It's just a way of getting around, usually by giving a thumbs up, stopping a vehicle and asking the driver for a free ride. For Cubans, it is indeed the equivalent of hitchhiking. An interesting theory about the origin of the expression is the following: "Coger botella" (take bottle) can be linked to the particular meaning of the word botella, which in the popular language at the time of the Republic, first half of the 20th century, also meant receiving a salary for a position that was not actually occupied. These were concessions from corrupt politicians. I therefore suppose that "Coger botella" was like winning a transport without paying. However, it is still possible that exactly the opposite happened and that the "botella" paid to do nothing at a certain moment in the history of Cuba, was inspired precisely by the benefit of traveling for free. The enigma then is not yet solved. Living in any city means needing to travel every day to go to work, school, the doctor or for fun, and it is not always possible to do it on foot or by bike; sooner or later, we all need public transport. The historical precariousness of public transportation in Cuba has naturally made hitchhiking a widespread and popular practice, not only in cities, but also during interprovincial travel. I remember perfectly how, in the 1990s, I myself, a student in Havana, needed 24 to 48 hours, or even more, to travel about 500 kilometers to get home, to old Camagüey. Hours of waiting on the roads, even at night, to catch an uncomfortable truck, or an air-conditioned bus, or not, it didn't matter, the main thing was to get around. On the other hand, our girlfriends only needed to put on lipstick, their hair blowing in the wind, and they arrived home the same day. What an injustice. Sometimes we see peasants on bicycles who travel hundreds of kilometers of road to other parts of the country, but they do not pedal all the time, rather they wait and board the first truck that passes with the bicycle on their shoulders. It is a practice that undoubtedly speaks of insufficient public transport. However, it also speaks volumes about security and solidarity, the open and fraternal character of the majority of Cubans, qualities without which this common practice would not be possible. We all need to mobilize, and even better if it were without having to pay for transportation. "Coger botella" in Cuba is free, quite comfortable and often faster than conventional public transportation, and it is so popular that there is not a Cuban who has not done it, a doctor, a policeman, a soldier, a teacher, a student, a pregnant woman, everyone knows what it is like to move around the island by hitchhiking. A car that moves empty in this country is an inexcusable waste. The practice reached its peak in the 90s. The State then commissioned transport agents to be placed in strategic locations with high demand for mobility with the power to stop state cars, to transport people who were waiting for a way to reach their destination, and who were willing to pay the fare. These agents for compulsory carpooling are still very well known as "Los Amarillos", although their uniform may already be a different color. At every intersection of the roads we will often see lots of people around an "Amarillo" agent hoping to leave as quickly as possible. Others prefer to move away from the crowd a little and offer more money, in order to better tempt the drivers to stop. Thousands of times the daily problem of traveling in Cuba is solved in this way. Sometimes the "botella" is bad, at other times we get to know and make friends with drivers who are already used to stopping and taking us, because on the way we talk, to know where they are going, and where it would be better to get off to join another route; from time to time the drivers even try to make the most beautiful girls fall in love, always with respect, of course. Sometimes, to travel a certain distance, it is necessary to hitchhike again and again, but people assume their situation with the greatest tranquility in the world. Any type of vehicle can be useful to move for free; in the comfort of a classic car or a bus, in the adventure of a motorcycle with a sidecar, or a truck and even on board an ambulance, a diplomatic vehicle, as well as a tractor or a cart. A culture of "La botella" has been created in Cuba for a long time, whose protagonists are mainly young women, because if we have all become equally accustomed to "Coger botella", it is no less true that young and beautiful women always have the best chances of receiving the requested service quickly and in the best conditions. Most drivers confirm that the main reason for taking hitchhikers is simply the desire to help others, as they understand the difficulties of public transportation, and that owning a private car in Cuba is a luxury reserved for a minority. Other drivers, however, avoid transporting hitchhikers, under the pretext of not mistreating the doors of old American cars, or not to dirty the seats or simply because they prefer to avoid interacting with strangers, which is also perfectly understandable. Private or cooperative transportation options have multiplied since self-employment was allowed in the country. Thousands of private carriers offer a taxi service, private or collective, quite efficiently. Bajanda, the Cuban Uber, and the many almendrones that drive people all over Cuba are good examples. But these options continue to be beyond the economic possibilities of the vast majority, which is why the practice of "Coger botella" continues to be a recurring option, very current, even in times of pandemic and very logical health distrust. “Coger botella” is not only a fast, convenient and free way to travel, but it is also a deeply rooted popular tradition in Cuba, if not totally safe, at least very little dangerous for Cubans.

This typical Cuban cocktail is said to have its commercial birthplace in the prestigious Floridita bar in Havana, although it was also very popular in the Plaza Hotel at the beginning of the 20th century. However, its true origins come from a beach near Santiago de Cuba and an iron mine in the same area, both called Daïquiri, where the rum, apparently too strong for the palates of some foreign guests, was then mixed with lemon, sugar and crushed ice to cool the oriental heat of Cuba. The Daiquirí has become popular over time. Undoubtedly one of the favorite drinks of the writer Ernest Hemingway, guest of honor at Floridita, one of the most famous bars in Havana, and a source of inspiration for the adventurer who in his stories did not fail to mention the unique Cuban drink. Dry and at the same time creamy, it is a cocktail that is difficult to improve. The Daïquiri is a truly refreshing drink with a lot of history and myths surrounding its origin. The Daïquiri, more than just a drink, is an identity name, a true legend of Cuban bars. To obtain a fruit-flavored Daiquiri, simply add juice or syrup of the flavor in question. On the Floridita bar menu, we can find more than a dozen Daiquiri of different flavors. I recommend the Mulata Daiquiri, with cocoa liqueur, or the Papa's with grapefruit juice and double rum, which Hemingway's thirsty palate was thus personalized. Classic Daiquiri Recipe Ingredients: ▪︎White sugar (one spoonful per squeezed lemon) ▪︎Crushed ice, enough to fill the glass ▪︎Lemon juice (2 limes) ▪︎Marasquino liqueur (5 drops) ▪︎Ron Havana Club 3 years, to taste Preparation: Combine maraschino, rum, sugar and lemon juice in a cocktail glass. Then serve it in a glass filled with chilled ice and it's good. However, it is recommended to prepare preferably in an electric mixer to obtain the expected and so refreshing texture. Just add all the ingredients and beat on high power for 15 or 20 seconds. We then serve the Daiquiri preferably in a Martini glass and decorate with a lemon wedge placed on the rim of the glass. Here are some very popular variations in Cuba Floridita: ▪︎Icing sugar ▪︎Crushed ice ▪︎Lemon juice (2 lemons) ▪︎Marraschino (5 drops) ▪︎Ron Havana Club 3 years Rebel: ▪︎White sugar ▪︎Spearmint cream ▪︎Crushed ice ▪︎Juice of one lemon ▪︎Ron Havana Club 3 years Mulata: ▪︎White sugar ▪︎Dark cocoa cream ▪︎Crushed ice ▪︎Juice of one lemon ▪︎Ron Havana Club Reserva and aged 7 years Banana: ▪︎Ron Havana Club 3 years ▪︎Juice of half a lemon ▪︎Half a ripe banana ▪︎Sugar to taste ▪︎Banana liqueur ▪︎Crushed ice Strawberry: ▪︎Ron Havana Club 3 years ▪︎Juice of one lemon ▪︎2 or 3 strawberries ▪︎Sugar to taste ▪︎Crushed ice Mango: ▪︎Ron Havana Club 3 years ▪︎Juice of one lemon ▪︎Juice and pieces of ripe mango ▪︎Sugar to taste ▪︎Crushed ice

You can barely see it from the street, but it's worth climbing the few steps and entering. It's a really lovely place to have a refreshing drink. The inner courtyard of the Pullman Hotel Members shared with us a well-kept secret: the inner courtyard of the Pullman Hotel where you can go for a drink to enjoy a bit of peace and quiet. This hotel is not sold by Quebec tour operators. It is one of the "old hotels" in Varadero. It is easy to recognize when you walk on Primera Avenida, right between Calles 49 and 50.

