Activity 1: Let's Get Started! 🤔 (Warm-up Discussion)
Let's discuss the unique and vibrant city of Havana.
- When you think of Havana, what are the first three images that come to mind? Is it the old American cars, the colorful buildings, the music, or something else?
- Havana is often described as being "frozen in time." What do you think this means? Do you find this idea appealing?
- If you had one day in Havana, would you prefer to ride in a vintage car, listen to live music, or explore the historic streets of Old Havana? Why?
Activity 2: New Words & Phrases 🗣️ (Vocabulary Expansion)
Enhance your vocabulary for describing the experience of Havana at an intermediate level.
1. Vintage (adjective): From the past of high quality, especially something representing the best of its time.
Example: "The streets are famous for the beautifully maintained Vintage American cars from the 1950s."
2. Rumba (noun): A rhythmic dance with Spanish and African elements, originating in Cuba. Also refers to the music for this dance.
Example: "You can often hear the infectious beat of Rumba music drifting from open doorways."
3. Malecón (proper noun, from Spanish): A broad esplanade, roadway, and seawall which stretches along the coast in Havana, Cuba.
Example: "Taking a sunset walk along the Malecón is a classic Havana experience."
4. Dilapidated (adjective): (Of a building or object) in a state of disrepair or ruin as a result of age or neglect.
Example: "There's a certain beauty in the Dilapidated colonial buildings, with their peeling paint and grand architecture."
5. Paladar (noun, from Spanish): A small, privately-owned restaurant in Cuba, often run out of a family's home.
Example: "We had our most authentic and delicious meal at a small Paladar recommended by a local."
6. Nostalgia (noun): A sentimental longing or wistful affection for a period in the past.
Example: "The city evokes a powerful sense of Nostalgia for a bygone era."
Activity 3: Reading - A City of Sound and Color 📖
Read this descriptive account of experiencing the vibrant capital of Cuba.
Havana is a city that captivates you with its powerful sense of Nostalgia. The first thing that strikes any visitor is the incredible streetscape, which feels like a living museum. Brightly colored Vintage cars from the 1950s cruise down the avenues, their classic American designs a stunning contrast against the backdrop of grand but often Dilapidated colonial buildings. Taking a ride in one of these beautifully maintained cars along the famous Malecón seawall is an unforgettable experience. As the salty sea spray hits the air and the classic engine rumbles, you feel transported to another era. The city's architecture tells a story of faded grandeur, with peeling paint revealing layers of history.
The sounds of the city are just as iconic as its sights. The infectious rhythms of Rumba music seem to spill out from everywhere – from open windows, small bars, and spontaneous street performances. Music and dance are not just entertainment here; they are an essential part of the cultural fabric, a vibrant expression of life. A walk through Old Havana reveals this energy at every turn. In the evenings, you can find a small, family-run restaurant known as a Paladar. These establishments, often located in people's homes, offer some of the most authentic and delicious Cuban food, providing an intimate dining experience that is a world away from a typical tourist restaurant.
Exploring Havana is about embracing a slower pace and appreciating the beauty in imperfection. It’s about the powerful Nostalgia you feel when seeing a perfect Vintage car drive past a Dilapidated but beautiful building. It's about the joy of listening to live Rumba music while sipping a cool drink, or the simple pleasure of a home-cooked meal in a Paladar. A stroll along the Malecón at sunset, watching fishermen and local families gather, provides a final, perfect image of this city's resilient and soulful character. Havana's charm lies in its unique ability to be both a time capsule and a place bursting with life.
Activity 4: Discussion Questions 🗣️
Based on the reading in Activity 3, discuss the following questions with a partner or in a group.
- Does the idea of seeing "Vintage" cars everywhere sound interesting to you?
- What is your opinion of "Dilapidated" old buildings? Do you find them beautiful or just in need of repair?
- Would you prefer to eat at a fancy restaurant or a small, family-run "Paladar"?
- Does the sound of live "Rumba" music on the streets sound exciting or noisy?
- After reading the text, what is your main impression of Havana's unique atmosphere?