Cuba Journal By Alexander Britell WILLEMSTAD — It’s not yet certain when the US and Cuba will ever sign an air services agreement that would pave the way for regularly-scheduled flights. But several airlines are already operating frequent charter service between the US and Cuba, most notably JetBlue, which has been serving Cuba through charter flights since … Read more
By the Cuba Journal staff The Environmental Defense Fund and the Cuban government are joining forces on a plan to implement new protections for sharks in Cuban waters. Scientists believe that the area is home to nearly 20 percent of the world’s 500 shark species, many of which have been in steep decline in recent … Read more
According to reports by Russia Today and Russian news agency RIA, the Russian government has ratified an agreement to provide generators at Cuba’s Maximo Gomes and Este Habana power plants, among other concessions. The Maximo Gomes power plant in Mariel municipality will be equipped with a new 200 MW unit, while Este Habana in Santa … Read more
Jardines del Rey (English: Gardens of the King) archipelago, a stunning string of keys off Cuba’s northern coast about 250 miles east of Havana. The keys range from the size of a sandbar to 4,000-acre Cayo Romano. There are many interconnected shoals and sandbars that appear and disappear with the tide. With more than … Read more
By Alexander Britell HAVANA — The food scene in Havana has changed significantly in recent years. As in, now, there is a food scene. Or a nascent one, at least. With the birth of the paladar, or privately-owned restaurant, several years ago, there are more and more ways to find high-quality food in Cuba. And yes, that … Read more
The word “Guantanamera” translates into, “girl from Guantánamo.” The song was originally written by José Fernández, who used it in his radio programs. Some claim Herminio “El Diablo” García Wilson should be credited as a co-composer. Fernández claimed the song was about a woman who rejected his romantic interest. Garcia claimed the song describes an … Read more
By Alexander Britell HAVANA — If you’re wondering where the background is, you won’t find it. Because it’s you. The jazz singer’s voice is muted by the mic, slowly rising with the bass and the keyboard. She is looking at the small crowd, but not singing for them. She is just singing. Because in Havana, … Read more
By Alexander Britell HAVANA — It’s the most famous hotel in Havana: the Nacional, the one where Frank and Mickey and Ernest used to stay from time to time. Now, like much of Cuba’s hotel product, it’s a paean to another time, tour groups mingling with ghosts. And while the Hotel Nacional has some of … Read more
The Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club was invited to perform at The White House yesterday in celebration of Hispanic Heritage month. President Barack Obama hosted a delegation of about 500 dignitaries and politicians from around the world in another sign of the historic shift in policy between Cuba and the United States. The famous musical … Read more
By Dana Niland Cuba Journal Contributor Blue Diamond Resorts has announced the addition of Aguas Azules to its portfolio of all-inclusive Cuba resorts. Located just 45 minutes from Varadero Airport and 15 minutes from downtown, Aguas Azules occupies a stretch of Varadero’s famous beachfront, and features lush tropical gardens and scenic views incorporated into its … Read more
