A vast bulk of the Cuban tobacco industry is family owned. The farmer is guaranteed a price by the government (whether the crop yield is good or not) and must sell 90% of his crop to the state. The other…
Vistas of the Vinales Valley
Jesus met us early for our westward journey to the Vinales Valley. In addition to spectacular views of the limestone mogotes, we also learned about tobacco farming and the cigar industry ( more on that later), coffee growing, organic farming…
Did Someone Say “Buena Vista Social Club?”
This venerable band of motion picture fame is still alive and well and its latest rendition is as good as ever. Cubans are known for their love of music and our evening listening to the band at the Hotel Nacional…
An Afternoon Stroll Through Old Havana
After lunch we began our afternoon at Callejon de Hamal, a vibrant open air museum created by the Afro- Cuban community. Many practice a religion called Santaria, which is mostly African in nature with a bit of Roman Catholicism thrown…
Fusterlandia and The Holocaust Museum and Synagogue
Jose’ Fuster is a famous Cuban artist who literally converted almost his entire neighborhood, including a medical clinic, into a wonderland of mosaic and sculpture with a significant influence from Gaudi. After spending most of the morning strolling the neighborhood…
Hola Havana
If you haven’t already guessed, we are home now. So much for government controlled spotty internet and WiFi. We arrived in Havana and were met by our private guide Jesus Noguera Ravelo and taken to our luxurious B&B Hostal RelaxHavana.…
On Our Way
We depart this morning for Cuba. Although not on a private jet we might as well be. We, and hardly anyone else are on a direct JFK to Havana flight. American tourism to Cuba is definitely suffering. We will be…
Heading to Cuba
In one week we will be heading down to explore Cuba and interact with their people. Tune in soon.
Boa Noite Madeira and Tchau Portugal
One last seafood dinner on the terrace on a beach watching the sunset at Doca do Cavacas with good friends, good wine, and great memories. Portugal is a land of many contrasts, friendly people, superb sites to visit, and an…
Exploring the Other Side of Madeira
After breakfast we hopped in the car to drive to the town of Porto Moniz on the northwest side of the island. The scenery getting there was awe inspiring as we drove through a central valley that separated the two…