By Marcia Davis
When my husband, Bill, and I went to Cuba with First Hand Aid last week, we stayed in a casa particular, which means “private house.” In this type of accommodation, you may use the same entrance as the family or you may have a separate entrance. Either way, you’ll have your own room, usually away from their main living quarters. You may have your own bathroom, like we did, or you may share one with other guests.
Our room was plenty large enough for two people.
You’ll know a casa particular from the outside by the upside-down blue anchor and the words “Arrendador Divisa” on the sign.
Staying in this type of lodging is a great way to interact with the Cuban people and to experience Cuban food. It makes perfect sense to do this especially when you go with a group such as First Hand Aid since the whole point is to be with the people.
One of our traveling companions, Andrew, also stayed in the same casa and is pictured in the photo below.
We loved our casa, which was just down the street from the steps to the Universidad de Habana. Proprietors Iris and Felipe were the perfect hosts.
And, each morning, after the roosters crowed, we were serenaded by Lola the parrot who lived upstairs on the rooftop patio.
Breakfast was also served on the patio.
Because we went with a group, there were several days we ate breakfast together at the casa particular of Eduardo Negrin Gonzalez. We enjoyed getting to know him as well.
Staying in the casa and having our breakfast there was a great way to make friends with the Cuban people, eat a real Cuban breakfast, and practice Spanish.
Gloria and I, and her family, stayed at one of these in Costa Rica. I couldn’t agree more. It was a wonderful way to get a dose of the real culture, practice Spanish, and tap into the local happenings. Glad you guys had a great trip!
Thank you for all the posts you wrote. It was so interesting to hear all you did on your trip. What a wonderful organization and I’m so thankful there are so many of you to help. I love seeing your pictures, if you have more to share we would love to see more. Are you on face book? God bless, jodi talsma (joel’s mom)
Thanks, Jodi, for your support. Yes, we are on FB….haven’t loaded all our photos yet on FB but we’ll be adding more photos to blog now that we’re home and have more time! It was such a great trip!