There is no more outstanding feature of Havana than the Malecon. Like a big hand holding the city in its palm, it runs in a half circle from the eastern tip of Old Havana to the end of Vedado, engulfing Centro Havana on its way. It is the face of the city. Weatherbeaten and crumbling, but still lovely.

Despite Havana’s 500 years celebration (2019) and all the repairs going on all over the city in its honour, it seems that the Malecón is not part of the brush up plan. I admit to a tiny sigh of relief.  Something needs to be done obviously, but it has to be the right thing. I think I would prefer to see Malecón left like it is, to crumble up completely, before being transformed to an endless row of modern hotels and cheap cafés.

We all come to the Malecón, but not during the day. In the hottest season all Havana inhabitants try to avoid the streets in the middle of the day. If we must go on some errand, we creep along trying to take advantage of the tiny strip of shadow on one side of the street. The Malecón, being without any shadow whatsoever, is avoided at all costs. Only tourists, dogs and the odd fisherman will venture there in the glaring midday sun. But when evening comes, we all breathe a sigh of relief and head for the Malecón . To enjoy the cooling breeze, talk and walk a bit. I am so lucky that Casa Nini is just 5 minutes away.

For everybody who has spent time in Habana the Malecón holds memories. I am no exception. Walking home from the salsa along the Malecón, shoes in hand. Sharing a couple of beers with a friend sitting on the wall. Driving along it with the waves crashing over the wall on the way into the Havana night, everybody in the car singing at the top of their voice.

The Malecón adapts to your every mood. It is always just right , no matter how you feel.

For my friends who are born and bred in Havana the memories are of course even more profound. Childhood memories of daredevil dives from the wall into the sea. Cheriched memories of parents and grandparents. Dancing and partying with friends who have long since left Cuba never to be seen again.

The Malecón adapts to your every mood. It is always just right, no matter how you feel.  Feeling romantic? Head for the Malecon for some handholding and kissing. Have a problem to solve? The sea helps you clear your head and think. A heartbreak to cure? It allows you to grieve while the wind blows away your tears.

Malecon has always, in past and present been the place to seek out when life gets too hard to bear. You are always welcome to sit on its wall, look out to sea and dream of a better life. The Boulevard of Dreams.