Ernest Hemingway, famous American author, had a notorious passion for travel. Among his many trips, he visited and lived in Cuba for several years and grew attached to the island.
During the 1930s, he stayed in Hotel Ambos Mundos regularly. His room, number 511, was where he always stayed. You can visit it and see the few objects he let behind: some of his fishing gear and a Remington typewriter, which he is said to have used to write some of his most memorable novels.
Hemingway loved rum and just a short walk from Hotel Ambos Mundos, you will find one of his two favourite watering holes: El Floridita. At the end of El Floridita’s bar is a life-sized bronze statue of Hemingway placed at the spot where he would always drink daiquiris. For mojitos, he would go to Bodeguita del Medio. Both bars nowadays are tourist attractions and always crowded with people!
15km East of Havana is Hemingway's house: Finca Vigia, meaning "lookout house". He purchased it in 1940 after he married his third wife Martha Gellhorn. It had been abandoned since their departure in 1960, but was recently restored with his original belongings and you can visit it.
To the North of Finca is the small fishing village of Cojimar, where Hemingway kept his custom-designed boat, the Pilar. If time permits, visit Playa Pilar on Cayo Guillermo. This was Hemingway’s favourite beach and fishing area.
Simple but classy, the Cuba Libre cocktail is one of the island’s most famous cultural items.
It is hard to discern legend from history when it comes to its origins. However, the most widespread version is that it happened during the American-Spanish war, during which many American soldiers arrived in Cuba. One afternoon, a group of off-duty soldiers were gathered in a bar in Old Havana. A captain ordered the recipe, and he liked it so much that everyone ordered it as well, and they raised a toast, claiming “¡Por Cuba Libre!” in celebration of the newly freed Cuba.
The ingredients of this cocktail are rather symbolic, too: Cuban rum and American Coca Cola, mixed in together, could be seen as a symbol of the relationship between the two countries, and signify a wish for their friendship.
Both Bacardi and Havana Club have been claiming for decades that theirs is the best rum for a Cuba Libre!
Courtesy of FineCooking, here is an improved recipe for the Cuba Libre:
1.5 fl. oz. (45mL) Light Rum
.5 fl. oz. (15mL) London Dry Gin
.75 fl. oz. (22mL) Lime Juice
2 dashes (1/2 a teaspoon) Angostura Bitters
3 fl. oz. (90) Coca-Cola
Our extra recommendations: use glass bottle Coca Cola for a better taste; make sure you put the lime juice in first so that it coats the ice cubes; drop some lime quarters into the glass as well.
Between 1915 and 1930, Havana hosted more tourists than any other location in the Caribbean, due in large part to the proximity of the United States. After a slow down due to the 1930s Great Depression, Cuba became a popular destination again in the 1950s. Finally, the 1959 Revolution made tourism suddenly decrease, until the 1990s.
During the Golden Years of tourism, many travel ad posters were designed. They reflected the vision of an island that was a haven of sun and freedom, especially during the American Prohibition. These posters are now very popular for their vintage feel and bright colors.
Revolutionary Propaganda
At the beginning of the Castro regime, a strong Russian influence can be felt, with socialist realist style posters. Then, around 1965, in a period of strained relations with the Soviet Union, the Cubans decide to develop more personal styles. It is around this time that Guevara's portrait becomes an international symbol for romantic rebellion.
Learn more about the art and history of Cuban posters in “Revolucion!” by Lincoln Cushing.
Sources: Wikipedia; International Institute of Social History
Because of its multiple cultural influences and 1950S vintage reminiscence, Cuba has been inspiring designers all over the world, from fashion to interior design. With the US and Cuban flags flying again over their respective embassies in both countries, the renewal of their geopolitical relationships may also be the beginning of a new era in Cuban and Cuban-inspired fashion.
Stella McCartney's 2016 Spring-Summer Collection, for example, introduced at her Cuba Libre Garden Party in Manhattan, is directly inspired by the island’s distinctive vibe.
