An open-air book market in Havana reminded us of the booksellers along the Seine

I'm an unreformed bibliophile (and likely to remain so). It was the last day of our four-day visit to Havana, and we had decided to go the Almacenes San Jose before Diego (our driver) was to take us to the airport. San Jose is a colorful artisans market hard by Havana Harbor and a stone's throw from the 17th century Iglesia de San Francisco de Paula, one of the oldest buildings in Havana (not to be missed).

We had visited the Museum of the Revolution earlier in the morning, and Diego had parked nearby to give us the opportunity to stroll the plazas one last time before our departure. That's when we came upon Plaza de Armas and an open-air book sale in full swing. Of course, we had to stop. The affable fellow in the photo is Julio Cesar, who seemed to be the only purveyor of antique leather-bound books. Most of the offerings were old magazines and pamphlets left over from the revolution. praising Fidel and attesting to his great wisdom.

Julio's offerings were mostly in Spanish (understandably) though he did have a few volumes in English -- classic literature. I didn't buy anything on that trip but will definitely seek out Julio the next time I'm in town. The book sale (which reminded me of the celebrated outdoor booksellers along the Seine in Paris) apparently happens twice a week (ostensibly Tuesdays and Thursdays) though we're told nothing is guaranteed in Havana.

We made it to the artisans market, which was packed, and left with numerous treasures, but no Cuban hat because there wasn't time to haggle before we had to leave for the airport. Next time.