Rum is in everything in Cuba, part of the rhythm and the melody of life on the island. And when rum is enjoyed among friends, a few drops are poured out of a new bottle to the floor (or, in rural areas, to the soil), as a symbol of thanksgiving. While the ceremonies can vary … Read more
Staying at the Santa Brígida Convent does not require you to take the oath of chastity during your stay, but it will put you in a quiet place and perhaps transport you to some earlier time when things were simpler. The convent (Santa Brígida’s Convent of the Order of Santa Brígida’s Saint Saving (Century XVIII), … Read more
Oceania Cruises announced yesterday ten new sailings, called Journeys to Cuba, for 2018. Sailing roundtrip from PortMiami, itineraries range in length from 7 to 10 days and include calls in Havana, Cienfuegos, and Santiago de Cuba. Earlier this month, Marina became the first of Oceania Cruises’ ships to call on Cuba. The small ship cruise format appears to … Read more
In September 2016, Albert A. Fox Jr faced a $100,000 fine from U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) for alleged violations of the U.S. embargo against Cuba during two trips to the island over recent years. This January, the government settled the case against the pro-Cuba/anti-embargo Fox for $10,000. el Nuevo Herald, … Read more
According to music legend Carlos Santana, Francisco Aguabell teaches how, “music and spirituality are one and the same.” Francisco Aguabella was born October 10, 1925, and raised in the Matanzas drumming tradition of Cuba. In 1953, he immigrated to the U.S and established himself in California as an olu batá (batá drummer). Batá drumming is … Read more
Seeing the world through the lens of a great artist is a rare experience, but today there is an immersive way to combine art and travel if you are willing to explore a little. Visit Cuba and gain the sensation of the Cuba that Nobel prize winning author Ernest Hemingway experienced as a backdrop to … Read more
Buried deep in the bowels of the U.S. legislation against Cuba (collectively referred to as the “embargo”), there is a tiny line item that restricts Western development finance institutions from doing business in Cuba. Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (Libertad) Act of 1996 – also known as the Helms-Burton Act – Sec. 104. “United States … Read more
Judging by Cuba’s emphasis on music education in the first 12 years of school, eight hours per week means they are among the most musical people in the world. The music scene in Cuba has evolved over the last several years as major bands including the Rolling Stones have played for massive crowds. And increased … Read more
Tauck Small Ship Cruising, one of the world’s top luxury cruise operators, is adding a new Cuba cruise in partnership with Ponant. The company has announced a new 10-day cruise for 2018 aboard the three-masted schooner Le Ponant. The people to people voyage will call on stops around the coast of Cuba between Havana and … Read more
New, low fares to Cuba are prompting many people who never considered going to Cuba to take the leap and experience the island nation while it retains some of its nostalgic quality. Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean and has 40% more coastline than Florida – so it’s not going to be spoiled … Read more
