I know my posts do not reflect the Cuba that 90% of the population experiences. If I had any doubts because I speak a little Spanish, I was even told so. It was wonderful to visit Cuba. Our trip was intense, but I loved every minute. I have a better understanding why so many of…
Keep readingWhen we think “Cuban,” it often conjures up thoughts of Cuban food, music, mojitos, and daiquiris. We’ve covered music, so it’s time to talk about food and drink. The Cuban government allows a system of private establishments to exist and often thrive. The privately-owned restaurants are called paladares (from the Spanish word for palate). The…
Keep readingI always envisioned Hemingway’s home in Cuba. Finca Vigía, to be on the water. But in fact, it’s inland, about a 30-minute drive out of town. From the back terrace of the home, you can see the city of Havana and the Gulf far in the distance. His famous boat, the Pilar, was kept 10-15…
Keep readingRiding in the vintage cars was the most fun and whimsical part of being in Havana. They have become the most symbolic visual of Havana. Today, most are brightly re-painted in tourist-magnet colors, and some of the old sedans have even had their tops sheared off to create more convertibles. Pictured above: Orange ’50 Buick…
Keep readingHavana became the most important port linking the New and Old Worlds. Founded in 1519, historic Havana’s history is rich with tales of pirates, sunken ships, and conflict. In La Habana Vieja (Old Havana), the architecture, combined with its picturesque setting on the Gulf, transports visitors to centuries past. Havana has more beautiful historic buildings…
Keep readingA rainy day prior refreshed the weather and gave us relief from the hot, humid, sticky conditions. Just in time for a trip to get out of the city. Our bus left early for a three-hour drive into the countryside to the north-central Pinar del Rio Province of Cuba and the Viñales Valley. This area…
Keep readingLiving in Miami, I’m well-acquainted with Cuban music, but I was surprised by the range of talent we enjoyed on this trip. From kids to professional groups, we saw and heard a wonderful cross-section. One of the first we experienced was at Beyond Roots, a community center dedicated to Afro-Cuban culture. We learned a bit…
Keep readingAll my life, I’ve heard stories about Cuba. I listened to the reminiscences of my Abuelo, who left Spain for Cuba on his way to the United States in 1920. At every family gathering, I heard tales of family members I would never meet, trapped by life’s circumstances after the revolution ended in 1959. In…
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