| It's a funny thing isn't it? You discover the most | | | | What, you may ask, is a museum dedicated to |
| idyllic, secret, fascinating or unusual place in the world | | | | Napoleon Bonaparte doing popping up in an article |
| but unfortunately you are not usually alone! We all | | | | about a Cuba holiday? Not one of the city's better |
| want to find the latest 'undiscovered paradise', but | | | | known museums, it is nevertheless well worth a visit |
| the truth of the matter is that in today's age of | | | | if you're more into culture than crowds. It seems |
| accessible travel, the world is a much smaller place | | | | that a former prominent Cuban businessman was an |
| and the secret places are becoming fewer and | | | | avid collector of memorabilia of the famous emperor |
| fewer. But take heart, on a Cuba holiday it's possible | | | | and amassed one of the most important collections in |
| to get creative and with a little effort and a whisper | | | | the world. When the businessman left Cuba during |
| in a few ears, you can still find some unusual things | | | | the revolution, he donated the collection to the |
| to do off the beaten track. Why not hire yourself an | | | | government and the museum was established. |
| old Cuban car and hit the highway for a road trip | | | | Hundreds of fascinating relics like guns, telescopes, |
| with a difference? | | | | portraits, books, his famous funeral mask and even a |
| Camaguey | | | | toothbrush can be found in the museum. It is a |
| Situated in the middle of Cuba, Camaguey has all the | | | | wonderful insight into his life and its unusual |
| charm of Old Town Havana without the crowds. | | | | geographic setting adds to the experience. The |
| Colonial architecture lines the streets and although it's | | | | building itself is a wonderful Florentine style palace |
| not as picture-postcard perfect as some of the | | | | and its imposing facade belies the treasure trove |
| better known towns you may see on your Cuba | | | | inside. |
| holiday, its faded, 1950's, tumbleweed exterior is an | | | | El Guinol Nacional (Havana Children's Puppet Theatre) |
| intrinsic part of its charm. It really is the authentic | | | | For a truly warm and genuine Cuban experience El |
| Cuban lifestyle on display. The locals are friendly in a | | | | Guinol Nacional (the Havana Children's Puppet |
| curious kind of way and will be happy to engage in a | | | | Theatre) is a delightful escape. A popular attraction |
| bit of banter over a plate of the Cuban staple, beans | | | | for the local youth of Havana, the puppet theatre |
| and rice. If you feel a sudden romantic urge wash | | | | was established in 1963 in an old cinema of the Focsa |
| over you in Camaguey, you're definitely in the right | | | | building, which is the largest (and possibly the most |
| place! The Wedding Palace is Camaguey's answer to | | | | unusual looking) building in Havana. The best local |
| Las Vegas and is a veritable marriage factory. All day | | | | actors, writers and craftsmen collaborate to produce |
| long, loved-up Cubans file in the back door, change | | | | a non-stop succession of plays and sketches based |
| into suits and dresses supplied by the venue, and get | | | | on classical children's literature. The puppets, dummies |
| driven around the block in a beaten-up car to arrive in | | | | and clowns, which are the stars of the shows, are an |
| style to the fanfare of the wedding march through | | | | eclectic assortment of traditional and modern design. |
| tinny, rusty speakers. Guests are welcome so go | | | | It is a wonderfully different place to visit on your |
| along and sneak into some photos for an unusual | | | | Cuba holiday and for a little bit of adult fun you can |
| souvenir from your Cuba holiday! | | | | stay for a comedy show on a Tuesday evening. |
| The Napoleon Museum of Havana | | | | |