The Varadero you don't know Here is a French translation of an article by Ciro Bianhi Ross "It was Sebastián de Ocampo, in his bojeo de la Isla, the first European to visit Varadero in 1508, famous first for its salt flats and then for its quarries before becoming one of the fundamental poles of Cuban tourism. Do you know how it grew? I am going to dedicate today's space to talk about a Varadero that you do not know. The Temporadista movement began in Varadero around 1840 and in 1883 a nascent tourist industry was created when Mamerto Villar established an inn and hostel service, a business that the city of Cárdenas considered so rare that it ended up exempting it from paying taxes. That same year, Antonio Torres created the Torres Kiosk for the sale of soft drinks and fried fish. This establishment prospered and is today considered the embryo of the great hotels opened in Varadero during the Republic. It was in 1883 that the complex acquired legal status when ten investors shared equally the two land cavalries [?] of the Varadero estate. In 1888, Torres added several rooms and two wooden and tiled houses to his kiosk. The establishment soon became a cultural center and a few years later, Villar transformed his inn into a motel. A new city was promoted in the spa and the Varadero Sports Club emerged. With the advent of the Republic, in 1902, Torres began to provide a restaurant service throughout the year. In 1910, the first beach hotel opened its doors and, after the end of World War I, a restaurant was set up in a ranchón in the Kawama region. The regattas, originally convened in 1900, were systematized from 1910. In 1913, the telephone arrived and in 1915, public lighting with carbide lanterns was lit until nine at night. Electricity arrived in 1917. However, in 1919, only 193 people regularly resided in Varadero. It could not be otherwise in a place where public hygiene was disastrous and there was no drinking water. In the 1920s, despite the economic crisis, Torres made his establishment a hotel worth considering, and the Kukito bar, with its ballroom, was the embryo of the 1930s of the future tourist centers of the region. The American millionaire, Irene Dupont de Nemours, acquired land on the peninsula, built her mansion in Xanadú in the best area of the beach and created a land sales company. The aqueduct has existed since 1928. The shell and snail crafts, which were very popular with visitors to the spa, began to be marketed in Havana, thanks to the La Sortija store, and arrived in the United States. In 1931, the Kawama Hotel began to provide services. From there, there was a dizzying growth of recreational and nightlife centers and by 1933, there were five beach hotels, not to mention the pensions. In 1938, the Varadero bakery was in operation. Around the same time, the first service center was established in Kawama and the cinema arrived in this seaside resort. Two years later, an industrial products store opened its doors and would focus on beach items and fashionable textile clothing. A laundry with home collection and delivery was also inaugurated. With the establishment of these last services, Varadero was already able to begin receiving tourism. Communication routes have improved considerably since the construction of the highway in 1911 from the city of Cárdenas. In 1933, the railways opened their Havana-Cárdenas section and, in 1935, an air link provided the connection to the island's capital. In 1949, Miami-Varadero-Miami flights began. The network of services to the population and tourists becomes vast and varied at this stage with the opening of an ice factory, a radio station and new commercial establishments. Two events will close the decade: the inauguration, on December 21, 1950, of the International Hotel , costing three million pesos, and the drilling, in Cayo Diana, of an oil well, the exploitation of which is not continued. In 1952, the permanent population exceeded 7,000 inhabitants. In 1935, the first tourist guide of the spa was published in English. In the 40s of the last century, tourism had already replaced all other economic elements in Varadero. At the beginning of the 50s, the territory had sixteen hotels, to which six more would be added until 1959 for a total of twenty-three hotel establishments. At that time, 18 guest houses, 30 recognized and duly registered discos and 17 gastronomic units were operating in Varadero, a figure that did not include cafes or bars." The original Spanish version of this article is available from the following link: http://www.cubadebate.cu/especiales/2019/09/27/el-varadero-que-usted-no-conoce/#.XY4wqIqQy60

"The best Ron of the world - Ron Havana Club Havana Club, the best-known Cuban rum brand in the world, perhaps due to its strategic association with the French company Pernod Ricard, is also the favorite rum of most Cubans since its creation in 1934, undoubtedly an element of identity of the national culture. The brand new Havana Club Profundo rum has recently arrived on the Cuban market, which seeks to renew the tradition of white rums from the Havana Club house. Otherwise, the youngest of these rums was until today the Havana Club 3 years, ideal for cocktails, then the Havana Club Añejo Especial, Havana Club Añejo Reserva, Havana Club Añejo 7 years, the founding rum, then the Havana Club Selección de Maestros, the only Cuban rum that reaches 45 degrees of alcohol, a sublime blend of intensity and delicacy in the mouth, then Havana Club Pacto Navío, highly recommended, and finally, the Havana Club Añejo 15 years, the limited series Havana Club Tributo, the Professional series A, B, C & D, Havana Club Unión, and the Havana Club Máximo Extra Añejo: The finest and most beautiful rum ever made and tasted, according to great connoisseurs, sold for €1,700 each. In commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the Cuban capital, a limited edition of 500 bottles of Havana Club 1519 was launched in 2019 by Havana Club, produced exclusively for this emblematic occasion, it was marketed on the international market at a price of $2,900.

Will this be your first time in Varadero? Be careful, you might get addicted! ;-) Thanks to the hundreds (maybe even more than thousands) of trips our members have made to Varadero and all the sharing exchanged in our group, we have accumulated an incredible amount of very relevant information. You can always do personalized searches by looking for the magnifying glass, often at the top of your screen on mobile devices and on the left if you are viewing our website on a computer as seen here: Here are some tips and suggested articles that may help people who are going to Varadero for the first time. Choosing a hotel If you go to our website, you will have access to different sections that will allow you to do an initial sorting and then consult your travel advisor for feedback. Then, it will be easier for you to come back to the group to ask specific questions to members. The Varadero Map with Hotel Names | Passion Varadero section gives you access to a map with the current hotel names (they change often!). You can download the map to your computer and then zoom in and out to see what is around the hotels. Our Members' Photo Album | Passion Varadero section contains over 200 photo albums published by our members. The hotels are listed in alphabetical order. Hotel Comparison | Passion Varadero Hotel comparison in Varadero based on several criteria: distance, site size, age and number of stars When choosing a hotel in Varadero, several criteria can influence your decision. Here is a comparison to help you make the best choice based on four key aspects: distance, size of the site, age of the hotel and number of stars. You may also be interested in this article (hotel and resort site/facility maps): https://www.passionvaradero.com/post/plan-de-votre-hôtel-ou-resort Getting ready to leave That's it, your reservation is made! Congratulations! Here are some suggested articles on our website to help you in your preparation. You can also consult the FAQ Section - FAQ | Passion Varadero (Frequently Asked Questions - Questions retrouvées humaines / on the left in the menu, immediately after "articles") to quickly consult the answers to more than a hundred frequently asked questions. What to bring: Preparing for your departure for Varadero: https://www.passionvaradero.com/post/préparer-son-départ-pour-varadero Details on Air Canada, Air Transat and Sunwing baggage: https://www.passionvaradero.com/post/bagages-air-canada-transat-sunwing-tout-savoir Don't forget the mosquito repellent! https://www.passionvaradero.com/post/moustiques-et-puces-de-sables-ces-petites-bestioles-qui-nous-emmerdent-en-grand What can I bring to eat on the plane?: https://www.passionvaradero.com/post/qu-est-ce-que-je-peux-entreprises-pour-boire-ou-manger-dans-l-avion What to give to hotel staff?: https://www.passionvaradero.com/post/dons_utiles_a_cuba Useful and ecological: https://www.passionvaradero.com/post/utile-et-écologique On site Arriving at the airport - A step-by-step guide to help you: https://www.passionvaradero.com/post/arrivee-varadero-aeroport-guide-pas-a-pas Best for... pizza, pizza, lobster, etc.: https://www.passionvaradero.com/post/top-3-options-cafe-pizza-lobster-show-transport Free catamaran excursion from hotels: https://www.passionvaradero.com/post/balade-gratuite-en-mini-catamaran Calle 62 - not to be missed in the evening!: https://www.passionvaradero.com/post/calle-62 Panoramic bus: https://www.passionvaradero.com/post/bus-panoramique-à-deux-stages-5-cuc-par-jour Cocos taxis: https://www.passionvaradero.com/post/les-cocos-taxis-une-sympatique-et-utile-curiosity-à-varadero Josone Park: https://www.passionvaradero.com/post/parc-josone A park to visit with children: https://www.passionvaradero.com/post/parc-d-amusement-todo-en-uno-pour-les-petits-et-les-grands Private guides for Havana (and other destinations): https://www.passionvaradero.com/post/guides-privé-es-pour-la-havane Restaurants Restaurants in Varadero: The best way to learn more about restaurants in Varadero is to check out the "Restaurants" section of this site! Eating in a Cuban family: https://www.passionvaradero.com/post/manger-dans-une-famille-cubaine Eating at Rodolfo Perez: https://www.passionvaradero.com/post/rodolfo The best pina colada in Varadero: https://www.passionvaradero.com/post/le-best-pina-colada-à-varadero To go further, some other articles that might interest you Parking in Montreal and Quebec: https://www.passionvaradero.com/post/youppi-je-pars-pour-varadero-mais- où-vais-je-stationner-ma-voiture See dolphins in the wild: https://www.passionvaradero.com/post/peut-on-voir-des-dolphins-en-liberté-dans-la-mer-à-varadero And among our most viewed articles! 15 Things to Never Buy at an Airport: https://www.passionvaradero.com/post/15-things-to-never-buy-in-an-airport Food, plants and seeds, what is allowed to bring to Cuba and what is not: https://www.passionvaradero.com/post/nourriture-plantes-semences-authorization-cuba A gem of a little bar to discover by the sea: https://www.passionvaradero.com/post/un-bijou-de-petit-bar-au-bord-au-bord-de-la-mer Toilet paper in Varadero: https://www.passionvaradero.com/post/toilet-paper-in-varadero Treating a jellyfish sting: https://www.passionvaradero.com/post/soigner-une-pierce-de-meduse

That's it, your plane has just landed at Varadero International Airport, officially called Juan Gualberto Gomez Airport. Just a few more formalities and you'll be on your way to your hotel! First step: disembarkation As you exit the plane, your first observation will probably be… that it’s hot! If you can put on some light clothing before exiting the plane, you won’t regret it. An employee will then lead you to a room where you will wait for passport control. Step two: formalities Passport checking is done in a tiny area. The attendants are not very smiley. They will take a picture of you, without your glasses, while analyzing your documents. They will then give you your stamped passport which will become a nice souvenir. When the check is complete, you then exit through a door in front when the attendant activates the opening (you will hear a “buzz”). As you exit, you come to the security check for you and your hand luggage. You will then have to be patient because there is little equipment. You will have to go through the metal detector while your luggage is X-rayed. Then you can go and collect your luggage at the carousel. Step 3: Exit the airport When you leave the airport, you will see the representatives of the wholesalers who are clearly identified by their colors. They will tell you the number of the bus you should take. The buses are right in front of the airport, you can't miss them. Then it's time to have a drink! You can't miss the beverage vendors who will offer you bottles of water, cans of beer, etc. And the closer it is to departure time, the lower the prices! You will pay even less for your drinks, however, if you go to the small snack bar on your right if your back is to the terminal. It takes less than two minutes to walk to see it. And up on the bus! The journey to the first hotels takes about 30 minutes, but it can take up to 50 minutes for those at the very end of the peninsula. The buses are air-conditioned and you will have a beautiful view of the sea for a certain part of the journey. You will also pass through the small town of Boca de Camarioca and right next to Santa Marta from where you cross the bridge to arrive at Varadero. And then… long live the holidays!

