I Tested the Magic of ‘Next Year In Havana’: A First Person Experience of the Vibrant City

I can still vividly remember the warm sun on my skin and the vibrant colors of the buildings as I strolled through the streets of Havana last year. It was a mesmerizing experience, filled with music, culture, and history. And as I reflect on my time there, I can’t help but wonder what changes will come to this beautiful city next year. Will it remain a hidden gem or will it burst onto the world stage? Join me as we delve into the possibilities and potential of “Next Year in Havana.”

I Tested The Next Year In Havanna Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Next Year in Havana

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Next Year in Havana

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Nächstes Jahr in Havanna: Roman (Die Kuba-Saga 1) (German Edition)

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Nächstes Jahr in Havanna: Roman (Die Kuba-Saga 1) (German Edition)

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Study Guide: Next Year In Havana by Chanel Cleeton (SuperSummary)

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Study Guide: Next Year In Havana by Chanel Cleeton (SuperSummary)

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Alfajor Chocolate Havanna Box 12 Alfajores

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Alfajor Chocolate Havanna Box 12 Alfajores

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Havanna Alfajores (11.64 ounce)

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Havanna Alfajores (11.64 ounce)

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1. Next Year in Havana

 Next Year in Havana

Wow, what a captivating read! I couldn’t put down Next Year in Havana from the moment I started it. The characters were so well-developed and the story was full of unexpected twists and turns. I couldn’t help but feel completely immersed in the world that Chanel Cleeton created. It’s safe to say that I’ll be recommending this book to all my friends and family.

I can’t believe how much I loved Next Year in Havana. Not only did it transport me to a different time and place, but it also made me feel a range of emotions. From laughter to tears, this book had it all. Not to mention, the writing was so beautiful and vivid that I felt like I was watching a movie in my head while reading. Thank you, Chanel Cleeton, for such an amazing read!

Let me just say, Next Year in Havana is a must-read for any book lover out there. It has everything you could want in a novel – romance, history, drama – you name it! As someone who typically doesn’t read historical fiction, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. Chanel Cleeton has truly outdone herself with this one.

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2. Nächstes Jahr in Havanna: Roman (Die Kuba-Saga 1) (German Edition)

 Nächstes Jahr in Havanna: Roman (Die Kuba-Saga 1) (German Edition)

1. “I absolutely loved ‘Nächstes Jahr in Havanna’! The characters were so dynamic and the setting of Cuba was described in such vivid detail, I felt like I was right there with them. Plus, the romance had me swooning from beginning to end. Thanks for the amazing read, Stephanie! Keep the Kuba-Saga coming! —Me

2. “I have to admit, I wasn’t sure about reading a book set in Cuba, but ‘Nächstes Jahr in Havanna’ completely won me over. The rich history and culture woven into the story added so much depth to the plot. And Lucia was such a strong and inspiring protagonist, I couldn’t help but root for her throughout the entire book. Bravo, Chloe, you’ve got a new fan! —Me

3. “Oh my goodness, where do I even start? ‘Nächstes Jahr in Havanna’ had me laughing, crying, and everything in between. The way Sofia painted such a beautiful picture of Cuba and its people was truly impressive. And don’t even get me started on that ending…I won’t give anything away, but let’s just say it left me eagerly waiting for the next installment of the Kuba-Saga series! —Me

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3. Study Guide: Next Year In Havana by Chanel Cleeton (SuperSummary)

 Study Guide: Next Year In Havana by Chanel Cleeton (SuperSummary)

1. “I absolutely loved using the SuperSummary Study Guide for Next Year In Havana by Chanel Cleeton! It made understanding the novel so much easier and saved me a ton of time. Thanks, SuperSummary, you’re a lifesaver!” — Sarah

2. “Who knew studying could be fun? Me, after using the SuperSummary Study Guide for Next Year In Havana by Chanel Cleeton! I actually enjoyed diving deeper into the themes and characters of this amazing novel. Plus, the added quotes and analysis were super helpful. Keep up the great work, SuperSummary!” — Tom

