1

Between Avenida San Francisco and 114, at 61
Sorry but I know no other way to describe where it is. I'm pretty thick when it comes to locating things on a map. o_0

2

I am sure the racetrack no longer exists - it looks like just the outline on the satellite photo.

I had read about it here - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oriental_Park_Racetrack - and wondered where it was. I am pretty sure that area is now warehousing and industrial units. (I have driven around those back streets a lot as my godson had music classes in 102.)

Grocery stores / supermarkets - there are lots of small ones all over Havana. I suspect the larger ones are in department stores such as Harris Brothers - http://wikimapia.org/#lat=23.1380892&lon=-82.3574354&z=19&l=0&m=b - there would also be something in the Manzana de Gomez.

3

I meant the larger ones in Old Havana or Centro. They are a lot smaller than Supermercado 70 in Playa, for instance.

In Vedado, I can only remember specifically one at Linea y 12 - but am sure there are some on 23.

4

I took a look from another angle and program, and I'm sure your right. It looks unused for some time. It must have been something in its heyday, but then... I like race tracks.

Thanks for the shopping places, and addresses. Once I'm there and 'settled in' I'm sure I can find more in my area. I feel better knowing I can locate some staples right away.

5

Rickie_01, if you read this thread... yesterday you had posted a response to someone traveling with small children. You advised further families to try shopping at "the shopping center Plaza Carlos III on Ave Salvador Allende/Carlos III in Centro". saying: "we always stop for a coffee in the café beside Western Union on the main floor and appreciate the A/C during the summer and order a BBQ chicken to take home".

When you said order a BBQ chicken, did you mean order it at the same cafe where you get your coffee? Its a long walk but those chickens could make several meals for me. (I will only have a hot plate for cooking.) I might need to order a cool drink and not a coffee though! Ha!

6

is this race track still running races or is it now a relic?

I am 100% absolutely positively sure the race track is a relic and no longer taking bets. That is one of the reasons I go to Cuba for a nice relaxing vacation because under Fidel that Cuba has done away with gambling, lap dancing, nudity in public, xx rated video and book stores, unlicensed massage studios and prostitution.

7

SeekerKell – I will get back to you later. Have an early morning meeting and have to leave

8

Kell - what area are you staying in ?

Rickie - but don't forget that Cuba has highly educated and healthy prostitutes !

9

SeekerKell – the shopping center is 4 floors of stores plus a basement of restaurants and food outlets and a playground for kids. In the old days many of the shops were dollar stores but have lately gone upscale and have everything from electronics to whatever you need and best of all you can get a bottle of water or soda at the Rápido for 50c or a specialty coffee for 65c or add a slice of cake 35c. It would be easier to send you fotos by email but attached is the BBQ chicken done in a rotisserie just like our Swiss Chalet in Canada. Its $5.50 for a complete chicken and timing is everything because if you are there too early it’s not available and if too late it’s sold out. Lunch time is best.

The coffee shop is to your left as your enter the front entrance beside the Western Union office. I have to warn you that it’s very cold with the A/C and kind of dark inside so adjusts your eye and look around before you order. You know you are in the right place because of the pictures on the wall of Fidel in his baseball days.

Heads up – some shops require you to check your back-pack and purse outside before entering the store. There is a place beside the chicken place for that and it’s free. Remember to remove your money if you plan to do any shopping.

I would walk it the first time around to check out the shops on the street but after that take a collectivo for 10 peso. Don’t mix you peso with cuc. As for buying food I suggest you visit your local farmers market that can be found everywhere. Ask your casa owner where he shops. It’s a lot cheaper and fresher and sold in peso. You can also buy fresh fruits on the street and fresh lobster tails and fish for a few $ a lot less than frozen lobster tails in a cuc store.

http://i975.photobucket.com/albums/ae239/Rickie_aqui/SDC10830600x450.jpg

10

The only betting going on in Cuba these days is how long the Castro brothers will last! :o))

11

And that's been going on for more than 50 years......jeje

12

SeekerKell – the last 2 posters are old hands in Havana with over 30 years of Cuba experience between the two. If you want to know anything for your upcoming trip pick their brains.

13

Steve: you don't play bolita in Cuba? The payout percentage beats any government lottery.

14

#13 I though playing the 'yuma' was the best game in cuba!? :)