In Cuba at the moment there is perhaps nothing abundant, except I believe fruits and vegetables in the agro-markets and apparently not even everywhere in the country. In Havana we are privileged in this sense. Obviously direct FINANCIAL aid would always be greatly appreciated. A few dollars will always relieve the pressure that the current inflation exerts on the Cuban family, especially for food prices. But sometimes even with money on hand, we are not able to provide for certain needs. So we have to think about CLOTHES, even if they were second hand, it doesn't matter, both for adults and children. The stores have been closed for many months, the new stores in MLC don't offer much yet due to the lack of imports, and on the parallel market the prices are really abusive for junk of the worst quality. The biggest family worry is with the clothes of teenagers. HYGIENIC products are also worth gold, soaps, detergents, toothpastes, shampoos, razors, shaving foam, perfumes, moisturizers and others. Favor quantities rather than the best quality. TOYS for the smallest children. There is nothing in the Cuban market at the moment, or so little, that we make wooden toys instead, but not everyone is able to make or buy them. CANDIES and other treats for children. It has been a long time since our children have had trouble enjoying them, especially chocolates. It is now available sometimes in MLC stores or in the hands of resellers. SCHOOL SUPPLIES of all kinds. Classes interrupted for health reasons should resume in September, and the new school year next January. Any kind of school supplies would then be very useful. DAILY MEDICATION such as antibiotics, analgesics, anti-inflammatories, antihistamines, fever reducers for children, vitamins, ointments for insect bites, stomach aches and aspirins among others. Since last year there has been a shortage of more than 200 medications of regular use for Cubans.

Workers' bus Some definitions and information The word "guagua" means a bus, whether it is new, old, for tourists or for Cubans. Origin of the word "Guagua" In Cuba and the Canary Islands, the term "Guagua" is used to refer to buses. It is believed that its origin comes from the company Wa & Wa Co. Inc. (Washington, Walton and Company Incorporated) which was the first American company to export buses to these islands. To see their initials labeled in this means of transport, people began to coin this term to name them, reaching this adaptation to this day. Buses "reserved" for hotel staff may occasionally pick up tourists, but this is rare. The "camiones" pick up the tourists without any problem. The "city buses" (Omnibus Hicacos) are in principle reserved for Cubans but it is possible for a tourist to get on if he is accompanying a Cuban. The price varies according to the distance. Collective taxis (collectivos) are taxis that are shared by several people. Nathalie Valiquette: "Collective taxi... we went from Cayo Coco to Varadero... for a 7-hour drive it was 60 CUC per person. And we changed taxis between the two. The 1 goes home and the other does the other 3 hours with us." Gaétan Vaudreuil: "I know that several collective taxis stand in front of Todo Uno calle 54 in the parking lot during the day." Viazul buses are those that travel between cities in Cuba. Viazul website: https://www.viazul.com/index.php

0% chance in 48 hours / 40% chance in 7 days Central Tropical Atlantic: A tropical wave over the central tropical Atlantic produces disorganized showers and thunderstorms. Environmental conditions appear favorable for the gradual development of this system, and a tropical depression could form early next week as it moves westward at 10 to 15 mph and approaches the Lesser Antilles. The system is then expected to move west to west-northwestward across parts of the eastern Caribbean Sea by the middle of next week.* Active storms in the Atlantic No active storms 0% chance in 48 hours / 40% chance in 7 days Near the Lesser Antilles and Caribbean Sea: Showers and thunderstorms associated with a tropical wave over the central tropical Atlantic remain disorganized. Gradual development of this system is possible over the next few days, and a tropical depression could form next week as it moves westward, reaching the Lesser Antilles on Monday and continuing across the Caribbean Sea mid-to-late this week. 48-hour chance of formation... low... near 0 percent. 7-day chance of formation... moderate... 40 percent. 0% chance in 48 hours / 20% chance in 7 days Eastern Tropical Atlantic: Another tropical wave between the west coast of Africa and the Cape Verde Islands is producing minimal shower and thunderstorm activity. Slow development of this system is possible through late next week as it slowly moves west-northwestward over the eastern and central tropical Atlantic. 48-hour chance of formation... low... near 0 percent. 7-day chance of formation... low... 20 percent.

History of Varadero Duration 26 minutes - Narration in Spanish at the beginning - Very beautiful images! https://youtu.be/rVTAEXYZKBE Varadero Cuba 1953 Duration 14 minutes - No narration - At 4:14 we see the old Hotel Internacional and at 9:45 the Kawama Hotel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCsuR4Y9SbE Cuba Varadero Beach 1956 Duration 3 minutes - No narration - We also see Matanzas - At 2:05, we see the old Oasis Hotel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KI3ZrwHc5QQ Varadero 1959 11 minutes long - No narration - Mainly footage of a regatta but you can see the beach towards the end https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5YqX4P0qEI 1933 Havana Cuba Travelogue 3487 Duration 10 minutes - Narrated in English https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5xjo5eP6P4 Cuba 1947 Duration 9 minutes - Narrated in English https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sf43LjybdtQ Cuba 1959 7 minutes long - No narration - Mostly footage of Havana https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nEBZw-a1Uec

Cuba's Participation in the Olympic Games: From the Past to Paris 2024 Introduction Cuba, a nation known for its passion for sport, has made Olympic history through its exceptional performances and talented athletes. From its beginnings in the early 20th century to its preparation for Paris 2024, Cuba’s Olympic legacy is rich and inspiring. Cuba's Olympic Debut Cuba's first participation in the Olympic Games was in 1900 in Paris. It was a modest entry with few participants, but it marked the beginning of a remarkable Olympic history. The first gold medal for Cuba came in 1904 in St. Louis, with the shooter Ramón Fonst, who became a legendary figure in the history of Cuban sport. The Glory Years: The 1980 Moscow and 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games Cuba really shone at the 1980 Moscow Olympics, winning 20 medals, including 8 gold, mainly in boxing and athletics. This confirmed Cuba's place among the world's great sporting nations. Barcelona 1992 was another highlight for Cuba, with 31 medals, including 14 gold. Cuban boxers, such as Félix Savón and Joel Casamayor, dominated the rings, while athletes like Ana Fidelia Quirot in athletics left an indelible mark. Cuba's Forces: Boxing, Athletics and Baseball Boxing is arguably the sport where Cuba has shone the most at the Olympic Games, with legendary champions such as Teófilo Stevenson and Félix Savón. Athletics and baseball have also been sources of national pride, with outstanding performances over the years. Paris 2024: Cuba's Olympic Hopes As Cuba heads to the 2024 Paris Olympics, expectations are high. Athletes like Mijaín López in Greco-Roman wrestling and Arlen López in boxing are medal hopes for the nation. Conclusion From its debut in Paris 1900 to today, Cuba has consistently proven itself to be a force to be reckoned with at the Olympic Games. The legacy of Cuban athletes continues to inspire future generations, and with Paris 2024 on the horizon, Cuba is poised to write a glorious new chapter in its Olympic history.

Northwest Gulf of Mexico: A broad area of low pressure near the upper Texas coast is producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms along and just off the Texas and Louisiana coasts. This system is expected to persist near the coast for much of next week, and slow development is possible if it meanders offshore. Regardless of developments, heavy rains could cause flash flooding in parts of coastal Louisiana and the upper Texas coast over the next few days. Chance of formation within 48 hours... low... 10 percent. 7 day training chance...low...20 percent. Near the Lesser Antilles and the Caribbean Sea: Shower activity associated with a tropical wave located several hundred kilometers east of the Lesser Antilles has become somewhat better organized since yesterday. Slow development is possible as the disturbance moves westward and reaches the Lesser Antilles on Monday. Later next week, the disturbance is expected to move toward the central and western Caribbean Sea, where conditions could become more favorable for development, and a tropical depression could form during this time. Chance of formation within 48 hours... low... 10 percent. Chance of formation over 7 days...average...40 percent.

September 27, 1513 marks one of the first milestones in Cuba's colonial history with the arrival of Spanish conquistador Diego Velázquez de Cuéllar , who would play a crucial role in the conquest and colonization of the island. Tasked by the Spanish authorities with expanding their empire into the Caribbean, Velázquez founded the first Cuban cities, establishing a permanent presence on the island that would have a profound and lasting impact on Cuban culture and history. Arrival in Cuba Velázquez, accompanied by troops and settlers, landed in Cuba with the mission of subjugating the indigenous Taíno people and taking control of the island in the name of Spain. By 1511 he had already begun this conquest, but his 1513 expedition was instrumental in establishing the first Spanish colonies. He founded the city of Baracoa , which became the first capital of Cuba, before going on to create cities such as Santiago de Cuba and Havana. The conquest of the Taínos Cuba's indigenous populations, primarily the Taínos, resisted the Spanish conquest. However, faced with Spanish military superiority and European diseases to which they had no immunity, the Taínos were quickly decimated. Diego Velázquez used violent strategies to establish Spanish authority, which led to the disappearance of the vast majority of Cuba's indigenous populations within a few decades. The colonial impact Under Velázquez, Cuba became an important hub for Spanish expansion into the Caribbean and Central America. The island's natural resources, especially gold, were exploited for the benefit of the Spanish crown, while European settlers began to settle on the island. Cuba's colonial history, beginning with the arrival of Velázquez, was characterized by resource exploitation, the enslavement of indigenous peoples, and later the introduction of African slavery to maintain the growing agricultural economy, particularly in sugar and tobacco. Velázquez's Legacy Today, Diego Velázquez's legacy is complex. On the one hand, he is recognized for having played a fundamental role in establishing the first political and economic structures of the island, but on the other hand, he is also associated with the violence of colonization and the destruction of indigenous cultures. His influence on the history of Cuba is undeniable and his conquest shaped the foundations of modern Cuban society.

