Wendy: My dear Ann, finally a good connection! Nearly impossible to get here. We're in Havana now, arrived last night. Quite a nice apartment in the old town, a bit on a simple side but luxurious by Cuban standards. ;-)
Wendy: <file_photo>
Wendy: That's on a tiny balcony overlooking a street (called Cuba!) in Havana Vieja. It makes our hearts weep to see all these beautiful houses like a heap of rubble. And people live in them!
Wendy: <file_photo>
Wendy: The apartment consists of a sitting room with a small kitchenette, a bedroom and a bathroom. All very clean and quite new, I guess. Found it thru' Airbnb.
Wendy: <file_photo>
Wendy: That's Lulce, our "housekeeper". As you see, Mark's taken quite a liking for her! She prepares our breakfast, does the cleaning and even offers to sort out our further transport. The only thing: she speaks only Spanish! 
Ann: Hi there! It all looks very, very nice. I love the chairs on the balcony! How long are you staying there?
Ann: If you have a proper Internet access, maybe we could skype?
Wendy: Hi Ann, I was too enthusiastic too soon. We've got wifi connection only for some 3 hours in the evening and occasionally and irregularly in the morning. So I couldn't answer yesterday. Skype wouldn't be possible, as my evening is your middle of the day, uh?
Ann: Ooops! Missed your message on time. Pity as I was like free just after lunch break. So how are you enjoying Havana? Must be extremely interesting.
Wendy: Oh yes it is!! So much to see and Mark insists on our walking everywhere. Absolutely knackered at the end of the day. Shame about no skyping but it is rather impossible from Cuba, as I see it.
Wendy: <file_photo>
Wendy: Wouldn't you like to live in one of these? You can imagine what gems they could be! They seem to be renovating some, but most of them are beyond restoration. Or only with the funds that are unavailable in this country. A city of irreplaceable losses it is!
Ann: Very sad indeed. At least they can save some of them. How long are you staying there?
Wendy: 3 more days. Only. Then off to Varadero and its famous beaches! Could do with some dolce far niente.
Ann: Hope it's not too crowded and no jellyfish!
Wendy and Mark arrived to Havana yesterday night. They stay in an apartment in the old town, found on Airbnb. Lulce prepares the breakfast, cleans and helps with transport, but speaks just Spanish. Wendy has poor Internet connection. They walk a lot. They stay other 3 days and then go to Varadero.