This summer’s trends showed a tropical and vintage wind blowing over ready-to-wear as well, from sunglasses to bags and swimsuits. Inspiration is not limited to clothing: from cutlery to fabric, Cuba’s vibrant colors are definitely en vogue.
Photos (left to right): Marie Claire cover; Lunelli Textil (Brasil) fabric; Pineapple Bikini (Topshop); Tropical sunglasses (Etsy); Citta Design ‘Viva la Cuba’ collection; Harper’s Bazaar editorial.
Want to follow the trend? Get “pinspired” with our dedicated Cuban wall on Pinterest.
Out with the old, in with the new! Terraces have been all about the new girly drink from Venice: the spritz.
Has the ubiquitous mojito been overthrown by this new fizzy player, or this is just a phase? Only time will tell! If you want to try it for yourself, here’s a recipe.
Summer is the season of fluttering moments, ephemeric sights, temporary meetings. Paris is just the same and August is the right season for a beautiful instant that vanishes as fast as it appeared. Here are our favourite temporary venues in the french capital.
L’Eté de Saint Germain des Prés - a secret churchyard
August 1st to 23rd
Every day 9AM - 10PM
5 rue de l’Abbaye, 75004 Paris
Terrasse d’Eté à la tour Eiffel - organic coffee with a view
Until August 30th
Every day 10AM - 10PM
La Javelle - dancing on the riverbank
Until September 2015
Every day noon - midnight
Port de Javel Bas, 75015 Paris
Café Cour - hidden away in the Marais
Until Sept 27th 2015
Every day noon - 9PM
55-57 rue des Francs Bourgeois, 75004 Paris
July in Paris is full of long-awaited events and festivals! But when the month of August arrives… you find yourself unprepared! Well not anymore. We give you our selection of the best activities to enjoy the last rays of the summer sun in the French capital, out in the open.
Movies
La chaise et l’écran
The 11th arrondisseemnt invites you to assist to free movie projections outdoors. Only one movie remaining !
Saturday August 22nd, 9PM
@Place de la République
"L’Homme de Rio" by Philippe de Broca
With Jean-Paul Belmondo, Françoise Dorléac, Jean Servais
Wanderlust
The Wanderlust boat bar will propose parties starting at 8PM with a film projection around 10PM, on the theme of music.
August 17th: “Whiplash”
August 24th: “Nile Rodgers, les secrets d’un faiseur de tubes”
August 31st: “Esto Es Lo Que Hay”
La Villette open air cinema
See our previous blog entry with explanations and program about the La Vilette open air projections HERE
And if you’re in for a little September bonus:
Cinéma in the Swedish Institute Garden
September 5th and 12th
Beaches (yes, beaches!)
The Beach at Glazart
All summer, a temporary stage will welcome live concerts, DJ sets, pétanque competitions and other animations in a friendly atmosphere. Food trucks and bars will settle there to make sure foodies get their fix. Full program.
Paris Plages
A yearly event on the Seine riverbanks, you will be able to get a tan with your toes in the sand! Check our article about it.
Parcs & Gardens
Jardin des Tuileries
During the summer vacation, the Tuileries garden hosts its traditional fun fair. Young and old, tourists and locals alike, can have a ball on one of the 60 attractions available. From June 27th to August 23rd.
Parc de la Butte du Chapeau Rouge
From August 28th to September 4th, the Festival Silhouette invades the grass of Parc de la Butte du chapeau Rouge, for 9 evenings of concerts and free movie projections.
Garden of the Swedish Institute
From July 15th to August 30th, the Swedish Institute opens its gardens for free with a complimentary library. Young and old readers can borrow a deck chair, and a miniature Pippi Longstocking house will be open to the little ones. Café HEJ, a temporary organic café, will also be present for refreshments.
Bois de Vincennes Floral Park
Events will be held regularly in this large and green park on the outskirts of Paris. Program HERE.
