Cuba Journal 
I’ve long been a big fan of Habanos’ limited edition cigars. No, they’re not always perfect, but there’s always a sense of ceremony about them, a sense that you’re smoking a special, rare cigar. But when they’re on, they’re really on, and they make for spectacular smokes. That was decidedly the case with the most … Read more
President Donald Trump on June 16th began sybolically undoing some parts of his predecessor’s historic opening to the island nation, saying he was “canceling the last administration’s completely one-sided deal with Cuba.” The new measures included tighter restrictions on tourism travel and a prohibition of financial dealings with entities tied to Cuban military and intelligence … Read more
President Donald J. Trump is changing the policy of the U.S. toward Cuba to achieve four objectives: Enhance compliance with United States law—in particular the provisions that govern the embargo of Cuba and the ban on tourism; Hold the Cuban regime accountable for oppression and human rights abuses ignored under the Obama policy; Further the … Read more
President Donald Trump last week began symbolically undoing some parts of his predecessor’s historic opening to the island nation. The new measures included tighter restrictions on tourism travel and a prohibition of financial dealings with entities tied to Cuban military and intelligence services. Cuba’s military conglomerate GAESA is estimated to control more than half the … Read more
Host Geoffrey Baer explores the heart of Cuba’s magical capital city in a new documentary airing next month. Three young locals — architect and restorationist Daniel de la Regata; Irene Rodriguez, one of Cuba’s top flamenco dancers; and Grammy-nominated jazz pianist Roberto Fonseca — serve as enthusiastic guides, allowing viewers to experience this vibrant and … Read more
U.S. Department of the Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) Frequently Asked Questions on President Trump’s Cuba Announcement 1. How will OFAC implement the changes to the Cuba sanctions program announced by the President on June 16, 2017? Are the changes effective immediately? OFAC will implement the Treasury-specific changes via amendments to its Cuban … Read more
Where you stay is becoming more important as Havana evolves into a major destination for urban adventure travelers. The two key areas of Havana for foreign travelers to focus on is Old Havana and Miramar. Old Havana is the historic part of Havana. Miramar is the “leafy suburbs” where many of the city’s embassies and … Read more
The Chicago Harp Quartet (CHQ) spent a week-long residency from May 29-June 4 in Cuba. The island nation, a country of 11 million people, today has only one harp teacher and only four pedal harps, and those are in disrepair. Supported by Lyon & Healy Harps and donations from the general public, the CHQ’s mission … Read more
Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean and has 40% more coastline than Florida – so it’s not going to be spoiled overnight. But there is some truth to the notion that’s its changing in ways that are irreplaceable. RELATED: Cuba: Is the Whole Country Photoshopped? It makes a difference that Cuba is the … Read more
If you’ve been to the cigar shops of Havana lately, you’ve noticed an odd inventory situation. Some legendary cigars, like the Bolivar Belicoso Fino, are nowhere to be found. Others, like the Partagas Lusitania, are, remarkably, frequently in stock. In general, the shelves seem a bit barer, not surprising given the wave of new visitors … Read more
