It's that time of year again—It's time
to see a part of the world you've never imagined existed before. Right outside
the U.S. lies the island of Cuba. Bienvenidos to one of the
most cost cultural, historical, and cost effective places which is a must see for
every American. So here's why you should say Hola to Cuba and start
packing!
Cubano Culture
Let's get straight to the beats.
Cuba is well-known for their fantastic music that originated from European and
African origin (Boogaloo). Whether you're searching for Jazz, tango, or even
hip-hop music, Cuba is the place for you. From street performers, concerts, and
museums that honor some of the greatest "Cubanos" such as Fernando
Ortíz, no one can dispute how important music is to the Cuban culture.
If you're a true American, you know that baseball
is a key part of our culture. But where do most of our Major League Baseball
stars come from? You've guessed it . . . Cuba! Stop by a baseball game or two
and you'll be stunned. Is that 16 year old better than some professionals?
Probably. Introduced by American dockworkers in Havana during the 19th century,
the love of baseball was quick to immerse itself as one of the centerpieces of
Cuban culture.
A Taste of History
The culture of Cuba is mostly
shaped by European influence, but it is definitely mixed with African and
indigenous American traditions. But what if I told you Cuba's founding may be
more familiar than you thought?
The founder's name may sound like someone you've
heard of before; none other than Christopher Columbus who founded the nation in
1492. Because Cuba was a leading sugar producer, (which it still is) many
slaves were brought to Cuba from both China and Africa (NationsPeople). So,
when you see the "Creole" people who live in Cuba and you can't tell
what ethnicity to place them in, that's why. Most people are a mix of White,
African, and Chinese.
In 1952, Fidel Castro introduced the idea of
Communism to Cuba. So, when you visit you'll see Cubanos waiting in line to get
their daily rations of food, soap, water, etc. This may be a bit of change for
us Americans, but that's why we should go out there and see the world and the
culture it has to offer.
Must See
Places
Which places in Cuba must you visit before you
leave? My recommendations on what to see will depend on the types of activities
you’re searching for:
- · Historical sites
- · ‘Fun’ times
- · Relaxation
Historical
Sites
The heart of Cuba lays in within its capital,
Havana. Stroll down the streets of this beautiful city and you’ll come across
the Morro Castle. If the gigantic castle on the sea inhabited by communist
leaders does not shock you, maybe the Che Guevara Museum will; his memorial
portrays him as a national hero who was able to convince Cubanos of the
benefits of a ‘shared’ country, which demonstrates that the nation is still
very intact with its communist beliefs. The museum of revolution is only a few
blocks away from the city center as well, but Americans who are accustomed to
the right of free speech must be cautious when they express their opinions
regarding communism at these historical sites – you can get into serious
trouble. Keeping quiet is highly
suggested!
‘Fun
Times’
Everyone interprets the word fun in a different
sense. The way I see it, visiting the heart of Cuban culture by going to a
national cigar factory, should fit perfectly into this category. You will be
able to drive by acres of tobacco farms and will be instructed on how to roll
your own Cuban cigar if you take the USA
Cuba Travel’s tour (Usacubatravel). How can you not enjoy the best cigars in the world?
Inhale away!
Relaxation
Florida is a peninsula. Cuba is an island. Although they share wonderfully
warm weather, only Cuba has beautiful beaches awaiting you in every direction
of the compass. My personal favorite was Trinidad
Beach. Imagine yourself in a Corona commercial, laying in a cabana, sipping
on a beer – except you only have two brands to choose from, Bucanero and
Cristal (Cuba-Culture). Oh wait, did I forget to mention that the beer would
cost you about a dime when converted into American currency? So, as Corona
advertises, what are you waiting for, find
your beach!
Obama recently made an agreement
to reestablish ties with Cuba. Basically, there is now an American embassy in
Cuba and we will legally be allowed to visit!
Now that the politics are out of the way, all you
have to do is start packing and find the first flight to the exquisite island
that has so much to offer. But hurry up, you should plan your vacation before
McDonald's, Starbucks, and American capitalism takes over!
Get out there, leave your own ideas and cultures
behind, and get ready to experience one of the greatest vacations of your life.
Cuba won't be a secluded island by the Atlantic any longer. Soon, it will be an
American hotspot for American vacationers, and I want YOU to get out there and
see it first.
Works Cited
History
of Cuban Music.
Boogalu, n.d. Web. 12 Feb. 2016.
boogalu.com/travel-resources/history-cuban-music
Usacubatravel,.
"USA Cuba Travel: Cigar Tour". N. p., 2016. Web. 13 Feb. 2016.
usacubatravel.com/cigartour.htm
This is actually something that has interested me since that deal was made. I had heard that in Cuba they still drive old 60s and 70s Chevy's so it would be really good to see. But, I really like how you wrote about the country. Pictures would also add a lot to it, but I can imagine you might be thinking of doing that already. The sense of urgency you create to getting to Cuba also makes the article exciting and more pertinent.
ReplyDeleteIt's an interesting post. I would love to see some recent pictures of Cuba as I have never seen it before. Then, some more specific locations to visit would be helpful too.
ReplyDeleteThis is very well written and really makes me want to visit Cuba! I love how you engage the reader and keep them interested!
ReplyDeleteGlad you went with this idea. Interesting thought about a new vacation spot. Maybe Cabo Spring Break will eventually be replaced by Cuba Spring Break. Also liked how you mentioned the likely spread of American culture. Would be a let down to get there and see McDonalds and Starbucks logos.
ReplyDeleteWow! I never thought Cuba would be so interesting. I thought Cuba was just a 3rd world country near the coast of Florida. Coming from someone who loves dancing and the Caribbean, I know for sure I will visit sometime soon! Some pictures of the place would be really nice.
ReplyDelete