Music
Music Kiosks of the Parisian Parcs
Music kiosks are dedicated to music and activities. The free concerts given there are eclectic and contribute to the ever-beating pulse of the French capital! You could stumble upon one of them by chance, or plan your encounter with the online program.
Classique au Vert
If July is the month for electronic mixes, August is without a doubt the time for classical music. The Classique au Vert festival, taking place in the Bois de Vincennes Floral Parc, is just the right occasion to revel in exquisite music notes.
Rock en Seine
Need a good jolt at the end of the month? Get your ticket for the Rock en Seine festival, the biggest Rock and pop festival in Paris, August 28th to 30th.
Sports
Free Swedish Gym sessions
The Swedish gym association will offer free summer gym sessions in various locations of Paris. Check out the program!
Free dance lessons at MK2 Bibliothèque
Four days a week, the MK2 Bibliothèque cinema’s frontyard turns into an big open-air dance floor ! Thanks to the PUC (Paris Université Club), you can have dancing lessons in:
Mondays at 7:30PM: Swing
Tue and Fri at 7:30PM: Rockn’Roll
Saturdays at 7:30PM: West Coast Swing
Oliviers & Co is a French brand, founded in 1996, specializing in olive oil and other condiments, as well as olive derived products.
They offer high quality traditional products, as well as innovative condiments such as their basil-flavoured olive oil.
French people just love using olive oil in their recipes, and they are famous for their timeless vinaigrette: a subtle mix of olive oil, vinegar, salt, pepper and other ingredients. Everyone has their own recipe! If you stop by Oliviers & Co, the friendly shopkeepers will offer you to taste some of their newest seasonal mix suggestions. Our favourites:
Mint-flavored olive oil + honey & ginger vinegar - very fresh! we’ve been told it goes well with fruit salads;
Basil-flavored olive oil + fig vinegar: will make any salad taste like the South of France.
This year they launched a new product: the high-end gastronomical ketchup by Top Chef 2015 competition winner Olivier Streiff.
Yes I speak touriste! It’s the new application created by the Regional Tourism Commitee and the Chamber of Commerce. The aim: debunk the cliché of French people not speaking foreign languages.
The app, available on iOS and Android, will indicate on an interactive map the places and shops where staff speaks one of the 9 foreign languages selected (English, Spanish, Italian, Portugese, German, Russian, Arabic, Chinese, and Japanese).
The Nightjar bar is a Prohibition-themed cocktail bar in Shoreditch, London. If you want to go there, you need to make a reservation first! It’s also somewhat hidden away, so don’t miss the entrance.
The dark wooden interior of this speakeasy bar is completed by the live jazz, blues or swing music, to create a very smoky and secretive impression. Incredible attention to detail and quality are displayed in their cocktails. Many of them are signature creations by Marian Beke.
129-131 City Road, Shoreditch, London
Opening hours: Tue-Wed 18:00 - 1:30; Thu-Sat 18:00 - 6:30
Phone: +44 20 7253 4101
Even though there are undeniable cultural differences, France and Japan have a very close link to one another. French people love Japanese culture: they are the second manga readers in the world, and they Japan Expo event gathers thousands of visitors every summer since the year 2000.
Why not take a peek at the inventive and lively Japanese side of Paris? Here are our suggestions, gathered lovingly, for a themed day in the French capital.
Good Morning Japan
Start the day slowly by walking around one the Albert Kahn Museum garden, designed in 1990 by Japanese landscape architect Fumiaki Takano. Graceful bridge arching over a quiet river, waterfalls and rocks all symbolize the harmony and delicate balance of life. Pay homage to the century-old weeping beech and Himalayan cedar, relics of the original 1909 garden. The little pavilion sometimes houses tea ceremonies.
10-14, rue du Port 92100 Boulogne-Billancourt
Open: Tue-Sun, 11am to 6pm (7pm in the summer).
