photos by Kirk Webster

Are you a bit curious as to what Cuba is really like, now that we Americans can go there more easily since the embargo has been somewhat lifted?

Having been to Cuba a few times, my first time was in 1989, and recently returned in December 2015, I’m pleased to let you know all about an island that will captivate you!

Cuba, the largest island in the Caribbean, is more than just cigars and 1950’s cars. It has some of the best beaches in the Caribbean, along with some of the best music, fishing and diving around.  It’s countryside is green, fertile, and welcoming to all.

TravelSetGo suggests you visit Cuba sooner than later, since 1 million Americans are projected to visit a year once the embargo is lifted totally.  That number might overwhelm Cuba’s infrastructure, that it’s working on, since 150,000 Americans visit Cuba legally now.  New upscale hotels are going up now to accommodate more people.

Havana has 3 million of Cuba’s 11 million inhabitants, and is the hub for it’s number one industry travel.  It’s also Cuba’s center of commerce, music, dance, and theatre scene.  Havana has the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which are great historic buildings.

Cuba was the #1 tourist destination in the Caribbean for Americans in the 40’s and 50’s, so if you’re curious as to why, and what to see once you’re there, here are a few ideas.

Havana’s International Jazz Festival is one of the top jazz fests in the world!  It unites the world through music and dance.  The Preservation Hall Jazz Band from New Orleans played there last year.  And Mick Jaggar, Katy Perry, Rianna, Usher, and Jimmy Buffet have all been seen recently “clubbing” in Cuba.  Stay tuned…

Have you heard of Hemingway, as in famous American novelist Ernest Hemingway?  Visit his former home outside Havana, and see his fishing boat Pilar, which he used to win two fishing tournaments off Cuba.  That tournament is now named after him, and since 1950 is one of the top and oldest fishing tournaments in the world.

Hemingway, also left his mark on two famous bars that quenched his thirst, and are known for inventing famous drinks.  The daiquiri was invented with his help at La Floridita, which Hemingway called the best bar in the world.  And the bar La Bodeguita del Mediio, invented the mojito.  Hemingway’s photos can be seen at both places.

If you’d like to see a spectacular “floor” show, get a ticket to the Tropicana Club’s show which is set amongst tropical garden trees in an open air “stage” show that has been entertaining people since 1939.  New York’s Tropicana was named after this show.

Cuba’s national sport is baseball, baseball, and baseball.  And nowhere in the world are actual amateurs as good as those on the Cuban National Team, which is usually one of the top 3 teams at every Olympics.  Catch future MLB stars around the island, for as little as a nickel, or sit behind home plate for $5. The Industrialists are Havana’s team.

Since the embargo began in 1959, Cuba was forbidden to import cars from the U.S. Therefore, you’ll see more cars from the 20’s to the 50’s still one the road in one place at one time in Havana alone!  How they keep them running is amazing.

And now a word about cigars, Cuba’s second biggest business after tourism.  Tobacco (cohiba) was grown commercially after 1580, and by 1700 was Cuba’s #1 export.  Over 70 million are exported yearly, and Cuba’s oldest factory is Partagas, since 1945, can be visited.  You’ll see 400 rollers, and visit their VIP room, where you’ll see photos of many celebrities including Frank Sinatra, Danny Devito, and Arnold Schwarzenegger!

After my recent visit, what touched me most were the Cuban themselves.  Friendly, happy, despite being poor by world standards, and welcoming towards Americans whom they look forward to getting to know better.  As one Cuban told me, “we like America, it’s our government that doesn’t so we hope you come and enjoy our warmth”.