Terminals to speed up service If you are arriving at one of Canada's busiest international airports, you can now confirm your identity and complete an on-screen declaration using a primary inspection kiosk. Download the CBSA eDeclaration mobile app to save even more time when you arrive in Canada. In which airports are these terminals accessible? The terminals are located at the following airports: · Vancouver International Airport – YVR · Edmonton International Airport – YEG · Winnipeg Richardson International Airport – YWG · Terminal 3 of Toronto Pearson International Airport – YYZ · Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport – YTZ · Ottawa International Airport – YOW · Montreal-Trudeau International Airport – YUL · Quebec City Jean Lesage International Airport – YQB · Halifax Stanfield International Airport – YHZ To learn more https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/pik-bip-fra.html

This great invention called the nap. A siesta is a custom of resting for a few minutes, or even a few hours, after eating lunch at noon, in order to fall asleep briefly in order to recover energy for the rest of the day or to endure a long night. This word comes from the Roman sixth hour, which designates the sixth solar hour, corresponding to 12 o'clock. As for time, this siesta can vary from 20 minutes, up to 3 or 4 hours. The siesta and the late afternoon walk are part of the Cuban customs that have been maintained over time to this day. We leave around 5 in the afternoon to take a good walk, which sometimes takes us to the sea. A short sleep during the day should be around 20 to 30 minutes to avoid feeling groggy for too long afterwards, some experts suggest. The best time to take a nap during the day is at 3:00 p.m.; according to the same experts, the ideal time is defined by the natural rhythm of our body, the so-called circadian rhythm, which falls around three in the afternoon, the time that Lola mataron has. At this time, many people experience drowsiness or inattention, but after a short nap, they tend to be more attentive and creative, their ability to learn improves, and they retain their memories better. When you're sleep deprived, nothing good happens to your mood, concentration, health and immune system, other experts say. These same experts specify that sleep should not exceed half an hour, because if you sleep more, you risk falling into a deep sleep that could leave us dizzy for at least an hour more after waking up. On the other hand, if we take a long nap, we may have problems falling asleep at night. But for the native Cuban, the nap between 2 and 4 in the afternoon is not something negotiable. After lunch, we feel the typical drowsiness of digestion and we will not be useful for anything else for the rest of the day; we have to take a nap for a few hours, then we wake up like new, with a coffee in hand at 4 in the afternoon and ready to finish any task, even remake the world. Let no one think that taking a good nap will take away our night's sleep. To each his own. After having lived the night properly, we will surely fall exhausted into the arms of Morpheus, to get up early the next day, since the Cuban is by nature a morning person, we get up very early to enjoy the day, knowing that after lunch, we will be able to regain our strength, with a good nap... finally, we are the real experts of life.

Granizados are typical Cuban products prepared with frosted ice that is served in a disposable cup, often made of paper or cardboard, and a fruit-flavored syrup is added. It is undoubtedly the most popular and refreshing drink that every Cuban has tried to face the hot climate of Cuba. Nothing better than finding a granizados stand at noon after walking for miles or beating a typical Cuban queue. Currently, disposable plastic cups are often used, but many are wary of the hygiene and origin of plastic containers, which do not always come from honest and conscientious hands, but from irresponsible recycling. I remember that in the past, you could cool off anywhere in Cuba with a delicious granita for only 1 Cuban peso. This drink has always existed in the memory of this island with its perpetual and suffocating heat. Perhaps more than for business, granizados have always been a necessity of Cuba's eternal summer. Everything seems to indicate that the sale of the mixture of crushed ice and syrup dates back to the early years of the Republic, shortly after the founding of the first two ice factories, La Tropical and La Polar, in Cuba. Granizados have always been made with crushed ice, on which fruit essences or juices are poured, strawberry, mint, anise, lemon, tamarind, grape and orange among others. They have always been sold in three-wheeled carts, made of wood or metal, with a roof to cover the seller. Its interior is composed of two parts, in the lower part is placed the ice, which is one of the raw materials of the granita, on the upper compartment there are two shelves where the bottles that transport the liquid are placed. In the city of Trinidad there is an old cart of granizados, precisely like those of the time of the Republic. To scrape the ice, an iron device called a "cepillo" (brush) is essential. This tool, which in addition to scraping the ice, serves as a measure of what should be served. In some eastern provinces of Cuba, it is called raspado or rasco-rasco. In today's Havana, self-employed workers follow the tradition, but now having a granizado costs much more than we remember. In any case, people do not resist, and when they come across a granizados seller, they cannot avoid the temptation to taste the most refreshing drink of the Cuban people.

The Scissor Sharpeners Scissor sharpeners practice a trade that is probably ancient and had almost disappeared in Cuba, a trade that was once the support of many families and which is happily being reborn in Havana. The street sharpeners seemed practically extinct. For a long time, their distinctive sound was not heard, coming from a simple whistle, also called chifle, a particular melody that identifies them as they gently cross the city streets. Although initially the sharpening wheel was carried on the back, later special wheelbarrows with a single wheel arrived which, when turned over, were converted into sharpening machines. One day the sharpening stones were adapted to the bicycle and since then the bicycle has become a rudimentary but effective traveling workshop, which functioned as an extension of the hands of these artisans. Usually, the scissor sharpener has in his rolling workshop two stones of different grits, sometimes even a very small vice and a bag hanging from the handlebar with some utensils such as tweezers and screwdrivers for certain adjustments, as well as a pile of scraps of fabric to check the cut of the cutting instrument, although there are also those who simply prefer to check the successful sharpness by cutting the hairs on their arms in front of the customer. The energy that drives his work comes from constant pedaling, so a mid-morning snack and fresh water cannot be missing from the artisan's effort, just like a hat to defy the scorching Cuban sun. In general, the traveling sharpeners work in the morning, taking advantage of the cool weather, and in the afternoon they return home, aboard their rudimentary workshop, which also serves as an efficient means of transport. With the recent development of forms of private work, this profession has emerged from oblivion. It is really nice to have again the valuable home service that the scissor sharpeners provide, as well as to hear the particular sound of their harmonica, which is also part of the most unique urban traditions of Cuba.

The hygiene of the streets of the capital is full of contrasts. Havana, like the whole country, often shows a very clean facade in general, it is true, we can affirm that Cuba is clean, but other times when we enter the depths of certain neighborhoods we discover a dirtier and more disorganized city, where the collection of waste is only carried out from time to time and the garbage accumulates in the corners, because the cleaning trucks often only travel the large avenues and not every day. Today, habits that promote the cleanliness of the city have been somewhat lost, such as the collection of garbage every night and the custom of not taking out the daily garbage from the house until evening. Unfortunately, at the same time, other habits have proliferated, such as that of indolently scattering garbage in any corner. It is worth noting that we do not always find the necessary garbage dumps in every corner of the city. Sometimes we walk hundreds of meters along busy streets and there is not a single trash can available. However, in other places you will find many garbage tanks assembled for fun. In the effort to maintain the cleanliness of the city, we meet a fundamental character: the street sweeper. Street sweepers are indeed a vital profession that does not, however, receive all the recognition it deserves from our society. Every day, shortly after 5 a.m., when the silence of the night still reigns, from the house one first hears the creaking of the unlubricated bearings and metal wheels on the sidewalk, of that cart invented to organize his work; then it stops and there one feels the regular rhythm of the broom that my neighbor sweeper uses to clean the streets and that the neighborhood always wakes up spotless. His cleaning cart has two tanks to empty the collected waste, and to carry his work tools, that is, a broom and a dustpan, as well as some hooks that are used to hang bags, where he will usually place something to eat and drink, or store a valuable object found in his daily work. In the end, it is incredible how much he finds that can be useful, even commercial, but that others have thrown away. Digging through trash cans is sadly becoming an increasingly common practice. My neighbor is an elderly person, like almost all those who dedicate themselves to this work, he is a sociable person, quite talkative, who likes to smoke a cigar while working, but also very devoted to his noble task that often goes unnoticed by the population, who unfortunately do not always contribute to respecting the work of these workers, to whom we owe much of the communal hygiene and an essential part of the beauty of the city too. The job of street sweeper has always been looked down upon in Cuba. For many, it is the last option to consider for work. On the other hand, people are often indolent and throw waste left and right, sometimes unconsciously, or due to lack of culture and education, and thus complicate the work of the street sweeper who already has a hard time without the right means of work and protection, and without sufficient wage support. Our street sweepers almost always have to get handmade palm leaf swabs to sweep. When the city is still asleep, the street sweepers work so that when we go out to do our daily chores, we find the city clean. But we also see them working under the midday sun of summer or exposed to the humidity and cold typical of the first mornings of the Cuban winter. It is undoubtedly a dignified job and full of sacrifices.

According to the makers Black Tears Rum is an emotional blend of Cuban rum and spices, identity of a country that fills this bottle, inspired by the Cuban song Lagrimas Negras, and the Cuban way of life, certainly a good legacy to celebrate Cuba. Black Tears is said to be the first Cuban dry spiced rum on the world market. The sweet and sour taste is what sets Black Tears apart from all other spiced rums, as well as its low sugar content, typical of Cuban rum. It is flavored with coffee and cocoa, and sweet chili pepper, which is one of the most distinctive flavors of Cuban cuisine. The result is a very elegant and well-balanced spiced rum, it is true, although perhaps too sweet for my personal taste, without being such a caramelized Legendario Elixir de Cuba. Small beer drinkers will undoubtedly appreciate this Cuban rum which will certainly not bring black tears to their eyes.