Activities
Shopping
Nakaniwa art gallery and boutique: handpicked objects, made by some of the best craftsmen of the country of the Rising Sun.
12 Rue Jacob, 75006 Paris
Opened in 1981, Kimonoya is the oldest and most reknown shop in Paris for Japanese arts and crafts.
11 Rue du Pont Louis-Philippe, 75004 Paris
Kioko and Ace Mart grocery stores in the Opera district offer a complete range of imported products. Kioko even has a website where you can order online!
Kioko: 46 Rue des Petits Champs, 75002 Paris
Ace Mart: 63 Rue Sainte-Anne, 75002 Paris
Traditions
House of Japanese Culture in Paris: an institution that promotes Japanese arts and traditions. They are always holding exhibitions about Japan, so make sure to drop by!
101Bis Quai Branly, 75015 Paris
Musée Guimet: this museum specializes in Asian arts, and has an extensive collection of Japanese antiques. Currently there is an exhibition about Asian theatre (“From Nô to Mata Hari”, April 15th to August 31st).
6 Place d'Iéna, 75116 Paris
Pop Culture
Manga café: the concept for this café is directly imported from Japan. For an hourly rate, you will have free access to a wide collection of books in a lounge-style interior, with complimentary hot and cold drinks, video games and WiFi. They have the widest manga collection in Paris (12000 volumes and growing!). You can also complete your collection with one of the 5000 volumes up for sale.
9 Rue Primo Lévi, 75013 Paris
Arcade Street: opened in 2011, this 2-level arcade is the best place in Paris for video game aficionados. And at only 50cents for each game, what more could one ask for?
10 Rue des immeubles Industriels, 75011 Paris
Evening fun
Head to Wa Izakaya for an evening drink. Izakaya are places where Japanese people drink sake accompanied by tasty little bite-sized dishes, similar to Spanish tapas.
35 Rue du Pont Neuf, 75001 Paris
Rent a room in BAM karaoke box to sing through the night. This is the only true karaoke in Paris: while others are regular bars that will have you sing in front of everyone else, here you will have your own little room with a TV screen, table and sofas to sing your heart out with friends!
30 Rue Richer, 75009 Paris
Meals
Budget
Don’s Marais: Japanese style bentos and donburis, perfect for takeaway.
5 Rue des Ecouffes, 75004 Paris
Nanashi: also serving bentos, this restaurant makes a difference by offering a French twist on the traditional dish.
57 rue Charlot, 75003 Paris
Okomusu: their specialty is okonomiyaki a heart-warming family-style sort of pancake with various toppings.
11 Rue Charlot, 75003 Paris
Mid-priced
Kotteri Ramen Naritake: you had better be hungry if you come to eat here! They have the best, but also the heartiest, ramen broth in Paris, with fresh home-made noodles.
31 Rue des Petits Champs, 75001 Paris
The alternative for a lighter ramen: Hakata Choten, also famous for their gyoza (Japanese pan-fried dumplings).
53 Rue des Petits Champs, 75001 Paris
Happa Tei makes delicious takoyaki, which is a ball-shaped Japanese snack made of a wheat flour-based batter and cooked in a special pan. They are usually brushed with takoyaki sauce (similar to Worcestershire sauce) and mayonnaise, then topped with green laver and shavings of dried bonito. A very typical dish indeed!
64 Rue Sainte-Anne, 75002 Paris
Splurge
Chef Okuda’s high-level seasonal cuisine
Rue de la Tremoille, 75008 Paris
Leave everything up to the chef for an “omakase” style meal in Ginza Onodera. You will spend 2 hours with a Japanese sushi chef who will cook exclusively for you, and a waitress who will translate everything and explain how best to eat the sushi. A mini trip to Japan!
