Witness the Transformation of Cuba
The country of Cuba is now dancing at a different rhythm. It may be hard to be with the rhythm the first time because there were divided opinions on the collapse of the Soviet Union because of the 40 years of blockade in this area. Although there were education, food, healthcare and work, there are many people who are saying that Cubans are still not totally free to express what they feel and what they think.
Fortunately, Cuba has transformed since it welcomed global tourism to be practiced in the country in the 90s. Nowadays, staying at private homes with rooms for rent or what is popularly called as the “casa particular” gives every traveler or tourist as glimpse of the usual life of an ordinary Cuban. This practice also opens some parts of Cuba that once off-limits or inaccessible to other non-Cubans. This also frees up some money to be used for the famous and raucous nightlife of Havana.
History
Christopher Columbus set foot in Cuba on October 27, 1492. It was first time to see the island so he sailed around the Northeastern Coast of Cuba for 40 days. He thought of the island as a land of lush vegetation and naïve and peaceful aborigines, who presented him with pieces of gold, spin yarn, cotton and other products that he used to trade and exchange for valuable trinkets. In 1494, Columbus explored the second time around and this was the time when he discovered that there were many indigenous inhabitants in the area. Thus, from this, it can be justified that that the island settlement began more than 4,000 years ago before the first few migrations occurred. The first migration can from the Northern America through Florida and the following migrations used the Orinoco River through the Antilles arc.
There were around 100,000 indigenous inhabitants in the island when the Spanish conquest began. These inhabitants were divided in group of different degrees of cultural and social development. The most backward and oldest group had disappeared by the 15th century and it was assumed that they made their living on fruit collection and fishing. They also made their first instruments from shells with large mollusks. Also, another advanced group concentrated on hunting and fishing and they practiced agriculture with main crops as casaba, tapioca and are made to last for a long time after some preservation.
Cuba was also the last colony of Spain to gain independence following its 50-year struggle which begun in 1850. The fight for Cuban independence started on October 10, 1868 wherein during its height, 8,000 troops were worse dressed and fed, badly armed and abusively sent for labor without any payment. This was only one of the so many struggles this country had experienced. However, with how it is now, although there is still a trace of its history, the smiling faces of the Cubans are more easily distinguished; smiles portraying freedom and liberty.
Lifestyle
Cuba is indeed a country of flair and individuality. With its Havana city as the focal and central point of the Cuban culture, there is no wonder many travelers and visitors has marked a special point in this part of the map. Go around Havana and other cities in Cuba and you will see so many musicians, artists, literary figures and dancers that were featured to satisfy the craving of people for real fun. The colonial charm of the country as well as its people effortlessly combines the features of the modern day society from the other parts of the world making this country one of such a deep contrast. Cubans are fun loving and very friendly and for sure, travelers, will find themselves totally hesitant to leave right at the end of their stay here. Cuba cannot help but leave its visitors with the impression of uniqueness and friendliness not to mention that its great weather is also one of the so many reasons why people are very much attracted to Cuba.
Try out the smells and tastes of Cuba and surely, they will stay in your memory for a long time. The instantly recognizable aroma of the fine and magnificent Cuban cigars as well as the tempting cocktails combined with rum, another specialty of the country and of course, the strong and tempting aroma of the popular Cuban coffee is simply the reflections of what Cuba is about.
Attractions and Things to Do
There have been remarkable changes in the private spaces of Cuba thereby allowing one to explore the hidden treasures of the country. For tourists, there are now fast growing resorts as well as renovated hotels all across the country. Its famous city – Havana brags an old town that features the UNESCO’s world Heritage List. Below are some of the must-visit places in Cuba:
- “Pinar del Rio and the West” is also perfect for travelers who are looking for a tourist spot to enjoy their vacation. Pinar del Rio is the most beautiful province in Cuba. There are amazing and outstanding features such as the rounded limestone mountain that is covered with vegetation.
- Cueva Del Indio is also worth a visit because it boasts of stalagmites and stalactites and one more surprising thing about this cave is its underground rivers.
- Cienfuego is a wealthy modern city that is built around a fine harbor located at the foot of Escambray Mountains. The main tourist spots here are the Paraque Jose Marti as well as cathedral and Teatro Tomas Terry and Castillo de Jagua and Palcio de Valle. All are close to the harbor area where you will see the most amazing architectural styles influenced by Moorish.
Aside from all the beautiful places to go and visit in Cuba, there are also lots of things that can be done here while you are in your relaxing vacation. You may enjoy and engage in the Cuba’s water sport activities. They offer travelers a great diving and snorkeling experience and you may also try their boat tour to the reef and do wind surfing and fishing. Trekking and horse back riding are also available here. In fact, these activities are one of the most popular things to be done by tourists and travelers who are looking for an adventure tour around the area of Cuba. So what are you waiting for? Cuba waits for your visit. Pack up and have a vacation in Cuba.