When it comes to food, you may think that with the vast coastlines this country possesses, seafood may be the usual menu.  Sorry, but you’re a bit wrong in that aspect.  Seafood does make its way into the Cuban tables, but most of it is exported to neighboring countries.  Cuban food is actually a fusion of Spanish and Afro-Caribbean cuisine which mostly relies on rice, beans, chicken, and pork.  Although the country does have wide spaces filled with plantations, fresh vegetables are hard to come be.  Flavors are also limited by the lack of available herbs and spices.

Just a tip for the food lover tourist: state-run establishments can have very slow service, and even surly at times.  It isn’t a secret that some of the best cooking in the country can be found in paladares – small, private restaurants.  This is also the place to go to when one is looking for an illegal lobster or two.

So, do you like Cuban food?  Check these out to know: National Specialties include soup made of chicken or black beans, black beans and rice (locally called “Moors and Christians”), chicken or pork with rice (and sometimes French fries), plantains (baked or fried), and omelettes stuffed with meat and/or cheese. National Drinks include Cuban coffee (very strong, by the way), Cuban beer (tasty, but weak), and Rum cocktails (e.g. daiquiri, mojito, cuba libre).

Yum! That sounds mouth-watering.  Usually when dining out, tipping a 10% gratuity is appreciated.  Remember, happy people provide better service, and welcomes people with wider arms.

The night life in Havana is renowned and when tourists stay for just a quick visit, it’s only the tip of the iceberg that they get to see.  Famous places to hit for the nightlife include The Casa de la Musica, an establishment that attracts both tourists and locals; Tropicana, famous nightclub that stages nightly open-air cabarets that are reminiscent of the days before the Revolution; and The Cabaret Parisien, which is located at the Hotel Nacional, this attracts tour groups on “day and night” packages from coastal beach resorts.

It should be noted however, that there is no minimum on the legal drinking age in Cuba; although buyers must at least be 16 years of age to purchase alcohol from stores.  When visiting Cuba, you may distinguish the locals from the tourists with their mesmerizing salsa moves, and their ability to drink vast amounts of Varadero rum.

Another side of Cuba may be its cultural side which includes theatre, ballet, and opera.  These are staged all year round in Havana and are very cheap – which can be a great opportunity for tourists to see a bit of it!  Cinemas, however, although there are cinemas, they show films in Spanish.  So, who’s ready to have a taste of Cuba and relish in it?

Bookmark to:

Cuba has a variety of products to offer the tourist shopper, although it may be a disappointment if you want to spend, spend, and spend.  There are a few luxury shops, even in Havana, and the stock is generally dull, boring, or uninspiring.  However, there are some that may be precious finds in Cuba.  You guessed it!  Cigars, rum, and other authentic souvenirs; these are the merchandise that you could be happy about when shopping in Cuba.

Cigars

The world’s finest cigars are made in Cuba.  Of course buying these in retail stores would be quite expensive.  The best place to get these will be in factories where you can get the real thing such as Cohiba, which was Castro’s favorite before he kicked the habit; Montecristo’s, Ché Guevara’s favored brand; Upmans, JFK’s favorite brand – which he actually stocked up on before he put the blockade in place; and Real Fábrica de Tabacos Partagás, which is a popular brand in the country, and also sells fabulous ornate cigar boxes.  Be cautious about buying these from street vendors as they may be fakes or factory rejects – unless you know the seller has a good reputation, steer clear of them.  Otherwise, you may end up being confiscated at the airport, and you spend for nothing.

Rum

Cuba has also been known for their rum.  Santiago de Cuba was once home to the Bacardi distillery, but there are a few reputable brands of rum which may include Varadero, the brand preferred by connoisseurs, especially the rich seven-year-old variety which is sipped like fine malt, and it’s younger and lighter blends are used for cocktails; Havana Club, it is the famous Cuban rum brand these days and is quite popular everywhere in Cuba.

Souvenirs and other gifts

These include authentic Cuban merchandise, as well as Ché Guevara merchandise which can be found everywhere – really everywhere – around the country.  There are perfumes in fine ceramic and glass bottles which can be found and purchased at Habana 1791.

Shopping hours in Cuba are usually at 9 o’clock in the morning until 5 o’clock in the afternoon during Mondays to Saturdays, and 9 o’clock in the morning until 12 o’clock noon during Sundays.

These days, Cuba doesn’t use the US Dollar anymore.  So if tourists come, Euro is accepted, or else you may have it exchanged to the Cuban currency.  However, before leaving the country, tourists must have all local currency exchanged again.  Credit Cards such as MasterCard and Visa are accepted, as long as they are not issued by a US bank, or one that is linked to the US.  However, the use of credit cards does have hefty fees added often.  ATM’s are still not as popular, and Cirrus or Maestro is still not accepted.  Have a good time shopping in wonderful Cuba!