The soursop or spiny cachiman is the fruit of a tree with a tropical climate, of unknown origin near Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Cuba and the Caribbean region in general. The fruit is very delicate, dark green in color and covered with soft thorns. It is a relatively large fruit with very thin skin. The guanabana must be harvested before maturity. If the fruit ripens on the tree it is often devoured by birds and bats, in addition it is easily detached by its weight. The fruits can weigh up to 5 kg per unit. The pulp is white, creamy, juicy and slightly acidic, and its typical aroma is similar to that of pineapple. Like other fruits of the anonaceae family, it is full of small seeds to be patiently removed. Its vitamin C and provitamin A content make it an ideal fruit in relation to its antioxidant action, which also helps to reduce the risk of diseases such as cardiovascular, degenerative disorders or even cancer, as well as delaying the aging process. Since 1999, various information about the effectiveness of soursop tea in curing cancer has been circulating, but there is still no clinical study in humans. Soursop is antimicrobial and its low caloric and fat intake makes it an ally for people who want to lose weight. In addition, by having soluble fiber, compared favorably to other tropical fruits such as oranges, this fruit has laxative properties and provides a feeling of satiety. Soursop is usually eaten fresh or in fruit and vegetable salads and is also used in the production of fruit juices, ice creams and Cuban champola.

The cherimoya comes from South America, from the Andean border area between Ecuador and Peru. It is a very delicate fruit, with little resistance to transport, which locally reduces its consumption. This fruit grows wild in Cuba and begins to ripen only in autumn, but in winter it has its best production time. It is advisable to harvest the cherimoya before it ripens on the tree and the birds and bats will get there before us in eating it. When buying this fruit from farmers on the country's roads, we must make sure that it is not damaged at all and that it gives off a fresh and slightly fragrant smell. If the fruit is ripe, we will notice it right away because the tip of the finger sinks into it at the slightest pressure on the skin. It should then be eaten immediately. As it is a very digestible fruit, its consumption is highly recommended for convalescents, the elderly, those with digestive disorders and, above all, for children and pregnant women. It also has a satiating and regulating effect on blood glucose and cholesterol levels. Due to its low sodium intake, rich in potassium and low fat, it is recommended for people with high blood pressure or heart or vascular disorders. The vitamin C in cherimoya facilitates the healing of many rheumatic and arthritic diseases, in addition to having an antioxidant action and being highly recommended to fight colds. Sweet and creamy, due to its alkaline character and its antacid power, the pulp of cherimoya will help prevent digestive ulcers or gastritis. The best way to eat this fruit is in its natural state, just cut it in half and eat its white and juicy pulp with a small spoon, avoiding the seeds. It can also be eaten in a fruit salad or as a dessert with a pinch of sugar, although delicious juices and ice creams are also prepared.

Photo by Simo Bgr The oldest inhabitant of Varadero: the cactus El Patriarca The El Patriarca cactus was probably seen by Christopher Columbus El Patriarca (the patriarch) is a giant cactus (over 6 meters – 20 feet – tall) of the Dendrocerus Nudiflorus family. It is located in the Varahicacos Ecological Reserve, on the eastern tip of the Hicacos Peninsula, next to the Ocean Varadero El Patriarca Hotel. The land where El Patriarca is located can be accessed from the road or from the beach. This cactus is considered the oldest living being in Cuba and the only witness to the arrival of Christopher Columbus that is still alive today. Some details The site is accessible both by road and by beach, but not necessarily easy to find. Access hours are 9am to 4:30pm daily. Several people say it's worth it if you're staying at the Ocean El Patriarca Hotel or not far away, but they wouldn't pay for a taxi just to see the cactus. Should I go see it or not? To each his own choice! If you want to read comments before making your decision, here is a link that presents some in French: https://fr.tripadvisor.ca/Attraction_Review-g147275-d669557-Reviews-Cactus_Patriarch-Varadero_Matanzas_Province_Cuba.html#photos;aggregationId=101&albumid=101&filter=7&ff=36316987 Scientific data on the species Order : Caryophyllales Family : Cactaceae – Cactaceae Tribe : Pachycereeae – Hylocereeae Genus : Dendrocereus Species : Dendrocereus nudiflorus Keywords : Cactaceae Dendrocereus Dendrocereus nudiflorus (Syn. Cereus nudiflorus ) is a shrubby cactus, branched in its upper part, which can reach 10 meters high, native to Cuba. Dendrocereus nudiflorus is found in the northeast of the island of Cuba and in particular Varadero where it grows in dry and stony forests, as well as at their edges. Dendrocereus nudiflorus can live more than 500 years. Dendrocereus nudiflorus has thick, succulent, 3-5 ribbed stems. Dendrocereus nudiflorus produces white, fragrant, nocturnal, funnel-shaped flowers. The flowers are followed by greenish, smooth, cylindrical, pear-shaped fruits. Source: https://faaxaal.blogspot.com/2017/07/Flore-de-Cuba-Dendrocereus-nudiflorus-Cactus-geant-de-Varadero.html

Photo by Michel Gauthier Top 10 suggestions from one of our members 1 - Find yourself a Casa in Centro Havana. Just finding a casa directly on site will be an experience in itself. The first night can be done on AirBnB, but after that, we try to find one ourselves. We set a budget of 25-30 cuc per night, we walk down a street that interests us, and when we see a Casa Particular sign, we knock and ask if there is a room available... if there isn't, or if the room doesn't suit you, there's a good chance that the owner will go see his/her neighbors to see who has one. 2 - Go to the local market in the morning. Buy fruits in season. An avocado and a mango of one kilo each will cost you 1 cuc maximum, and nothing to do with the fruits that are served at the buffet because they are so good. 3 - Learn the map of Havana, and be aware that there are 3 main parts. Old Havana which is 95% tourists, Centro Havana where many poor Cubans live, and Vedado which is like the commercial heart for Cubans. A walk down San Lazaro Avenue will give you a good idea of what life is like in Havana. 4 - If you see some Cubans lining up for a makeshift restaurant in their house, go for it. You will probably get a good pizza for 10 national pesos, or an excellent Cuban sandwich, or a coffee. 5 - Be nice to everyone, but be wary of those who stop you on the street to invite you to a bar, or sell you a music CD, or whatever. A simple "no gracias" and you're done. It's part of the Havana experience. 6 - In Havana, there is no problem to have a drink, and Cubans will never judge you if you are a little drunk at 2 in the afternoon. Alcoholism is not part of their vocabulary since if a man/woman can drink every day, it is because he/she is not poor and has succeeded in life. Go to a bar in Cuba where there are no tourists, and watch Cuban life go by, you will see very interesting things! .... for example, it is normal to see a Cuban woman arrive with a bag full of underwear and negotiate to exchange the bag for a bottle of rum, or to see a 95 year old lady go to the bar to buy a cigar and smoke it while rummaging in the bag of underwear to see which pair of g-strings would fit her. 7 - If you are lucky enough to be invited to dinner at a Cuban's house, go buy a cake from a pastry shop (for the matriarch of the family), and a bottle of cheap rum (for the patriarch of the family). Leave your wallet at the casa, and leave the gifts at your casa. Have a great evening. They will have much more respect for you if they perceive you as a guest, as opposed to an ATM that dispenses toothpaste. 8 - Collectivo. Unless you are really caught off guard, do not take a taxi. There are collectivo routes that go everywhere, and it is an experience to get into a 60 year old car, which stops to pick up a Cuban who is going to the market with a chicken LOL.... it will cost you 1 cuc for two people. 9 - La Guarida. Want a good restaurant where it is really worth arriving early to take pictures? Located right in the center of Centro Havana, it is worth it. It's expensive, but you've saved so much money eating street sandwiches that you can afford it at least once! 10 - Malecon, at night.... Bring a backpack with at least 2 1-liter bottles of rum, and go to the Malecon wall to watch the sunset. Rum on the Malecon becomes "communal" and pretty much everyone will get involved. We share rum, we share good times, we make great friends, all this with the breeze and the sound of the ocean hitting the rocks... an experience to live that is worth 10X any excursion available in the Caribbean... If you prefer a single day trip There are two options: bus tours offered from your hotel or those done with a private guide (taxi transportation from your hotel – make sure to use an air-conditioned taxi for your comfort). We did the bus one, but next time, it will definitely be with a private guide! No unnecessary waiting because people do not respect the instructions and no long stops at places that do not interest us or very little! See this article for suggested guides from our members: The Guides | Passion Varadero There are also articles on these guides if you search with the magnifying glass.

The last population and housing census in Cuba, conducted in 2012, revealed that 18% of the population was already in its sixties. This figure has now risen to more than 21% of the population, which represents approximately 2.3 million elderly people out of a population of just over 11 million. These statistics place Cuba among the countries with the most aging populations in Latin America and the Caribbean. According to a study by the Inter-American Development Bank, the percentage of people over 60 in the region is 11%. Furthermore, projections indicate that by 2050, Cuban society could be among those with the greatest longevity in the world. As a new national census approaches, scheduled for September 2023, the outlook for the country remains worrying, especially regarding the birth rate. The serious economic situation is causing many new families to delay the decision to have children. For decades, Cuba has faced a continuous decline in the birth rate, a prolonged life expectancy, as well as chronic emigration of its young population. The long-awaited and necessary reactivation of the economy could prove to be very complex. It has already been deeply affected by the economic blockade and by the recurring administrative errors of the Cuban government. To face this demographic challenge, it is imperative to implement urgent plans to encourage younger generations to start families and ensure the continuity of the Cuban population. At this point, the situation has become as emblematic as the old American cars that still circulate in the country.

