Soltura Cuba Travel Blog

Written by Sophia Bass, translated below by Izzy Valdés  When I first arrived in Cuba I was intrigued when I learned that public education is one of Cuba's top priorities. Ever since 1959 when President Batista was in political power, he was determined to eliminate illiteracy throughout Cuba. According to the World Bank, Cuba reported 12.84% of GDP in 2010 for public spending on education. Today, Cuba has one of the highest literacy rates in the world. As I was perusing the streets of Old Havana, I met young men and women between the ages of twenty-five and thirty waiting tables or playing music on street corners. One man named José who served me coffee said, "Would you believe me if I told you I was a dentist?" I replied, "Yes, but why are you serving me coffee then?" José stated, "I make more money waiting tables than I do working as a dentist in Cuba." José explained that the joke about Cuba is that there is a doctor or lawyer on ever...

Written by Sophia Bass, translated below by Izzy Valdés. Cuba is known for its diverse music scene that combines European, African, and  Caribbean sounds. While you may be familiar with Cuban band, Buena Vista Social Club, the majority of the international world has not been exposed to Cuba's wide array of musicians and artists that play regularly on the streets of Old Havana.  The documentary,  The Forbidden Shore ,  showcases over 40 performances and interviews by Cuba's top artists. This film highlights how little the global world knows about Cuba and Latin America. Director Ron Chapman wanted the international community to know about the diversity of Cuban music. Chapman explains that he was in awe when he traveled to Cuba for the first time because he was unaware of the musical diversity on the Caribbean island. Artistic Director, Diana Vargas states, "We wanted to show a snapshot of the work that is being produced in Cuba today." As many people wan...

Written by Ian Sergeant and Sophia Bass, translated below by Izzy Valdés. Cuba’s presidential elections having just passed, we thought we would help alleviate any confusion that there may be regarding Cuba’s electoral process. In 2007, Raul Castro assumed power when his brother Fidel Castro fell ill. He was officially elected president in February 2008. After his reelection in 2013, Raul promised that he would only hold power for this second 5-year term, and then step down as president. This was extended by a couple of months after Hurricane Irma, in order to ensure the stability of the republic. On April 19th, 2018, Cuba’s National Assembly elected Miguel Diaz-Canel president of Cuba. The National Assembly of People’s Power is Cuba’s Parliament and is made up of 605 members, chosen on a local level through democratic elections. The last election was March 2018. They are the only body in the Republic invested with constituent and legislative authority. This means that when it is ...

Written by Allison Viaja  Dear Momma, I have run the Malecon at sunrise, talked politics with people from around the globe in front of kitchy Trump art nuevo at Fabrica de Arte , whose line stretches 1,000 people long, but which the gift of a VIP card allowed me to bypass. I've biked 40km through fishing villages along the northern coast with doctors from Belgium, and free climbed the magotes of Viñales . I've sat 3rd row center at the Cuban National Ballet and been reduced to tears. I've been paraded around cobblestone streets in a horse drawn carriage while men yelled, "You're beautiful!," and "I love you!" up to me like adoring subjects. I've refreshed my salsa skills on crumbling rooftops to sunsets that last longer than my legs do, and to the music of everyday life. I've scuba'd the Bahia de Cochinos and played dominos in the streets of Havana, smoking cigars with men 10x my age and been schooled and taught a thing or two r...

Written by Sophia Bass Havana is blossoming into a culinary scene in 2018. With new restaurants located in Vedado and Old Havana, restaurants are featuring local Cuban recipes combined with European inspired dishes. Ever since President Obama opened the doors between Cuba and the United States in 2016, chefs have been traveling between Havana and the United States introducing modern cuisine to Cuba. After dining at various restaurants and cafes in Havana, I wanted to recommend a few of my favorite spots. NAO Bar Paladar This cafe is perfect if you want to cool off in the shade while sightseeing, listen to local Cuban music, and have an appetizer or cocktail. Offering Caribbean, Latin, Cuban, and vegetarian options, NAO's food is diverse in its use of ingredients. My favorite dish was the cerdo (pork) with black beans and rice. NAO is located at the end of Obispo Street just near the malecón with a fantastic view of the water. Vista Mar  If you're a seafood lov...

Written by Sophia Bass Cuban cuisine typically combines seafood or meat, African inspired flavors and spices, and influences from the Spanish. Throughout my time in Cuba, I was in awe of the colorful meals I ate outside of Havana. My favorite lunch was in Playa Larga, Cuba when my partner and I decided to escape the city and stay in a small beach village. As we walked up and down the beach, my partner and I came across a local cafe that served fish (pescado) accompanied by local seasonal vegetables, rice, and avocado. I enjoyed the simplicity of this dish as the Cuban people were utilizing local resources in Playa Larga. The fish was fresh, the vegetables were locally grown, and the rice was perfectly cooked. I had some of the best seafood that I've ever had in my life in Cuba. The abundance of fresh fish, shrimp, squid, and lobster are often main menu items for travelers. Whether you're getting a quick bite on the beach or dining at restaurant Vista Mar in Havana, you ...

Written by Sophia Bass The recent boom in travelers visiting Cuba is aiding tourism throughout the Caribbean region. In the last year, Cuba’s wave of tourism rose by 13.9 percent to a record of just over 4 million. With a 4.2 percent increase as a whole for the Caribbean region, Cuban tourism officials are expecting a record high for tourism in 2017. St. Lucia Prime Minister, Allen M. Chastanet stated, “Cuba opening up is a fantastic thing for the Caribbean. It only strengthens the brand of the Caribbean.” With nearly 2 million international visitors in the first few months of 2017, Jamaica also hit a record high, raising $1 billion in tourism. Because Cuba attracts visitors from Latin America, Europe, Canada, and the U.S., Cuba may inspire visitors to travel to other Caribbean islands. Currently, the United States government allows U.S. travelers into 12 categories, such as support for the Cuban people, humanitarian missions, family visits, journalism, research, or people to people ...