Captivating Cuba

Cuba was beyond my expectations, somewhere I had wanted to travel to for a long time and certainly a country that has got under my skin.

Three weeks travelling in Cuba, so many experiences, learnings and laughs.

Some overall observations and questions from my eyes and ears


The people are particularly friendly, interested and can't do enough for you





There is colour and history everywhere you go













That said there is no advertising, any billboards or murals are promoting the party







The two revolutions, the second resulting in Castro coming to power in 1959, are an amazing story in themselves. The roles of the US and Russia in both revolutions is worth reading about





The basic wage in Cuba is 20 to 30 pesos for month whether you are a Doctor or factory worker. Households receive ration books based on age, gender an number of family members. Farmers have quotas to fill each season, restaurant and home stay owners pay a monthly tax the government owns most businesses and buildings.





Mind you there are some amazing government subsidies on things like housing, transport, education and ice cream!! These people are lining up for their 10cent ice-cream fix.







Most kids go to university - it's free! However after the typical five year course, you are sent to do service wherever the government chooses,for women it's three years, for men it's two years plus a years military service








Communism/Socialism appears to happily coexist with religion - in fact there has been a resurgence in the number of people attending church, particularly youth.....





Although some would say rum is the religion of Cuba




Music and dance are a huge part of the lifestyle, starting at a vey early age - and guys dance and love it!




Cuba is full of colour and has certainly captivated mr. There's so much to tell that I've written my experiences in 8 chapters, already posted - if you want to experience the trip as we did start with 'Blissful Baracoa'.


“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe Harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”. Mark Twain

Location:Cuba