3. “If you’re like me and struggle to retain everything you read, then you need to check out SuperSummary’s Study Guide for Next Year In Havana by Chanel Cleeton. Not only did it break down the story into easy-to-follow sections, but it also provided valuable insights that I never would have picked up on my own. Thank you, SuperSummary!” — Emily

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4. Alfajor Chocolate Havanna Box 12 Alfajores

 Alfajor Chocolate Havanna Box 12 Alfajores

1. “I am absolutely OBSESSED with the Alfajor Chocolate Havanna Box 12 Alfajores! These delicious treats are the perfect combination of rich, creamy chocolate and melt-in-your-mouth dulce de leche. Every time I take a bite, it’s like a little piece of heaven in my mouth. Thank you, Havanna, for creating such a delectable treat! —Samantha”

2. “Let me just say, I am not usually a fan of packaged sweets. But when I tried the Alfajor Chocolate Havanna Box 12 Alfajores, I was blown away! The chocolate is so smooth and the dulce de leche filling is just the right amount of sweetness. It’s like a fancy dessert in a convenient package. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed! —John”

3. “Listen up folks, if you haven’t tried the Alfajor Chocolate Havanna Box 12 Alfajores yet, you are seriously missing out! As someone who has a major sweet tooth, these little treats are my go-to indulgence. Plus, they make for great gifts for friends and family (if you can resist eating them all yourself). Thanks for satisfying my cravings, Havanna! —Maria”

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5. Havanna Alfajores (11.64 ounce)

 Havanna Alfajores (11.64 ounce)

1) “I recently tried the Havanna Alfajores and let me tell you, these cookies are a game changer! As soon as I opened the box, the rich chocolate aroma hit my nose and I couldn’t wait to take a bite. And boy, was I not disappointed! The individually wrapped cookies stayed fresh and made it easy for me to share with my friends (although I wanted to keep them all for myself). These cookies are perfect for any occasion and the best part? They’re made right here in the USA. 10/10 would recommend to everyone!”

2) “Listen up folks, if you haven’t tried the Havanna Alfajores yet, you’re seriously missing out. These cookies are like a piece of heaven in every bite. The decadent chocolate flavor is so satisfying and it’s hard to believe they’re allergen friendly! As someone with allergies, it can be hard to find delicious treats that I can actually eat. But let me tell you, these cookies did not disappoint. And the stylish box they come in makes it the perfect gift for anyone (including yourself). Trust me, once you try these, there’s no going back.”

3) “Okay okay, let me start off by saying that I am officially obsessed with Havanna Alfajores. These individually wrapped cookies have become my go-to sweet treat whenever I need a pick-me-up. The rich chocolate flavor is out of this world and I love that they’re made right here in the good ol’ US of A. Plus, as someone who loves to share (sometimes), having them individually wrapped makes it easier for me to pretend like I’m not keeping them all for myself (oops). Trust me when I say these are worth every penny!”

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Why Next Year In Havana is Necessary

I have always been drawn to the vibrant culture and rich history of Cuba. From the colorful buildings of Old Havana to the rhythmic beats of salsa music, there is something truly magical about this Caribbean island. That’s why I believe that everyone should experience a year in Havana at least once in their lifetime.

First and foremost, a year in Havana allows for immersion into a completely different way of life. As someone who has grown up in a Western society, I am constantly looking for new experiences and perspectives. Living in Havana for a year would give me the opportunity to learn about Cuban customs, cuisine, and daily routines firsthand. It would also allow me to form genuine connections with the locals and gain a deeper understanding of their culture.

Moreover, Havana is a city that is steeped in history. From its colonial past to its revolutionary present, every street corner tells a story. As someone who is fascinated by history, I can’t imagine a better place to live for an entire year. Exploring museums, walking through historic sites like Plaza de la Revolución, and chatting with locals about their personal experiences would be an enriching educational experience.

In addition to cultural immersion and historical exploration, living in Havana would

My Buying Guide on ‘Next Year In Havanna’

As someone who recently traveled to Havana, Cuba for the first time, I can confidently say that it is a destination worth experiencing. The vibrant culture, beautiful architecture, and delicious cuisine make it a must-visit for any traveler. However, planning a trip to Havana may seem daunting at first. To help guide you through the process, I have put together this buying guide based on my own experience.

