Living in the US, I would like to spend some time in Havana before "reconstruction" were to happen if relations are ever fully normalized. But likewise, I'm not sure that is going to happen anytime soon.
John Lofgren Monkey Boots Shinki Horsebuttt - $1,136 The classic monkey boot silhouette in an incredibly rich Shinki russet horse leather. 
Grant Stone Diesel Boot Dark Olive Chromexcel - $395 Goodyear welted, Horween Chromexcel, classic good looks. 
Schott 568 Vandals Jacket - $1,250 The classic Perfecto motorcycle jacket, in a very special limited-edition Schott double rider style.
In 2006 I visited his Finca outside Havana. They had the Pilar on display on the grounds.
I have been to all of Hemingway's haunts (except east Africa) in a general sense but stayed away from the named bars. If the Floridita is an example I have not missed much as it is just a tourist trap crawling with cruise shippers slurping mojitos. Papa would be appalled! I visited his grave site in Ketchum and found it quietly moving. A few metres from the house where he shot himself is a modest brass plaque marking his grave.....it was sad and touching.
Not much of anything has changed in Havana in 75 years, well or at least the last 50 or so! Attended a ballet at the Grand Teatro and had to scrunch onto one side of the seat as there was a coil spring protruding out of the cushion on the other side. When I stood up to leave at the end the coil snagged an ripped my pants and in my surprise I flinch and the wooden arm rest was in my hand. I feared arrest for the willful damage of state property. That moment summed up Havana, faded crumbling beauty disintegrating before my eyes.
I fear you will be most disappointed in the Floridita....it is crowded with cruise ship tourists jostling to buy overpriced mojitos. Papa would be appalled at the spectacle. We also visited his Finca outside Havana and it was surprisingly touching. Largely untouched, in a bit of disrepair and to my eyes looked like Papa stepped out for a bit of fishing and would be back soon. I could have bribed the custodian for a picture at the helm of the Pilar but that seemed somehow disrespectful and I declined.
Yes, Brasserie Lipp is an exception, last there in mid October, mid week and it was quiet with wonderful ambiance.
That's out for me. I'll just content myself looking at the old photos.
You'll always have Paris!When I said I have visited none of the Hemingway's bars.....I forgot I have been drinking coffee at De Deux Magots and also at La Closerie de Lilas in Paris....but those two don't count as much as the ones in Havana and Key West or even the Ritz.
For me at least!
).... but in our hearts and minds we will always have Paris like it was in the 1920s!
