I can't believe it's been almost a year since I visited Cuba. I amassed so many fond memories during my week on the island. Each town has its own unique personality whether it be Havana, Trinidad, or Cienfuego. If you're thinking of taking a trip to the Caribbean nation, I say go. Here are 10 reasons to visit Cuba. 1. Cuba is so lush & green The tropical climate produces foliage the color of emeralds! Absurdly expansive vistas meet towering green mountains, all swathed in vegetation. One artist highlighted the verdant meadows by painting the limestone cliffs hovering above. Leovigildo González Morillo designed the 395-foot Mural de Prehistoria. It took 18 people four years to complete, resulting in a depiction of world history up to the age of humans. 2. The architecture Colonial buildings with ornate Spanish and Moorish influence sit majestically along the cobblestone streets of Havana. While some have seen the wear of neglect, there are numerous jaw dropping gems. The craftsmanship hardens back to a time when construction was meticulous. Inlaid tile, Greco-Roman columns, and ornate wrought-iron were de rigueur. Hotel Inglaterra, opened in 1875, has preserved its neoclassical style. You don't have to stay there to enjoy its grandeur. The lobby restaurant is open to the public. 3. Cuban coffee With over 270 years of growing coffee, Cuba has perfected the elixir. They've managed to concoct a smooth java with the kick of rocket fuel mostly grown without the use of chemicals. It's said a Cubans day doesn't begin until the aroma of coffee floats through the air. I stayed at Airbnbs' during my visit. Every host brewed copious cups of the deliciousness! 4. Sunsets for miles Cuba may be smaller than the state of Pennsylvania, but it boasts huge technicolor skies as the sun goes down. Seaside
I can’t believe it’s been almost a year since I visited Cuba. I amassed so many fond memories during my week on the island. Each town has its own unique personality whether it be Havana, Trinidad, or Cienfuego. If you’re thinking of taking a trip to the Caribbean nation, I say go. Here are 10
Vacationing in communist Cuba is a mix of experiences. It’s a melting pot of 11 million inhabitants comprised of people from myriad countries, all migrated to the island throughout history, either willingly — Spaniards, French, or under duress — African slaves. The capital, Havana, with its crumbling history and riot of color is bustling with kind, smiling locals who numerous times approached me asking my name and where I was from. They are a happy culture. Children play on the streets laughing. It doesn't matter they can’t afford a deck of cards. They improvise with cut up cigarette packs. The U.S. embargo and collapse of the Soviet Union have taken its toll. Cuba once produced 1/3 of the world’s sugar. Today, only 1%. Images of Che Guevara are everywhere reminding us of the revolution which took place over 50 years ago. The highlight of the trip for my husband and I was exploring the country with our 22 year old nephew, Diego. Miguel, Diego, and I were simpatico and had the same agenda. An evening at the Tropicana Club cabaret; smokin’ stogies in Vinales tobacco fields; visiting museums and plazas; sharing meals with Cubans in paladares; dancing at festivals; and truly being immersed in the culture. No trip to Cuba is complete without a visit to the Vinales tobacco fields via a 1955 Pontiac. Green doesn't begin to describe the countryside two hours outside of Havana. About 90% of the tobacco leaves grown go to the government, the farmers keep and sell the remaining 10%. The tobacco is organic and the cigars are smooth! The man rolling them dipped the end in honey because Che Guevara smoked his that way . We rented rooms in casa particulars from locals in their neighborhoods and witnessed firsthand true Cuban lifestyle. With the 2015
Vacationing in communist Cuba is a mix of experiences. It’s a melting pot of 11 million inhabitants comprised of people from myriad countries, all migrated to the island throughout history, either willingly — Spaniards, French, or under duress — African slaves. The capital, Havana, with its crumbling history and riot of color is bustling with
Aside from crystalline water and major wow factor, this slice of heaven is home to the most ADORABLE SWIMMING PIGS! Big Major Cay is uninhabited except for these sweet swine. They are exceptionally friendly and “piggy paddle” out to greet tour boats. Locals take care of the 20+ feral lovies, including piglets. Visitors giggle and beam while gallivanting among the Caribbean creatures. Tours to visit pigs on Big Major Cay depart from Nassau and Great Exuma. The boat ride is three hours from Nassau and two hours from the latter port. A stop at beautiful Thunderball Grotto is fun. It was featured in the 1965 James Bond movie, Thunderball. Snorkel and wade among the fish and colorful coral. Afterwards, the tour takes off to the main attraction — Piggie Island! The sweet swine are eager to see guests, as they know a food treat many by in store. They love hotdogs. Depending on which tour you take, they supply the beef dogs. Not to be outdone by the swimming pigs, a few cays away Bahama’s Exuma Rock Iguanas have their own island. Equally as affection, the tropical lizards gently eat cabbage from seafarer’s hands. Nearby tiny Stocking Island specializes in friendly Bahamian hospitality at Chat N’ Chill Bar and Grill, where they serve burgs, fish, BBQ chix (NOT PORK :-)), and Kalik beer— the local brew. They claim to be a “slow food” spot which means you’ll wait awhile for your grub. That’s where the chill part comes in. This comes easily after spending the day hanging with the hoofed natives." Piggy "selfie" Permission to Come Aboard Related Posts: Budget Travel Destinations to Visit Now Swimming Pigs Tour
Aside from crystalline water and major wow factor, this slice of heaven is home to the most ADORABLE SWIMMING PIGS! Big Major Cay is uninhabited except for these sweet swine. They are exceptionally friendly and “piggy paddle” out to greet tour boats. Locals take care of the 20+ feral lovies, including piglets. Visitors giggle and
