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