By Carol Fletcher, photographer and The Aniplant Project board member If you are a dog lover and have ever been to Cuba–or to any third world country for that matter–you know the helpless heartache of seeing painfully thin and sick animals on the streets. And while Cuba is a highly educated, healthy and empathetic population, … 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
According to a report by Reuters, Cuba’s government is responded to a liquidity shortage by cutting imports and extending credit terms with trading partners. The effects of a severe drought and low commodity prices are the culprits in the latest challenge for the struggling island nation. Cuba is dependent on both exports of commodities and … 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
According the French publication Air Journal, Air China will begin flying to Havana from Beijing at end of December in a continuation of an existing flight to Montreal. Air China is the first Chinese airline to fly to Cuba. The Cuban capital will be its ninth destination in North America after New York-JFK, Los Angeles, … 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
