See full version: Colonial Havana, a pirate; s dream; a journey to discovering its complex fortress system
Above is the memorable phrase uttered by our next castle’s designer. The magnificent fortress of San Carlos de la Cabana is the youngest in our itinerary, built to avoid another invasion like the British in 1762. As such it was built after the city was handed back to Spain a year later, in exchange for Florida, to expand Havana’s defence system. here
To discover them we suggest getting on a bicycle as one of the best ways to go from one point to the next, stopping at some midway point for refreshments and a bite or two. Let our cycling journey through fortified Havana begin! more
But this place is famous for one thing above all others – the daily cannon shooting ceremony that takes place here at 9 p.m. every evening, perhaps Havana’s longest kept tradition, kept alive in full pomp and flair with the cannon shooters themselves dressed up in colonial military attire and doing ceremonial line-ups and marches. more
As we approach our next medieval castle, we will stop to take a look at a fragment of the great big wall that once surrounded Havana to protect it. You will find it on Calle Egido and according to legend it cost 3 million pesos to build its four-kilometre perimeter. With 10 gates that linked life from inside the wall to the world outside, said gates opened daily at 4:30 in the morning and closed at 8:00 p.m. every evening when a cannon shot from La Cabana fortress announced their closing. These walls remained intact for nearly a century, even when now all that are left of them are fragments still standing in the city’s oldest part. The cannon shooting tradition, however, continues to this very day and although it no longer announces the city’s curfew and is now done at 9 p.m., it marks a special point in the day of all habaneros. [links]
Today you can explore its interiors, now a museum exhibiting documents and objects related to its history. From archaeological remains found inside its walls to blueprints and floor plans and valuable pieces found in shipwrecks discovered along the bay.
You have two choices. Head to Donde Albert, a small cosy restaurant virtually right next to the turret, you will hardly need to walk, to enjoy a family-owned atmosphere with warm service, reasonable prices and exceptional food with freshly caught specialties. Alternatively, La Terraza de Cojimar is also within easy walking distance but located directly overlooking to the sea, so close you will taste the saltiness in the breeze. Then fall into a seaside trance and relax to the sounds of the waves as you reflect on your day’s sightseeing journey.
Cuba. Cuba has lots of experience with pirates: they used the marshy inlets along the south coast to hide out, and also attacked the island's main population centers on a regular basis. Photo: Katayun here
South Sulawesi. Another great spot to take advantage of spice traders was this island in the middle of the Indonesian archipelago. Pirates still operate in the nearby Celebes Sea, though they don't make international headlines like the Somalis. Photo: sektordua more
Madagascar. With the rise of the Southeast Asian spice trade, European ships became frequent visitors to the Indian Ocean and Africa's east coast. Madagascar was the perfect place to stage an ambush. In particular, Ãle Sainte-Marie, a small island just northeast of the main landmass, was overrun with pirates. Photo: runfreefall more
Saint-Malo, France. The corsairs that hung out on the coast of Brittany were authorized to extract tribute from English ships passing through the Channel, but they also ventured further out on raids. Photo: Lou2mer [links]
Strait of Malacca. This is the thin body of water separating peninsular Malaysia from the Indonesian island of Sumatra. As part of the main shipping channel between the Indian and Pacific Oceans, it has always attracted a heavy pirate presence, from the days of Arabian maritime traders to modern times. Photo: Dave_B_
Using Baseball Reference data as of April 17, 2019, Stacker ranked the countries that have produced the most MLB players. In ascending order, these countries are ranked by the number of all-time MLB players who were born there. With events like the World Baseball Classic and baseball returning to the Summer Olympics in 2020, national pride is taking on new meaning among players in the majors, whether it's Ozzie Albies representing Curaçao or Xander Bogaerts keeping his Aruba roots alive.
Fifty-six countries have sent players to Major League Baseball in the United States. Some, like Mexico and the Dominican Republic, are obvious, given the strong culture of baseball in those nations. But soccer strongholds like Germany and Ireland have produced their share of baseball talent, as well. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, European nations were a prime source for baseball player imports, but several have had dry spells in recent times. And while some countries like Taiwan have shown extended success at the youth level of baseball, it has not always translated into an abundance of pros in the majors.
Today, interest in baseball in Latin America continues to skyrocket, while some Caribbean nations are making more and more inroads. On Opening Day this season, 251 international players were listed on rosters for the 30 MLB teams—that's 28.5% of all active players. That number was the third-highest in league history, with the Dominican Republic boasting 102 players, the most of any foreign market (nine countries had one player, including Brazil and Lithuania). Overall, 20 countries claimed players on Opening Day rosters, and the Minnesota Twins and Pittsburgh Pirates led the majors with 14 internationally born players. here
Here, click through to see just how Chinese-Panamanians, Korean adoptees, and even a ballplayer named Pretzel have helped make baseball among the most diverse sports played around the world.
If you’re looking for the best places to stay in Cuba on a budget, then this hotel won’t disappoint. It’s located right in the center of Havana, within walking distance of the heart of the city as well as all the best neighborhoods in Havana. The hotel offers a swimming pool, restaurant, and twenty-four-hour front desk for your convenience. The rooms are comfortable, have private bathrooms, and some of them boast relaxing sea views.
What to do there: There are countless things to see and do in this area. Some of the most popular landmarks are the Plaza de la Catedral, where the famous Catedral de San Cristobel and Castillo de la Real Fuerza, the military fortress. You should also make a point of stopping by at the Bodeguita del Medio, where Hemingway used to spend some time. You’ll need at least a day to explore everything this area has to offer, and there are plenty of restaurants and cafes in the area where you can rest when you get tired.
Enjoy modern amenities, comfortable accommodations, and delicious Cuban meals throughout your stay in Trinidad.