9 Tips to Make the Most of Your Trip to Cuba

9 Tips to Make the Most of Your Trip to Cuba

Bring snacks. You can only buy food here at government run stores who have inconsistent hours and not much to choose from. Most public toilets are pretty bad. Always carry toilet paper and hand sanitizer. There is a $25 CUC exit tax. Make sure to save some money for...
Thoughts on Cuban Communism

Thoughts on Cuban Communism

Being from the United States, where the merits of capitalism are brainwashed into you and communism is denounced as the devil, it is quite interesting visiting communist countries. Cuba is my third “communist” country in name but my first with an actually communist...
Trinidad: A bright & colorful dose of Cuban culture

Trinidad: A bright & colorful dose of Cuban culture

During our trip, Trinidad is what I consider to be our first true dose of Cuban culture. It was also the first place we went that we had a full day to explore. Everything up until this point had been a whirlwind. There are a bunch of optional activities on this day...
The Casa Particular and the Ice Cream

The Casa Particular and the Ice Cream

Understandably we have a bit of a language barrier in Cuba. On the second night in Cienfuegos our host family asked us if we want coffee. I said yes and then my Mom asked for ice. I asked the host if she had hielo (ice) and she asked if I meant helado (ice cream) and...
Cienfuegos

Cienfuegos

There’s not a lot to say about this town really. It’s very modest. My first impression was that there are no international chains. No fast food. No flashy signs. Most of the buildings look empty unless you walk up and look in. Most of the Main Street has...