Joanna Lumley's Hidden Caribbean: Havana to Haiti Season 1 Episode 1 Episode 1

Joanna Lumley's Hidden Caribbean: Havana to Haiti is a travel documentary series that explores the tropical paradise of the Caribbean, away from the resorts and tourist hotspots. In the first episode, aptly named "Episode 1," Joanna takes the viewers on an enticing journey through the vibrant and colorful capital of Cuba, Havana.

Joanna begins her journey by exploring the iconic landmarks and hidden gems of Havana, a city that is known for its colonial architecture, vintage American cars, and lively music scene. She navigates through the bustling streets and meets with the locals to uncover the lesser-known history and culture of Havana.

One of the highlights of the episode is when Joanna visits the world-famous Tropicana nightclub, one of the oldest and most legendary nightclubs in the world. Built in 1939, the Tropicana has been a cultural institution in Havana, attracting some of the biggest names in music and entertainment. Joanna meets with the club's director, who explains the history of the club and how it has evolved over the years. She also experiences the vibrant and electrifying atmosphere of a Tropicana show, featuring a dazzling display of music, dance, and performance.

Joanna also explores the fascinating history of Havana's Jewish community, which dates back to the 19th century. She visits the beautifully restored Sephardic Synagogue and meets with members of the Jewish community, who speak about their heritage and the challenges they faced in Cuba.

Another highlight of the episode is when Joanna visits a Cuban boxing gym, where she trains with some of the country's top boxers. She learns about the discipline and dedication required to be a successful boxer and even tries her hand at sparring with one of the coaches.

Throughout the episode, Joanna also indulges in the vibrant culinary scene of Havana, sampling some of the city's most delicious traditional dishes, such as ropa vieja, a popular Cuban dish made with shredded beef, and mojitos, the iconic Cuban cocktail made with rum, mint, lime, and soda.

Overall, the first episode of Joanna Lumley's Hidden Caribbean: Havana to Haiti is a fascinating and engaging introduction to Havana, a city that is steeped in history, culture, and tradition. Through her interactions with the locals and her exploration of the city's landmarks and hidden gems, Joanna provides a unique and insightful view of the Caribbean that is rarely seen by tourists. Fans of travel documentaries, history, and culture will thoroughly enjoy this episode and the entire series.