Who is Antonio? I studied at the University of Matanzas with a degree in Tourism, I also have a Master's degree in Cuban History. I speak Spanish, English, French and Italian. I have been working as a guide since 2016. Its services and prices I regularly take excursions to Havana and can give you details if you wish. I really enjoy giving tours of the city of Matanzas where I live. I can tailor them to my clients' interests. I can include visiting the caves, snorkeling, the village, the stadium and even, for those interested in humanitarian causes, I can take you to the orphanage if you want to donate. I also do excursions to the Bay of Pigs, a famous place for snorkeling and scuba diving. And also trips to visit a crocodile farm, villages, various crop fields, etc. I can tailor the excursions to your interests! Also my right arm, my ears, my eyes, he is simply incredible, but a friend above all 🔥 The link to his page to join him https://www.passionvaradero.com/antonio-montano

Photo shared by Gigi Ginette - Gathering of our members on Calle 62 on October 31, 2019 When you think of Cuba, you immediately imagine old American cars, cigars, rum, a kaleidoscope of colors, baseball, mojitos, sunny beaches, orishas, rumba, salsa, dominoes, roast pork, congrí, the Revolution and above all, a warm and resilient people, always moving forward despite the trials. But Cuba is above all a true fusion of African, European, Asian and American cultures, a cultural mosaic that continues to evolve over time, influenced by globalization. Our famous cultural "ajiaco" (a metaphorical soup) continues to transform, constantly enriching itself with new ingredients that, over the generations, become part of our national identity. Halloween, a holiday of Anglo-Saxon origin derived from the Celtic Samhain (which celebrated the end of the harvest and the arrival of autumn) and the Catholic All Saints' Day, has no deep roots in Cuba. The tropical climate of the island, with alternating dry and rainy seasons, contrasts with the seasonal concept of Halloween. Costumes are also difficult to afford, especially in the current economic climate, and pumpkins, although cultivated, are used more for food consumption than for making lanterns. In addition, candy, essential for "trick or treat", is scarce. Halloween appeared in Cuba more than half a century ago, thanks to the close ties that some Cuban families had with North America. In the wealthy circles of the Republican era, costume parties inspired by American traditions were held. However, after the Revolution of 1959, this celebration was perceived as bourgeois and consumerist, and it quickly disappeared from the public scene. In the 1980s, some young Cubans began to revive Halloween traditions, although it was not until the beginning of the 21st century that the celebration really took root among young people. In 2009, a large Halloween party was held at a university club in Havana, where participants dressed up as vampires, witches, and other fantastical creatures. The success of this event led to the recurrence of these parties, marking the beginning of a new tradition among a certain part of the Cuban population, mainly in the big cities. Today, despite some obstacles, we see more and more children making their own costumes and participating in private parties or costume parties, inspired by zombie and vampire films. However, it is especially in tourist areas that we see an effort to recreate a version of Halloween aimed at foreign visitors, whose culture is more attached to these traditions. In Cuban culture, there is no equivalent celebration to Halloween. Some imported traditions have faded over time, and have merged into the Catholic tradition of attending the Mass of the Dead to honor the dead. Halloween in Canada: https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/fr/article/halloween

The origin of Cuban Arecha rum dates back in history to José Arechabala, one of the founding fathers of Cuban rum in the late 19th century, when the Bacardi and Havana Club rum brands were also founded. After a long time, the forgotten pearl of the Caribbean, as this rum was nicknamed, is back on the market to the great delight of Cubans and lovers of light rum. Arecha Añejo Reserva Rum is a premium dark rum, which is aged for more than 10 years in American white oak barrels. It is a medium intensity rum, with tan tones, which is well matured and has a very smooth flavor. Thanks to the high quality of the sugar cane used in its production and the long maturation period of the brandy, this mid-range Cuban rum is ideal to drink pure, without excluding its use in the preparation of cocktails. This is the booster dose we need regularly, both to drive out evil and to ensure a certain individual and collective happiness.

Aldabó was a Cuban brand of rum and spirits that came to compete with the best in the world at the beginning of the 20th century. Bacardí and Arrechabala are the most important names in the history of Cuban rum, but as it is logical to suppose, their factories were not the only ones to have achieved so much popularity. Aldabó is another of those important family names in the history of Cuban rum. Founded in 1885, the liqueur factory had managed to acquire a certain notoriety in the industry of alcoholic derivatives of sugar cane. Mr. Enrique Aldabó was a brilliant Cuban industrialist to whom we owe much of the admirable progress made by the spirits industry in our country. Aldabó's production included several of the most renowned liqueurs of the time, among which stood out the Vino Piña, the Triple-Sec Aldabó, made from orange, and the liqueur creams such as Piña, Anón, Café and Cacao. The excellence of its productions had allowed it to achieve a notable international prestige. But shortly after the process of nationalization of the Cuban economy in the 1960s, the famous house on Monte Street #991 disappeared. Aldabó liqueurs are part of the rich history that accompanies the excellence of Cuban rum, which despite its worldwide recognition has left aside the large-scale production of liqueurs. However, it is worth mentioning the Ron Cubay house, which currently produces a good variety of Cuban liqueurs of great popular acceptance. As a fitting tribute, the Empresa de Bebidas y Licores de la Habana today produces this high-quality rum cream that bears his name, thus perpetuating the history of Enrique Aldabó's distillery. Aldabó rum cream, with a sweet taste of creamy milk and white chocolate, is very good to drink cold, with ice cubes, or mixed with coffee and white or even brown rum, it is simply delicious, even better in hot chocolate or as an ice cream topping.

Ron Caney ORO LIGERO is a Cuban rum of great finesse, which after aging for about 5 years, offers a spicy woody flavor rounded off with the sweetness of vanilla. Its golden color offers a very rewarding visual gift. It slides lightly on the palate, certainly, but remains intense for the senses, and its agreement is perfect with the subtlety of the good Cuban cigar. Here is another little Cuban treasure to discover on your next visit.

Paticruzado rum or Paticruzao, as it is usually called in Cuba, has always been very popular among Cubans, especially in the east of the island. According to a legend in Santiago de Cuba, the cradle of Cuban light rum and Paticruzao, when the market placed Bacardí rum, at very affordable prices, as one of the main rum traders since the end of the 19th century, the exclusive house of Ron Añejo Matusalem, its local competitor, revealed a family secret kept in the factory where some barrels lay incognito, with rum bases with sui generis characteristics. Then the taster on duty tasted the formula, bequeathing part of the name of the drink to posterity when he said: ¡Esto paticruza al más pintao! That is to say roughly: whoever drinks this will end up cross-legged (drunk). This is how the Matusalem house of aged rums then returned to the usual popular preference with the new Paticruzao at more competitive prices. It is also said that the Rum Palmas Los Marinos Paticruzado, was specially designed for sailors, a social sector that at the time often could not buy the best rums produced by Bacardí or the aged rums of Matusalem, widely spread in the market for their quality but with prices that were inaccessible to them. Amber in appearance, clear, shiny, transparent; with a subtle taste and smell, gently perceptible by its aged note, Paticruzao is as pleasant to the palate, and even more so, than any other traditional rum from Santiago de Cuba, a perfect match for our cigars. Currently, the brand belongs to the Santiago de Cuba rum producer. It has been a long time, many years of waiting and almost oblivion, that this marvel of rum had disappeared from the national market. We are therefore delighted with the happy return of Paticruzado to the chain of stores specializing in Cuban cigars, coffee and rum.

The distillery, founded in 1944, inherits the name of the Cuban city where it is located. The Santísima Trinidad range is made up of three products differentiated from each other by their years of aging, which gives them a very particular flavor. The house’s master rum maker carefully selects each product, overseeing the various stages of aging: 3 años, with a light golden color and a slightly aged flavor with a barely perceptible sweetness; 7 años, with a bright amber color and a slightly sweet flavor; and 15 años, with a dark amber color and a deep aged flavor. This rum is not marketed in Cuba.

Ron Caney Carta Blanca, is a rum that only matures for about 3 years in oak barrels before leaving the cellars of Santiago de Cuba, to go directly to the market. It is a slightly yellow rum, with a very natural flavor and aroma, a little spicy with notes of vanilla and honey. This rum is suitable for all known preparations and cocktails based on Cuban white rum.

Ron Legendario was created in 1946 and very old methods are still used in its production process. For a very long time this rum was produced at the old BOCOY distillery located in Calzada del Cerro, Havana. Today there is only one of the best rum, coffee and cigar shops in the city, then the opportunity to taste a superb unique flambé cappuccino at the bar. The Legendario house currently has the following production lines: ▪︎Legendario Carta Blanca Superior ▪︎Legendario Añejo Blanco ▪︎Legendario Dorado ▪︎Legendario Añejo 7 años ▪︎Elixir de Cuba The latter, obtained from a unique blend of sweet white wine and sugar cane brandy, would be the most representative product of the legendary brand, of excellent quality and international recognition. For its sweetness this liqueur rum would have the reputation of being exclusively the drink of Cuban women.

José Antonio Aponte, often known as "Negro" José Aponte, was a Cuban political activist and military officer of Yoruba origin who organized one of Cuba's largest slave rebellions, the Aponte Conspiracy of 1812, the first conspiracy in Cuban history against the Spanish metropolis. José Antonio Aponte y Ulabarra was born in Havana in 1760 and hanged in Santiago de Cuba on April 9, 1812. A black Creole, free man, carpenter, sculptor, cabinetmaker, he led the first conspiracy of a national nature that traces the history of Cuba, from the capital and across the island to Baracoa, in the far east. He was trained as a laborer and carpenter. He was also the first corporal of the Havana militia, in the Marine Battalion. Popular legend attributes to him having participated as a militiaman with the black troops of Havana, commanded by General Gálvez and Lieutenant Colonel Francisco de Miranda, in the American War of Independence. At the beginning of 1811, under the pretext of celebrating religious acts and common festivals, the conspirators began to gather. They would finally take up arms on March 15, 1812, at the Peñas Altas sugar mill, in Guanabo, east of Havana. His goals were initially to abolish slavery, although as his thinking evolved he came to embrace the idea of island independence. On April 9, 1812, free blacks as well as black slaves were hanged without trial to end the insurrection. Then, the heads of José Antonio Aponte and other major leaders were cut off and put in iron cages to be displayed in public places. His movement is considered national not only because it succeeded in conspiracy throughout the island and provoked uprisings in various regions, but also because black, mestizo and white Cubans of different social classes, free men and slaves, were involved in it.

