Archives
Havana 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 than I thought possible. Styles range from Spanish Colonial, Cuban Baroque, Neoclassical, Art Deco, and Moderne. You… Read More
A 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 is famous for tobacco production. The valley around Viñales is a beautiful karst landscape. Surrounded by mountains… Read More
Living 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 about the icons and music in Santeria worship, and enjoyed spirited drumming and dancing. They also had… Read More
All 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 the early 1990s, my Abuelo made five trips to see his brother, taking clothes and medicine. He… Read More
