The Flavors of the Week by Jessica Heavner

I am a very picky eater. There are no questions about this fact. Naturally, one thing that made me nervous about my trip to Cuba prior to takeoff was what I was going to eat. I assumed I would be stuffed with spices and peppers along with the large amounts of meat sure to be served. I was quite surprised when I arrived and my first meal was salmon stuffed red snapper with nothing extravagant or weird. This is similar to the type of food I would eat at home! This was at a restaurant who commonly serves tourists, so I was still wary of what I would consume for nourishment throughout the rest of the trip.


My first trip into a paladar was on the second day of our trip. A paladar is a self-run restaurant commonly set up inside of tenant’s homes. They were created as an alternative to the state run restaurants with high prices designed to serve tourists. They give tourists a more homemade dish, and a closer look at the Cuban reality.


Paladars have always been a factor in Cuban dining. It wasn’t until the early 1990’s that the government recognized them as restaurants and not a violation of the law. They offer a supplemental income in addition to the wages one may earn at at their daytime job. They originally operated as family units, and while some paladars still do, some staff other Cubans for various jobs, ranging from bartending and cooking to marketing on the streets.

I enjoyed the best food of my trip to Cuba in these paladares. We made new friends, tried new dishes, and discovered a Cuba that may not have been seen as easily in the more tourist restaurants. For anyone travelling to Cuba in the future, I recommend spending time looking for paladares. Walk down any street, and you will likely encounter an individual employed by a paladar looking to lead you in the right direction!

-Jessica Heavner

Viva Cuba! Such an Attractive Place by Dina Tititampruk

After the sunsets, architecture is somehow the most significant attraction for the tourism industry in Cuba. Cuban culture is world-famous and its colorful history is meaningfully expressed in its wonderful architecture. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982, Habana Vieja, or Old Havana, the heart of Cuba’s capital, is a 528 acre area that contains approximately 4000 buildings; and  the place is filled with historic churches and monuments. In a variety of styles, we can see an eclectic merging of Baroque and neoclassical themes, including Spanish Baroque, Neocolonial, Beaux Arts, and Moorish.

 

Our wonderful nine-day trip (Saturday, 19 – Sunday 27, May, 2012) took us to a number of different places in Cuba. Our tour guide explained the nation’s great history and many details about each place to us. After a full day of travel, we finally arrived in Havana and checked into our hotel (“Hotel Plaza”) at 3.00. The Hotel Plaza, one of Havana’s oldest hotels, combines a rich history with beautifully restored charming interiors and a superb location near the colonial heart of the city.

On the second day we went to Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes de La Habana, a museum of Fine Arts that exhibits Cuban art collections from the colonial times through contemporary collections. After that, we spent most of the afternoon on a walking tour of Old Havana areas. We had a wonderful time looking at the elegant, beautiful architecture of colonial buildings located in nearby areas, such as Plaza de San Francisco, Plaza de la Catedral, and Plaza de Armas. 

Plaza de San Francisco, where the Terminal Sierra Maestra cruise port has two piers opening on to the plaza’s cobble stone streets, is home to the ornate basilica of San Francisco de Asis. A breathtaking vision of Habana Vieja and its harbor can be captured from the church’s bell tower.

Plaza de Armas, “Square of Arms”, was constructed for military training in 1584. Used books, primarily post-revolution editions on Cuban history, can be purchased in the square on most mornings. Havana’s town hall is the city museum nowadays, and another museum is located in a 17th century mansion. We ended the day by visiting the Maqueta of Havana, which an impressive scale map of the city of Havana made out of the cardboard.

The following day was spent touring Museo de la Revolution which is well known for its subject matter and its location in the former Presidential Palace. It was the headquarters of the Cuban government for 40 years. In 1957, a group of university students stormed the Presidential Palace with the aim of executing dictator Fulgencio Batista. The assault failed and most of the young attackers were killed. Today, this museum presents a rich exhibit of the revolution that shows the rise of the Cuban nation to the present.

Prior to departing for Cienfuegos, we visited the Centro Che Guevara, which is directed by his daughter. This is the house where he lived during those first months when he was in charge at La Cabana. I found that this was one of the best Che exhibits as it includes some amazing artifacts about Che’s story.

In Cienfuegos, we were also guided around the main plaza which has several historical buildings included the Teatro Tomas Terry and the Casa de Cultural Benjamin Duarte. 

