President Barack Obama’s visit to Cuba later this month has its many detractors both here in the U.S. and in Cuba. Normalizing relationships is beneficial for both countries, for the region, and especially for ordinary Cubans, but Cuba will no doubt change. I wonder what will be lost. I visited Havana in 2009 so I could see it as it is before America, with its fast food and chain stores, returned and reduced everything to...

As I watched a Godfather marathon on television recently, my eyes locked onto the Mercury Montclair Michael Corleone drove while he was in Havana. I thought of the cars I saw while I was there and wondered what the recent announcement that the government is planning to allow Cubans to buy and sell their cars and homes would mean. Would Cubans exchange their iconic cars for much needed foreign currency?...

I have so many photos of entrances, especially those to churches, I had a hard time deciding which ones to include. Entrances can be opulent, functional or rudimentary. Either way, it’s one detail that tells us a great deal. See what you think.   Entrance, Chatelet Metro, Paris   Enjoy!  

In the summer of 1999 or 2000, my friend, Cathi, invited me to see a documentary film she said she knew I’d love. I had never heard about the Buena Vista Social Club before we got to the theater but I wasn’t disappointed. From the opening scenes, I was transported to Havana. And the music struck a chord in my soul. I was so moved, I watched the documentary with...

Yes, I have still more photos. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I took nearly 400 photos in just a week walking around Havana. There was that much to see.   Havana’s Coco taxis an eye catching jolt of color that can’t be ignored. Like this post? Subscribe to read more, comment and share. Related Articles Havana Journal: In Cuba, Cigar Lovers Are a Lifeline (nytimes.com)

I love a good cocktail, especially one with a rum base. So when I knew I was going to Havana, I was as excited about going as I was about all the rummy cocktails I knew I’d get to drink. Cuba is, after all, rum country. It’s also home of the mojito, the daiquiri and the Cuba Libre – all made with rum and lime juice, my other favorite ingredient....

Cuba‘s well-known for, among other things, its architecture. However, after 50 years of neglect, many of its now historic buildings are falling apart. Many others struggle to retain their majestic beauty. I can only imagine how splendid these buildings looked back then. We should have stopped at La Floridita for a daiquiri, but didn’t. Previously supporters of the revolution, the Bacardi family left Cuba rather than let the regime nationalize...

A few people have asked me why I went to Cuba. In case you’re one of them, here’s why. To me, Cuba is like the neighbor behind a wall that you hear but you can’t see. In Western Jamaica, where I grew up, from very early on, I could hear Cuba from my house through the sometimes faint, sometimes clear sounds of music and voices in a language I didn’t...

I know I’ve had a good vacation when I return home feeling enriched and inspired. One thing that always inspires me is art and seeing art, especially art that’s accessible to everyone does my heart good. Don’t get me wrong, I love museums and art galleries — they have their place — but I love when there are no barriers to everyday people’s enjoyment of art. So when we happened...

If you’ve been reading my posts about Cuba and would like to travel to that country, there are a few things to keep in mind. Despite the Obama Administration’s recent announcement of further relaxation of the ban on U.S. citizens spending money in Cuba and expanding the number of airports that offer direct flights there, Americans still need special permission from the Office of Foreign Asset Control to enter Cuba....