Echoes of Havana: A Journey Through Heritage, Art, and Memory

In the morning, we started a walking tour of Old Havana, where the city's layered history came to life through its streets, cathedrals, and plazas. While part of the group explored with local guide Mario, Jimmy and I met with the Japanese Ambassador to request a rare visit to a historic home once owned by our family, now the official residence of the Japanese Ambassador. The meeting reflected the deep personal and cultural ties that connect Cuba to generations past, and the emotional significance of reconnecting with ancestral roots.

In the afternoon, we visited the National Museum of Fine Art, where a local offered insight into Cuba’s modern and classical art. A nearby artist studio added a contemporary layer to the country’s rich creative legacy.

Later, a visit to the former site of a long-standing Capestany family hardware / wholesale store further underscored the deep heritage embedded in Havana’s architecture and streets. Nearby, the grand cathedral square revealed more Montalvo family connections, with colonial homes once lining the plaza.

The evening brought a new rhythm: a rooftop dinner with an urban planner who shared insights into Havana’s evolving housing landscape and the growing trend of private home ownership. The night ended at the iconic Hotel Nacional, where the Buena Vista Social Club played under a moonlit sky. Music, dance, and laughter filled the evening, culminating in an unforgettable celebration of Cuban culture, connection, and joy.