On the way back to Havana on Friday, we also visited the Museum of Playa Girón. The Museum of Playa Girón showcases some artifacts and much information about the failed invasion of Cuba by exiles and the CIA.  There are machine guns, mortars, and rocket launchers, as well as a tank and an airplane. There are also biographies and photos of all 156 Cuban Government soldiers, police, and militiamen that were killed in the conflict.  According to the museum, 200 invaders were killed and 1297 captured.  There are maps of the invasion and a display on the area where the attack took place.

Our great nine-day trip was a colorful journey, with nice travelers and great experiences that I will not forget. During the journey I took many pictures. Thank you everyone for making this trip so wonderful.

-Dina Tititampruk

Same Sex Marriage in Cuba by Erin Grant

On the third day of our trip to Cuba, our group met with a panel of attorneys at their recreational club. After being provided with the history of the Cuban legal system, a description of the current legal system, and some strong Cuba Libres served with a snack of crackers and ham, we were given the chance to ask questions. A student asked about the state of marriage and overall rights for same sex couples. 

In his response, the gentleman attorney on the panel reviewed explained that in Cuba, as a result of the revolution, discrimination of any kind is illegal. Such activity is not compatible with the social climate the revolution attempts to create – one in which biological and socioeconomic characteristics are not indicators of one’s worth. I did not remember his exact words, so I took the liberty of looking up where discrimination is prohibited in the legal framework of Cuba. 

In 1976, the Constitution of the Republic was enacted. This was the document that addressed specifically equal rights. Under Chapter VI: Equality, all citizens have equal rights and are subject to equal duties (Article 41). Article 42 states that “Discrimination based on race, color of the skin, sex, national origin, religious creeds, or any other type offending human dignity, is prohibited and punished by the law.” The latter part of this article places the responsibility of educating citizens on equality on the State. Finally, Article 44 provides for equal familial rights for both men and women; it does not, however, no mention same sex couples. There are also no jurisdictions in Cuba which currently recognize same sex marriage. 

After explaining all this through our guide, the attorney mentioned that there were protests and other efforts being made by rights groups in an effort to pass such legislation. He then went on provide a brief lecture on how few states in the U.S. have recognized the right to marriage for same sex couples. 

The U.S. Constitution provides equal rights for all citizens under Amendment 14.  Section 1 provides that “… No state shall… abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States… life, liberty, or property, without due process of law.” As in the Cuban Constitution, there is no mention of same sex rights. However, in the U.S., there are six states (Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont), the nation’s capitol, and two Indian tribes that recognize same sex marriage. Other states have attempted legislation to provide these rights and have either failed or are in the process. 

What occurred to me was that Cuba is still in transition. While there may be a Constitution and other legal acts that have provided for equal rights for all Cuban citizens, if their situation is anything like that in the U.S., there is an order in which groups receive equal rights. We can see from our history that women and ethnic groups garnered equal rights first. The process took most of the 20^th century and saw much violence and turmoil, not simply a legal document granting those rights. Older, more machismo ideals have to start to die out before women will be treated seriously. The obvious separation of the darker skinned individuals living in tenements in Old Havana and the lighter skinned living in newer homes in the Miramar district needs to be addressed as well. Only then, it seems, will it be possible for Cuba to address the issue of familial right for same sex couples.  

-Erin Grant

Cuban Culture by Barbara Smith

Cuba has everything from friendly people and great culture to amazing beaches and even better food. The island is only 90 miles from the coast of Key West, Florida but could not be more different from the United States.  And it is these numerous differences that make the country so worth visiting.

I found myself walking around Havana and lost myself in the rich history of the city but at the same time felt right at home because of how friendly the locals were and how they made anybody feel welcome. The locals exchanged “holas” and smiles. Everyone in Cuba posed for pictures and invited us into their homes with open arms. 

The local homes were as open as the attitudes of the owners, with many of them easily accessible from the street. At one point we found ourselves going inside of what we initially thought was an art gallery but turned out to be someone’s home. At the end of a hallway containing over 30 paintings we found the kitchen where the artist was talking to her mom and sisters. When they saw us and realized we spoke Spanish they welcomed us into their home and even invited us for coffee the next day. And everywhere we went in Cuba we could walk right into people’s homes. This is the most welcoming people and culture I have ever experienced.