Bookmark to:

Cayo Largo del Sur is an idyllic little island in the heart of the Caribbean where divers can absolutely have a go, and enjoy the dive.  It houses beaches that total to 23 kilometers.  With crystal clear blue waters, beautiful seascape, and preserved reefs, it’s no wonder divers can’t wait to get into the blue!

The Isle of Youth is a larger island – actually it is second in size only to the main island.  You may see that this island is abundant in grapefruit fields, pine trees, parrots, and even marshes.  You can also find schools for young Cuban and foreign students.  This is just a few kilometers to the southwest of Cayo Largo del Sur.

Other places to have fun in the sun are:

Punta Francés

This underwater paradise will leave you breathless!  It is on the Isle of Youth where the typical Caribbean landscape and the abundant marine flora and fauna are something to boast about.

Finca El Abra

This is a museum near the marble quarries that sheltered José Martí.  José Martí, if you may have known, is a national hero that was sentenced in the 19^th century to hard labour as punishment for his ideas about independence.

Presidio Modelo

This is a large museum that can be found near Nueva Gerona city.  It was built in 1926 with a purpose of imprisoning thousand of political prisoners, as well as common criminals.  Yes, it was the chief of prisons.  However, the large barracks stand empty today, and are just there as a historical feature of the building.

The “Aboriginal Sistine Chapel”

This is actually a cave.  A cave which can be located at Punta del Este, on the wild southern coast of Pine Island.  This is home to a vast number of native paintings that date back to the oldest of olden times – a historical feature.

This doesn’t sound anything like you would associate with Cuba, or is it?  Cigars, rum, and Ché Guevara souvenirs are the basic associations a person would have with Cuba.  However, it would be a splendid surprise for most to have this other activities and sight to see in Cuba.   The country of Cuba has lots to offer – shopping items may be limited to their specialty, which are again, cigars, rum, and authentic souvenirs, but the sights to see, the view, the historical landmarks are simply fabulous.  They fill your memories with pictures of beauty and they enrich the soul with culture.

Indeed, there is nothing like Cuba! A holiday spent in Cuba is one of a kind; it’s memorable, it’s beautiful, and it’s simply wonderful.  A trip you must have, indeed.

Bookmark to:

Santa Lucia, a 21-kilometer long beach where you will find a stretch of sea, sand, and sun – it is the main tourist destination of Camagüey, and has a highly preserved ecosystem habitat of pink flamingos!  Looks like paradise?  There’s more.  The longest coral reef formation of the north east coast of Cuba houses this beach!

What to expect once you’re here?  Well, there are excellent beaches, diving sites, sport fishing, historic landmarks, and so much more!  Who knew that while walking among the hills of the wet flora, exploring caverns, and swimming in a paradise of virgin islands, you also get to see culture?  So if it’s your thing, go and explore the historic landmarks – if not, soak in the wonderful waters of the Sabinal or Caguama islands and get that perfect tan!  No need to fret when it comes to comfort too.  Santa Lucia features equipped hotels and complete facilities from restaurants to stores.  Hotels ranging in prices from cheap to a bit costly are available.

What else are there to check out?  Check these out:

Town Center

After centuries of it being wiped out in battles and by pirates, it was rebuilt with winding streets – as if to deliberately confuse any future invaders.  These streets now are lined with colorful – as in rainbow-colored – houses that are a great sight.

Pargue Ignacio Agramonte

It is found at the center of the town square where the stature of Ignacio Agramonte, a hero, on horseback was sculpted in 1912 by Buerni.

La Merced Church

This church is of the 18^th century with beautifully decorated ceiling and statue of Jesus.  The church’s artwork commemorates the deal of a villager in a duel.  This church’s restoration has already begun.

San Juan de Dios Square

This is a restored national monument that can be traced back to the 18^th century.  This place is surrounded by a church, which is home to a rare statue of the Holy Trinity and the Holy Ghost, as well as a convent, and a hospital.

Teatro Principal

This is a marvelous building that originates in the 1850’s and is now the home of the Camagüey Classical Ballet Company.  For artistic enthusiasts or those who just love ballet and the art of dancing, you may want to check this place out.

Casino Campestre

This is the city’s “green center” filled with lush gardens and monuments.  One of which is devoted to Barberán and Collar, Spanish pilots who both made a historic flight between Seville and Havana in 1934.  Another bonus: nearby is the Revolution Square that you can just visit and not waste time walking and looking for it.

The wonders that Cuba offers seem hard to resist.  So give in, and enjoy!

Bookmark to: