Cuba’s legendary capital is a city of contrasts, of grandeur and decline. At first glance, Havana beams forth the brilliance of the days when proud Spanish ships sat moored in her harbour, packed full of valuables from South America. Havana’s pastel mansions and elegant squares give the visitor a glimpse of her former opulence. Despite decades of complete neglect, the city’s charm has remained largely unaltered. The heart of Havana is her most famous boulevard, "de Malecón", which starts near the old town, La Habana Vieja, and stretches nearly 7 kilometres along the coast. . Picturesque and fascinating remnants of the affluence of the past can be found during a stroll through this old town centre. At the other end of the "Malecón" we arrive to the comparatively luxurious quarter, Vedado, where you will live and learn Spanish.

House Onelio	Cathedral in Havana

Not only is Cuba a beautiful country, it also has a population that is very friendly and hospitable in spite of the economic difficulties in the last few years.

It´s a country of music, of poetry, of dancing, singing and chatting. People still have time for each other and for their guests. Cuba is like going back in time to the 50´s: old cars, a relaxed atmosphere, no hurry.

Apart from that Cuba has a nice climate. All year round you can enjoy the beaches, water sports, etc.

The Beach	A street in Havana

Havana, city of faded glory but just as much the city of unbridled high spirits. A city where little is allowed but much more is possible. After years of undeniable decline, this impressive metropolis, now included in the UNESCO list of World Monuments, is rising like a phoenix from its ashes.

Havana is a city one has to learn to appreciate. It is a melting pot of cultures and races, an open-air museum under the strict direction of Fidel Castro. Apart from the picturesque inner city, the "Playas del Este" and the famous Malecón (the immense boulevard that is considered to be the living room of Havana) you should take some time to get to know Vedado. This is the part of Havana where the host families live and where you find many art deco bulildings that would be considered national monuments in many countries.

The Beach