The Metropolitan Park, better known as Almendares Park, is considered the lung of the capital of Havana, a tropical forest of great landscape value, the only area of the city with the presence of an urban forest that crosses the lands corresponding to four municipalities of Havana. Almendares Park is located on the banks of the Almendares River, west of the city of Havana, and is approximately seven kilometers long. In the late 1920s, the Ministry of Public Works invited Jean Claude Nicolás Forestier, then curator of the Parks of Paris, to Cuba to make the relevant recommendations to give Havana a fresher and more modern appearance. The French urban planner then conceived the creation of a Great National Park on the banks of the Almendares River. Forestier's proposal could not be realized immediately, but throughout the 1930s, when the area was already trapped in the expansion of the city, and some urban projects were carried out, including the Havana Forest. Shortly after the triumph of the Revolution, the construction of the Almendares Park took place next to the bridge that bears the same name. The construction included an amusement park for children, cafeterias and spaces for holding parties. The Metropolitan Park continued to develop in the 1990s, but it is an unfinished project, as it is still perceived as a series of scattered natural spaces, each with its own personality. Part of this forest is a protected area in the category of protected natural landscapes in Cuba and is called Isla Josefina. It is one of the most beautiful places in Havana with dense tropical vegetation, where the visitor can enjoy a natural environment of tropical jungle, without leaving the city. The protected natural landscape of Isla Josefina occupies an area of almost 9 hectares on both banks of the Almendares, and brings great landscape value to this area of varied and exuberant vegetation. The origin of the name Isla Josefina, of this part of the park, is linked to Mrs. Josefa (Josefina) Juana Gabriela de Embil Quesada, who was the former owner of these lands in the second half of the 19th century. In the forest there are several leisure centres such as Parque Almendares, El Parque Forestal, the Almendares Amphitheatre, Los Jardines de La Tropical and Los Jardines de La Polar, the last two in the gardens of old breweries, where famous concerts were regularly held. Unfortunately, the immense pollution of the river; due to the old industries installed nearby and the marginal neighborhoods that dump wastewater there, makes this natural park less attractive, as well as the usual presence of remains of animal sacrifices related to the practices and rituals of Cuban Santeria on the banks of the river. However, these wooded areas of Havana appear as a bubble of peace and tranquility, a natural redoubt of fresh air so that locals and visitors can escape from time to time from the typical hustle and bustle of the urban jungle.

Canadian sailor, merchant, soldier, explorer and colonial administrator, born July 16, 1661 in Villemarie, Montreal, and died July 9, 1706 in Havana, Cuba, victim of yellow fever, a disease that often struck the Caribbean at that time. A man of action, he is known to have fought effectively against the British army for most of his life, destroying several enemy colonies, in addition to founding forts and participating in the exploration of North America. He is thus the founder of the French colony of Louisiana, in New France, and of the cities of Biloxi (today Mississippi) and Mobile (Alabama). In 1706 Iberville captured the English-held island of Nevis and went to Havana to obtain reinforcements from the Spanish, the established enemies of the British, and thus attack in the Carolinas. He was a captain in the French navy, an accomplished sailor, recognized as the hero of Hudson Bay. The famous high-ranking military man died in Havana of yellow fever in the summer of 1706, aboard his ship El Justo. He was buried the same day in the Church of San Cristóbal de La Habana. Later, his remains were transferred to the Palace of the Captains General, which is now the Museum of the City of Havana, where his tombstone can still be seen. His brief passage in Cuban history was perpetuated near the fortress of "La Punta", at the entrance to the Bay of Havana. The statue of the overseas admiral, donated by the city of Quebec, was indeed erected in 1999 in a privileged landscape, his gaze fixed beyond the ocean, towards the northern homeland, where he could never return.

Havana Club is a brand of rum made in Santa Cruz del Norte, Cuba. The brand was created in 1878 by José Arechabala, born in Gordejuela, Vizcaya, Spain and was nationalized in 1960 after the Cuban revolution. José Arechabala Aldama was a factory owner, sugar broker, beverage industry, jam, yeast and several other products derived from sugar cane. He was a family owner and president since 1958 of "J. Arechabala SA", a large manufacturing complex with jam, yeast and syrup factories, sugar warehouses, maritime terminal and shipyards in Cárdenas. Since 1993, Havana Club rum has been produced by the Havana Club International consortium, a joint venture between Pernod Ricard and the Cuban government. The most popular flavors and qualities in the market would be: ☆ Blanco añejo ☆ 3 años ☆ Especial añejo ☆ Reserva añejo ☆ 7 años ☆ Selección de maestros ☆ San Cristobal de La Habana - Ron Añejo Solera ☆ Gran Añejo 15 años ☆ Máximo - Extra Añejo Rum Ron Añejo 15 años is a variety that is not always available on the market and is relatively difficult to obtain. Solera Añejo San Cristóbal This is Ron Añejo Solera San Cristóbal a special edition that is only sold at the official distillery of the Havana Club. Solera San Cristóbal was created by the celebrations of the 480th anniversary of the Villa de San Cristóbal in Havana. International sales. Havana Club is the fifth largest rum brand in the world, with nearly 4 million cases sold annually. It is marketed abroad by beverage producer Pernod Ricard. However, there are many other brands of rum in Cuba, also very popular with Cubans. This is the case of Ron Santiago de Cuba, Ron Legendario, Ron Mulata and Ron Cubay among others. These drinks are much less present in the international market, unlike some of the productions of the Cuban company TECNOAZUCAR, which owns brands of Cuban rum marketed only abroad. Rum is for the Cuban people a culture, a sign of national identity and an ancestral tradition for the country's economy, inextricably linked to the history of the sugar industry whose alcohols derived from the production of cane sugar constitute the main raw material of our rum distilleries. A glass of good Cuban rum will always be one of the best ways to make the celebration a celebration of the mind and body. Drinking rum - if it is not an exaggeration to say - gives a cultural status during the toast. Even more than beer, for its remarkable tendency to verbiage and popular expansion. It's almost time to toast again to the land of rum... let's raise our glasses to the health and happiness of all Cuba enthusiasts.

The Havana Special is said to be the forgotten train route that connected the United States and Cuba by sea, and the Habana Especial is to this day an authentic Cuban drink that contains all the typical ingredients of the island's cocktails: rum, fruit and of course the refreshing ice. The history of this purely Cuban cocktail dates back to the second decade of the 20th century, exactly in 1912, when the American billionaire Henry Flagler built a railway that he called "The Havana Special." The train route ran from New York to Miami, then through the islets of southern Florida until it reached Key West. The entire journey took about two days, depending on the weather, but it was an adventure well worth it. But the journey didn't end there. When the cars reached Key West, they were loaded onto huge ships prepared for the purpose, and transported for 10 long hours to Havana, before continuing their journey by train to the city of Santiago de Cuba. Thanks to this route, thousands of North American tourists arrived, year after year, in the largest of the Antilles, as many were attracted by the idea of being able to visit the island without having to get off the train the entire way. A feat of such magnitude took seven years to complete. To implement it, German steel and cement were used, as well as Cuban wood. It is estimated that 4,000 men were working simultaneously. Despite the typical tropical weather, on January 22, 1912, the railway connecting the United States and Cuba was inaugurated. Twenty-three years later, in September 1935, the structure of this enterprising road was damaged by a category five hurricane. The owners of the Havana Special sold the remains to the Florida government. This made it possible to lay out, in 1938, the roads that connect the Florida Keys to this day. As it was a long and exhausting journey, when the ferries arrived in Havana, travelers sometimes took up to several days of rest in the capital before continuing their journey to the east of the country. During this break, tourists took the opportunity to go out and visit the capital, and surely stop at the Floridita bar which was already famous. The owner of this bar, Mr. Constantino Ribalaigua, and king of bartenders in Cuba, had created the Habana Especial cocktail, with the aim of enchanting tourists on this route with this Cuban flavor, so that when they returned from the east, they would come back to his bar. Today, the Havana Special is nothing more than the cocktail created by Constantino Ribalaigua, while in Key West, a bust of Henry Flagler recalls the history of his famous railroad. Ingredients : ▪︎Ron Havana Club Añejo Blanco (45 ml) ▪︎Pineapple juice (45ml) ▪︎Maraschino (5 ml) ▪︎Crushed ice (to taste) ▪︎A slice of pineapple Preparation : Cut a slice of pineapple into a wedge shape. Crush the ice in the electric blender. Put all the ingredients in the shaker, except the pineapple slice, and shake vigorously until you get a homogeneous mixture. Serve the strained mixture in a glass (6 ounces), place the pineapple slice for decoration and a straw. Take note then and, while waiting for your next return, prepare this good Cuban drink at home; let yourself be carried away by this railway loaded with history, fruity and refreshing, ideal to happily endure the intense heat of the island.

It is aged at least five years. This is a light rum with an alcohol volume of only 37.5%. It is a bright rum with a dark amber color, which contains notes of sugar cane liqueur, achieving an extraordinary smoothness and balance. It is recommended to drink Havana Club Ritual ideally mixed with cola, for a Cubata or even a Cuba Libre, and of course drunk alone, or with ice cubes.

