Soltura Cuba Travel Blog

Written by Sophia Bass When walking through the streets of Old Havana, you may notice a variety of instruments being played by Cuban street musicians. Guitar, bongos, upright bass, and the clave are just a few of the many instruments utilized by Cuban musicians. As a songwriter and musician, I was most familiar with the clave as I grew up playing the Cuban instrument in my home. Claves are one of the most useful instruments for composition in Cuban music. They are comprised of two wooden sticks that are cylindrical in shape. You play the clave by striking them against each other. Originating in the 16th century, the clave was invented by musician Fernando Ortiz. I learned that the clave has historical significance as it was first instrument used to accompany the songs of Hispanic and African dock workers in Havana. When I was in Havana in 2017, a local musician in Vedado explained that the clave is used to track time signatures, stabilize harmony, and to perform precise patterns....

Written by Sophia Bass One of the first foods I tried in Old Havana, Cuba was a fried starchy appetizer dipped in honey. I had no idea what it was, but I learned it was called malanga. Popular throughout different regions in Cuba, malanga has an unique flavor unlike anything I've ever tried in the United States. It is often confused with taro as it has a similar taste and texture. When shredded and deep fried, it makes a delicious dish. While traveling throughout Cuba, I learned that malanga is native to the tropical central and northern parts of South America. First discovered by Spanish explorers, it was first domesticated in Central America and brought to the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Cuba and other regions of West Africa. Malanga can grow in environments that are moist such as flooded areas or marsh areas that receive a high amount of annual rainfall. In Cuba, malanga is available in food markets and some produce shops. I noticed that it was a popular item in touris...

Written by Sophia Bass My entire life, I was told that Old Havana was known as a music mecca where musicians of all regions of Cuba come to play traditional Cuban music, Spanish serenades, with influences of African and European sounds. When I arrived to Havana in July of 2017, everything I had imagined about Cuba became a reality. The smell of Cuban cigars in alleyways, the sounds of a guitar and a clave in synchronicity, and the smell of pork being cooked over a fire. I was in heaven. Old Havana is a magical part of the city that still remains untouched by much of outside world. I was captivated by the architecture, old neoclassical Spanish style architecture, and the quaint European Cafe’s that offered Cafe Cubano, Cuba’s signature coffee drink. After sipping on delicious rich Cuban coffee, I stumbled across a live Cuban four piece band that played Buena Vista Social Club classics such as Chan Chanand Dos Gardenias. Rhythms were in sync and their voices harmonized beauti...

January 18, 2018 Written by Sophia Bass Divers, scientists, marine-biologists and snorkelers like myself travel to Cuba to explore it’s vast marine ecosystem, home to magnificent coral reefs. Many snorkeling spots are accessible from the shore and contain a diverse array of marine life. Jardines de la Reina, about fifty miles south from the main island, was declared a Marine Natural Park in 1996. It is often known as the “Galapagos of the Caribbean.” Atlantic Blue Tang, Rock Beauty, French Angelfish, Sergeant Major, and Stoplight Parrotfish are just a few of the many brilliant colored fish that are among Cuba’s coral reefs. The image below showcases a Spotlight Parrotfish, commonly spotted around Cuba’s coral reefs. Calenta Buena is a popular protected cove with marine life and underwater rock landscapes. This is an ideal spot for beginners who want to stay close to shore. Located at the entrance of the Bay of Pigs, this excursion is in close proximity to Playa Giron and...

Written by Sophia Bass I lived in Florida for nearly 5 years and was introduced to the Cubano sandwich in 2008. Since, it has been one of favorite sandwiches of all time. Cheese, ham, roasted pork, pickles, mustard, caramelized onions that melt in your mouth on toasted bread… I had never had such a delicious sandwich. After traveling around the US, I have noticed the Cubano to be popular among foodies like myself from Portland, Oregon to Miami, Florida. While it’s called the “Cuban” sandwich after immigrants who settled in Ybor City, Tampa who influenced the sandwich, the ingredients highlight the flavors of southern Italian and German communities who also migrated there. Mustard was a condiment that was favored by the Germans, while salami was added by the Italians, giving it exquisite flavor and taste. It’s important to note that Salami is not favored in Miami, but mainly to those in Tampa and other restaurants that prefer the Italian style. The Cuban sandwich has becom...

Written by Sophia Bass When thinking of Cuba, breathtaking beaches, elaborate Afro-Cuban dancing, and Spanish music usually come to mind. Folks who have not been to Cuba don’t usually think of it being known for it’s gorgeous mountainous region. When I traveled to Cuba last summer, I was in awe of the Escambray Mountains that begin before entering the old Spanish colonial town of Trinidad . The countryside of the valley that lies at the foot of the Escrambray Mountains is breathtaking. Guava, orange, and lemon trees grow throughout the region, colorfully painting the grassy area with pungent colors. Cuban farmers live scattered throughout the valley growing coffee in the region. I learned that Cuba is known for it’s arabica coffee beans, currently popular among the global coffee industry, so it’s a great destination if you’re a coffee lover. I remember we stopped on the side of the road to acquire some mangos during our taxi ride to Trinidad. We were surrounded by the lush ...

Written by Sophia Bass, translated below by Izzy Valdés. After the revolution in the 1950s, Cuba became somewhat of a mystery to the outside world. As someone who studied in Florida and lived in Ecuador during graduate school, I desired to travel to Spanish speaking countries where I could practice my knowledge of the language and immerse myself in the culture. Cuba had always attracted my attention. While living in St. Petersburg, Floridasa  for four years, I was accustomed to Cuban food, cerdo (pork), arroz (rice), and frijoles (beans) for lunch. My favorite restaurant in town served the most delicious Cubano and coffee. The aromas of the food and friendliness of the people continued to spike my interest in traveling to Cuba in the near future. I knew that understanding Cuba in 2017 would require seeing it through the eyes of the younger generation. Architects, dancers, musicians, and artists are paving the way for a more expressive and individualistic Cuba for the f...

Written by Sophia Bass Traveling to Cuba in 2017 was an experience I will never forget. As a musician who was born and raised listening to the sounds of Latin beats and Spanish melodies, I was in awe of the talent of the Cuban people. The diverse flavors and colors stemming from African and Spanish cultures create complex artwork and music that has become known to countries around the world. In Cuba, Spanish-European and African communities live peacefully among each other writing powerful music and painting beautiful masterpieces that highlight the hardships of the Cuban people. After visiting Trinidad, Cuba, I was so inspired by the vibrant colorful colonial homes that I decided to paint my impression of the town. The cobblestone streets and brilliant sunsets portray the feeling of Trinidad at dusk. I can only imagine the inspiration artists have gained from this colorful colonial town over the last few centuries. Walking around the old Spanish colonial town of Trinid...