Hotel Nacional in Havana - Reflections of a legendary hotel in Cuba

By Ursula Tillmann 

Amadito Valdes is a legend in Cuba. He is in his nineties, but he still plays with enthusiasm afro rhythems on the timbales with the Buena Vista Social Club. I met him last fall in Havana, Cuba, when he performed at the Hotel Nacional - the hotel, which used to be known before the revolution for gambling and the mafia from the USA. Frank Sinatra performed at this historic landmark as well.

    Today, the Hotel Nacional attracts mostly well-to-do tourists and new business associates - mainly from Canada and China, who have helped with joint ventures to keep Cuba going. The US boycott (in economics and tourism) is still hurting the country, but thanks to Canadians, Europeans and many Chinese meanwhile, the common man is doing better now than a few years ago. Much needed parts for machinery are now available - and oil-pumps (which a few years ago were standing still and rusting) are now operating again. 

   The feel of Cuba - then and today - is bundled in the music of the Buena Vista Social Club. And Amadito Valdes is one of the few surviving legends of an area, when all was fun and games. His fire still sparks the crowds, and he continues to love making music in his Cuba.