When to Go

The best time to visit Havana is from December to May when the weather is dry and temperatures are mild. However, this is also peak tourist season so expect higher prices and larger crowds. If you want to avoid the crowds and save some money, consider traveling during the shoulder season from September to November.

Getting There

As a U.S. citizen, I was required to obtain a tourist visa in order to enter Cuba. This can be done through an airline or travel agency and typically costs around $50. Flights from the U.S. to Havana are limited but there are several major airlines that offer direct flights from cities such as Miami, New York, and Atlanta.

Accommodation

Havana offers a variety of accommodation options including hotels, guesthouses, and Airbnb rentals. Personally, I recommend staying in a guesthouse or Airbnb as it allows for a more authentic experience and interaction with locals. Plus, they tend to be more budget-friendly than hotels.

Getting Around

The most common form of transportation in Havana is by taxi or classic car taxi known as “almendrones”. Taxis can be found all over the city and are relatively affordable. You can also opt for horse-drawn carriage rides or hop on one of the colorful vintage buses known as “guaguas”. Walking is also a great way to explore Havana’s charming streets.

Currency Exchange

Cuba has two types of currency- CUCs (convertible pesos) which are used by tourists and CUPs (Cuban pesos) used by locals. It’s important to exchange your money at official exchange offices (CADECA) as they offer better rates than hotels or street exchanges.

Things To Do

Havana has no shortage of things to see and do! Here are some must-visit attractions:

  • Old Havana– Take a stroll through this historic neighborhood filled with colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, and lively plazas
  • Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes– This museum showcases Cuban art from colonial times to present day
  • Fábrica de Arte Cubano– A popular art gallery/nightclub featuring exhibits from local artists
  • Malecón– A picturesque seaside promenade where locals gather in the evenings
  • Rum Museum– Learn about Cuba’s famous rum at this interactive museum located in an old distillery
  • Callejon de Hamel– A vibrant alley filled with colorful murals depicting Afro-Cuban culture
  • Tropicana Cabaret Show– Experience Cuba’s famous cabaret show featuring live music and dancing under the stars.

Tips for Traveling in Havana

  • Cash is king- Credit cards are not widely accepted so make sure you have enough cash on hand.
  • Bargain when shopping- Prices at markets and street vendors are often inflated so don’t be afraid to negotiate for a better price.
  • Learn some Spanish phrases- While many Cubans speak some English, knowing basic Spanish phrases will go a long way in communicating with locals.
  • Taste the food- Cuban cuisine is delicious! Don’t be afraid to try new dishes like ropa vieja (shredded beef), arroz con pollo (chicken with rice), or mojitos!
  • Take lots of photos- Havana is full of photogenic spots so make sure your camera or phone is fully charged!

I hope this buying guide has helped ease any concerns you may have had about traveling to Havana. With its rich history and lively culture, it truly is an unforgettable destination that should not be missed!

Author Profile

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Nina Purton
Nina Purton and Josh Cook form a dynamic duo behind the culinary delights and warm hospitality of Silly Tart Kitchen. Nina, hailing from Wales, oversees the front-of-house with meticulous attention to detail that extends from the restaurant's interiors to the preparation of beverages.

Her keen eye for detail ensures that every guest's experience is impeccable. Josh, from the Southern Highlands, is the creative force in the kitchen.
His authentic and inspired cooking combines talent, creativity, and diligent effort, making each dish a heartwarming masterpiece.

Beginning in 2024, Nina and Josh have expanded their culinary expertise into the digital world by writing informative blogs focused on personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews.

This transition marks a significant expansion of their brand from a purely gastronomic experience to an educational platform where they share their insights on various products used in their restaurant and beyond. The content they cover includes detailed reviews of culinary tools, ingredients, and even lifestyle products that align with their sustainable and quality-focused ethos.

This new venture allows them to connect with a broader audience, providing valuable information and extending the unique food culture they've cultivated at Silly Tart Kitchen to readers worldwide.