin fishing, Havana is a great place to do it. A spot on a fishing charter out of Marina Hemingway will cost you around $200 a day.
Following in Hemingway's steps, stay at Hotel Ambos Mundos. On several occasions during the 1930s, Hemingway stayed at this five-star ritzy establishment. Between 10am and 2pm visitors can check out the room where Hemingway started writing 'For Whom the Bell Tolls'. It's like a permanent shrine now with photos, his desk and a typewriter decorating the room.
The facts
Air New Zealand flies to Los Angeles. Prices from the west coast start at $2545 and from the east coast $2184. Air Mexicana has connections from LA to Havana and return flights start from $1335.
Air New Zealand
Tel: 13 24 76
Sky Air Services
Tel: 1300 737 177
Adventure World offer three-night Havana packages including transfers, breakfast daily, a half day city tour and accommodation at the Hotel Ambos Mundos. Prices start from $478 per person twin share.
Adventure World
Tel: 1300 363 055
Hotel Ambos Mundos
Tel: 0011 53 7 860 9529 (international)
