Page 68 - WINE DINE AND TRAVEL WINTER SPRING 2022

with an empty table, when we spotted a sign
that simply announced Cuban food. Sure
enough, it was our restaurant, La Bodeguita del
Medio. We knew it immediately when we
spotted the thousands of felt-tipped
signatures and messages from decades of
diners that cover almost every inch of the
restaurant, including the ceilings and light
fixtures. We had left our mark 15-years ago
and would do it again on this visit. A leisurely
lunch, and a couple of Mojitos on the second
level with sea views, lived up to our fond
memories. Before leaving, we borrowed the
server’s felt-tipped pen and again put our
names on the wall. Ernest Hemingway did the
same on the wall of the original restaurant in
Havana.
Feeling full and happy, we took a cab back
to the terminal, managed the retail maze, and
relaxed back in our cabin. We looked forward
to two full sea days on the Koningsdam.
Because on this cruise, the ship was definitely
the star.

68 WINE DINE & TRAVEL MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2022