Havana Club, the best-known Cuban rum brand in the world, perhaps due to its strategic association with the French company Pernod Ricard, is also the favorite rum of most Cubans since its creation in 1934, undoubtedly an element of identity of the national culture. The brand new Havana Club Profundo rum has recently arrived on the Cuban market, which seeks to renew the tradition of white rums from the Havana Club house. Otherwise, the youngest of these rums was until today the Havana Club 3 years, ideal for cocktails, then the Havana Club Añejo Especial, Havana Club Añejo Reserva, Havana Club Añejo 7 years, the founding rum, then the Ritual of a remarkable smoothness, the Havana Club Selección de Maestros, the only Cuban rum that reaches 45 degrees of alcohol, a sublime blend of intensity and delicacy in the mouth, then Havana Club Pacto Navío, highly recommended, and finally, the Havana Club Añejo 15 years, the limited series Havana Club Tributo, the Professional series A, B, C & D, Havana Club Unión, and the Havana Club Máximo Extra Añejo: The finest and most beautiful rum ever produced and tasted, according to great connoisseurs, sold for €1700 each. In commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the Cuban capital, a limited edition of 500 bottles of Havana Club 1519 was launched in 2019 by Havana Club, produced exclusively for this emblematic occasion, it was marketed on the international market at a price of $2,900. Other excellent Cuban rums will also be presented soon.

Vigia Gran Reserva 18 años and Gran Añejo rum, constitute a unique product with an authentic Cuban taste, made with sugar cane honeys and aged in selected white oak, with a bouquet and a special presence for the most demanding tastes. Ron Vigia is a limited production - 4,500 numbered bottles per year - that takes its name from Ernest Hemingway's residence in San Francisco de Paula, Havana and as its emblem the personal shield of the famous writer who knew how to appreciate the virtues of Cuban rum, in which he often dipped, perhaps in search of inspiration. Cuban rum Vigía is managed by a joint venture with Spain. The state sugar group Azcuba and the Spanish company Island Rum Brands SL are partners for the manufacture and export of the high-end Vigía rum. Ron Vigia SA, based in the central region of Ciego de Ávila, includes the distillation of other more economical products such as the new Black Tears, a spiced rum inspired by the very famous song "Lágrimas negras", and La Progresiva, another luxury production, personally never seen in Cuba.

Thanks to Sylvie Galipeau for the information and sharing the photos. Although it was presented to the press in early 2021, there are still only a few travelers who have stayed there. ′′The Mystique Casa Perla Hotel has ten rooms, and the hotel has offered an elegant design, style and stunning views of the ocean. All rooms are located in a single building, includes three standard rooms, three junior suites and four junior suites with jacuzzi. It joins a growing trend in Cuba of luxury hotels that offer visitors a unique, special and elegant experience. Hotel Facilities: 24-Hour Reception Laundry Lounges/Bar Parking Restaurant Blue Diamond will be the first of its Mystique brand in Cuba with the MYSTIQUE CASA PERLA hotel, in Bed and Breakfast mode. It is a 10-room boutique hotel inspired by the architecture of the 50s, located on the grounds of the Starfish Cuatro Palmas. Dedicated to the adults-only segment, with independent reception and parking, private pool and restaurant and butler service for all rooms." Video (1:21) shot during the presentation of the hotel to European travel agents. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hbx9f_ZnjHY

Despite being considered a low-end rum, made from the mixture of spirits and bases aged in the most diverse American white oak barrels, and up to 7 years of aging, the appearance of Perla rum is of excellent shine, cleanliness and transparency, with an intense, rich and balanced aroma, which does not irritate too much when inhaled deeply, although despite its 38% alcohol, its fruity flavor is usually aggressive in the mouth, undoubtedly leaving a clean taste with a lot of body, expression of spirits and aged rums.

Photo shared by Yenny Perez Pino A little far from Varadero, but worth the detour, according to those who have been there! Many people associate the Bay of Pigs with the history of Cuba ( https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/D%C3%A9barquement_de_la_baie_des_Cochons ). But it is also a place for magnificent diving. It is possible to get there by bus (Viazul), but the ideal is to go with a private guide. It takes a good 2 hours and 30 minutes to get there. For people who accompany divers and want to enjoy a good moment of relaxation, Caleta Buena might interest you: CALETA BUENA (Playa Giron): What to Know Before You Go (with Photos) ( tripadvisor.ca ) To learn more Here is an article that will interest people who want to discover the Bay of Pigs: https://www.visiter-cuba.fr/baie-des-cochons-cuba/

Combine a great scuba diving experience with a bit of history! But what is the famous Bay of Pigs landing? Wikipedia introduces the article on this subject in this way: "The Bay of Pigs landing was an attempted military invasion of Cuba by Cuban exiles supported by the United States in April 1961. Planned under the administration of Dwight Eisenhower , and organized by the CIA, the operation was launched at the beginning of John F. Kennedy 's term . It aimed to land in Cuba, on April 17 , 1961 . april 1961 , about one thousand four hundred Cuban exiles recruited and trained in the United States by the CIA . Their objective was to overthrow the new Cuban government established by Fidel Castro , who was pursuing an economic policy unfavorable to American interests and was getting closer to the USSR . The operation was a complete failure and the beginnings of a serious and deep dissension between the presidency and the American secret services." Source: https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/D%C3%A9barquement_de_la_baie_des_Cochons The information presented on the Wikipedia page is very complete and very interesting. The Bay of Pigs is a renowned site for the quality of the diving experience, both snorkeling and scuba diving, and accessible from Varadero (about a 2-hour drive). For history buffs, you might want to make a quick stop at this museum. By the way, the term does not refer to pigs, but to a species of fish called "cochinos" in Cuban Spanish. Source: https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baie_des_Cochons Reviews taken from TripAdvisor "A logical museum, quite well maintained, which will explain in detail the whole history of this invasion of the Bay of Pigs in 1961, quite small, 3 rooms. Outside tanks and planes from the time. A must-see." "This museum tells the story of the Bay of Pigs landings and the fiasco of the US army. For those who like history, it's pretty well summarized and will take you a good half hour."

The Bay of Pigs invasion, also known as the Battle of Girón, was a military operation in which exiled Cuban troops, supported by the United States government, invaded Cuba in April 1961, in an attempt to establish a beachhead, form a provisional government to replace that of Fidel Castro, and seek support from the Organization of American States and recognition from the international community. The invasion against the nascent Revolution, orchestrated by the United States, ended in failure in less than 65 hours. The mercenary landing, held from April 17 to 19, 1961, was completely crushed by the popular militias and the revolutionary armed forces of Cuba. More than a hundred invading soldiers died, as many militias defending the homeland, and the Cuban army captured 1,200 mercenaries, as well as important war material. Along the road that crosses the Zapata marshes towards the Bay of Pigs, we can today discover the numerous monoliths erected in honor of the approximately 150 Cubans who died in combat. In Playa Girón we can also admire the museum where such historical events are presented. On April 16, 1961, Fidel proclaimed the socialist character of the Cuban Revolution during the burial of the victims, the day after the cunning attack on our airports, a blatant prelude to the mercenary invasion of Playa Girón. Artillery salvos solemnly commemorate this afternoon at the fortress of La Cabaña, 60 years of adherence to the socialist principles of the Cuban Revolution, and the victory at the Bay of Pigs.

Located just over two hours drive from Havana or Varadero, the Zapata Peninsula is home to Cuba's largest wetlands, home to the country's largest crocodile farm. Its coastline also offers plenty of diving, including the famous Bay of Pigs. The Montemar Natural Park protects several endangered species, such as turtles, deer and various species of birds, including the parrot and the osprey. There are also many reptiles, including the Cuban crocodile, a true emblem of the region. This wetland, classified as a Ramsar site, plays a crucial role in the preservation of Cuban wildlife. At the Bay of Pigs, visitors can spend a relaxing day by the Caribbean Sea, or discover a true underwater paradise by snorkeling. Just a few meters from the shore, the seabed reveals a breathtaking wealth, accessible without having to venture far from the coast. Locals offer typical and tasty meals, simple but authentic, often much more appreciated than those in hotels. Finally, Playa Girón is a place full of history. It is here that the traces of the landing of the mercenaries, heroically repelled by the Cuban people and Fidel Castro in 1961, are still visible.

Ron Isla del Tesoro is a blend of very time-aged rum bases, produced in the cradle of Cuban rum, Santiago de Cuba, and evoking in its conception the coarse and rough brandy, coveted by the corsairs and pirates who ravaged the Cuban coasts, the so-called Treasure Island, between the 16th and 18th centuries. This rum has only been on the market for a short time. Previously its limited production was reserved for government protocol activities. It was customary to make an exclusive gift of a bottle of this unique rum to foreign dignitaries visiting Cuba. Only Pope John Paul II received two bottles, the first for himself and the second for the good Lord... We can find it today at the Bocoy Cuban rum store in Calzada del Cerro, Havana, Cuba. Price: $747.55 USD (August 2021)

This range of original rum from Sancti Spíritus, stands out for its very special flavor and intensity. It is the result of blending the most delicious aged spirits, in a clear allegory of the strength of religious traditions of Yoruba origin. We find in its catalog several presentations; from brandy to 7-year-old amber rum, at very affordable prices and of course there is also high-end: ▪︎Aguardiente Natural ▪︎Aguardiente Añejo ▪︎Ron Carta Blanca ▪︎Ron Carta Oro ▪︎Ron Palma Superior ▪︎Ron Añejo Ambarino ▪︎Ron Añejo Reserva ▪︎Ron Añejo 7 años ▪︎R on Añejo 11 years ▪︎Ron Añejo 15 years