18 Rue du Louvre, 75001 Paris
Dessert
Traditional Japanese desserts (also called wagashi) in Toraya
10 Rue Saint-Florentin, 75001 Paris
Angel cake in Patisserie Ciel
3 Rue Monge, 75005 Paris
Japanese style crêpes, just like in Shibuya, at Princess Crêpe
3 rue des Ecouffes, 75004 Paris
The yearly event you were all waiting for is here! This summer again, La Villette is organizing a free-to-join open-air cinema in La Villette. Come to sit on the grass with a picnic, and enjoy a movie on the giant inflatable screen. Click through for the full program. All movies are in Original Version.
Citymapper is new, it’s already hugely popular and it’s more than just a public transportation app: it will take you from point A to point B, giving you options between bus, metro, taxi, bike, foot or even car sharing!
It will inform you of how long each journey will take, as well as how many minutes of walking you will have to do. The app is currently available in 28 cities, including Paris, London, News York, Milan, Tokyo and many more! It even takes traffic updates so that you will be informed of any disturbance on the way.
You can use it on iOS or Android, and it’s compatible with the iWatch!
Le Marais was historically a place of residence for the Parisian nobility, until the 18th century when artists and craftsmen started moving in. Now it’s an outstandingly diverse area with beautiful architecture, trendy shops, galleries and cafés all around. It’s known for its Jewish and its LGBT community!
Today we present you our suggestions for a shopping day in this awesome and up-beat area. We went there in person to hunt out its lesser known venues.
Our favourite shops
Azag
A colorful little concept store with great gift ideas.
9, rue François Miron 75004 Paris - http://www.azag.fr/
Opening hours: Mon to Fri: 11h-19h; Sat: 10h30-19h30; Sun: 14h30-19h
Sens Unique
Niche perfumes and outstanding service in this small boutique opened in 2011.
13 Rue du Roi de Sicile, 75004 Paris - http://sensuniqueparis.com/
Opening hours: Mon - Sun: 13:00–21:00
Miller & Bertaux
Patrick Miller and Francis Bertaux are versatile creators: in this Marais flagship store, they show their clothing, accessories, home décor and perfume lines. In their shop, their creations are side by side with carefully curated objects that create a poetic universe.
17 rue Ferdinand Duval 75004 Paris - http://www.milleretbertaux.com/
Opening hours: Mon-Sun 10:00 – 19:00
Culotte
Very cute designer jewelry shop with affordable pieces, opened by a Japanese artist. Their collection changes regularly, so be sure to stop by from time to time!
Natural cosmetics, tailor-made to your skin’s needs! The boutique’s founder, Daan, was trained by the best (Yves Saint Laurent, Lancôme, Guerlain etc.). His interest for botanics is what gave him the idea for Huygens. The name of the shop comes from Christian HUYGENS, a 17th century scientist.
24 rue du temple, 75004 Paris - http://www.huygens.fr/
Organic sodas, belgian-style sandwiches and home-made cookies in this newly-opened comfy little hideaway. Don’t miss the entrance, it doesn’t even have a sign yet! They take reservations, especially for brunches.
3-5 rue des Guillemites, 75004, Paris - https://www.facebook.com/LimprobableCafe
This place is home to THE best falafel in Paris. Don’t take our word for it: trust the multitude of articles that the owners placated on the walls! There’s no better place in Paris for a taste of this veggie Middle-Eastern treat. You can also go there for a late-night treat as they are open until midnight.
32 rue des Rosiers, 75004 Paris
Opening hours: Sat-Thu: 11:00-00:00 (closed on Fridays)
Le loir dans la théière
Try their famous pies, especially the lemon meringue, which we hear has convinced even those who don’t like meringue! They also make Sunday brunches.
3 rue des Rosiers 75004 Paris - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Le-Loir-dans-la-Theiere/166871423396829?fref=ts
Thanks, mates! Now we'll always know what to do wherever we are in London. A new must-have!
This app will suggest places to go for drinks, eats and outings around the subway station of your choice. The database is powered by FourSquare, which means you should get plenty of up-to-date recommendations (20,000 and counting). It’s available on iOS and Android!