I love Cuba because of the wonderful people I encountered there and their calmness and openness. Everybody had their door open and you just needed to step through. One day as we walked around Havana we were walking close to a park and we saw some kids playing a baseball game. They seemed so happy and they all smiled at us as we walked by. Another day, walking around the streets of Havana, as we turned the corner there was a street party going on in the middle of the day. All the people around had the brightest smiles. Apparently festivals around the streets of Havana are not a rare occurrence in Cuba.

Now that I have had time to reflect on the nine day journey I took I can say that Cuba is truly a special place. Cuba, I will always remember your wonderful beaches, friendly people, amazing food and rich culture.

-Barbara Smith

My Cuban Experience by Jason Thomposon

Many Americans never get to see Cuba in person. The only way that Americans can visit Cuba legally is by obtaining a visa. An individual needs to fall under one of the ten different types of visas to visit Cuba.  I was luckily enough to be able to obtain a student visa for a study abroad trip.

Many Americans believe that Cuba is dangerous. This is not true; tourism is very safe. There are police officers on every corner and have CCTV camera all around. One of the cities that we visited was Havana. It is a large city with a population of about 2.2 million people. A city this large offered a lot of thing to do.

Most tourists never get to see Havana through the eyes of the Cuban people as I did. One of the most enjoyable experiences that one can have while in Havana is meeting the locals and having a bite to eat with them. This is a wonderful relationship starter that could lead to a lifetime friendship.

After checking into our hotel on the first day three of us wandered the city and within 30 minutes we ended up in China town having a drink with two of our new friends. As it would turn out we would spend most of our nights in China town hanging with new friends who showed good places to eat and wonderful nightlife.



If you ever visit Cuba I suggest spending at least one night walking around the city at night and ending up in China town. As you are sitting at the local watering hole or getting a bite to eat you will be amazed at what you can learn from the people while having one of the most interesting nights of your life. The mixed drinks are very tasteful as they have fresh ingredients. The drink of choice that you must try while in Cuba is mojito while relaxing with a Cuban cigar. Some people think that Cubans did not like American when in fact they are very friendly and love us.

-Jason Thompson

Cuba by Matthew Beard

The first thought that comes to mind when I think of our trip to Cuba is the Cuban people. Overall everyone was friendly and willing to share their country with us. Cuba is a Socialist State, so everyone gets medical care and they also receive a small amount of money per month from the government. There is also a system that is similar to food stamps where people can go to a specific store (similar to a market) and get rice, beans and other small goods.

Here’s a picture of the Market.

While in Cuba several of us met a couple named Rusland and Yuslemi. We quickly became friends and they showed us around old Havanna and took us to some cool restaurants for lunch and dinner. I was able to ask them about their day to day living routines.  Both Rusland and Yuslemi work in the food services industry and have been for over 12 years. Rusland normally goes into work at 8:30 in the morning and gets off at about 10 or 11 at night. Yuslemi typically goes in to work at 11 in the morning and finishes her work day at about 11 at night. They both work every other day with no break in the cycle. When I asked if they get sick days they said that they do but that they never use a sick day because if they take over 2 or 3 days off, the employer will fire them and find someone else.  They said they do get vacation days but it’s not paid and they said they can’t afford to miss a day without pay. One day when we linked up with Rusland and Yuslemi we were able to meet their kids.

One cool experience I had in Cuba was that I was able to play a little ball with some of the local kids. I had seen kids playing ball or a form of baseball almost everywhere. Even in the street they will play with a piece of rebar and a bottle cap. So we were walking along a street and some kids were playing and I asked them if I could take a couple of swings and they said yes.  I had to be careful because they were playing in a median in the street and if I hit one too hard it would go into the harbor and they would lose their only ball. It was fun, I hit a grounder and we gave out pins and candy to the kids. It was a good time.

-Matthew Beard

Food for Thought by Erin McGann

There were many surprises for me in Cuba, and one of the most unexpected was the food. I don't consider myself a "foodie" but having good food on vacation can definitely make for a more enjoyable experience. Before I left for Cuba, most of the travel websites and travel books I read suggested that one not expect too much from the local cuisine. I lowered my expectations to almost zero (I brought 15 protein bars with me) and thought I would lose some weight. Not so!

The food was fresh and enjoyable. At our hotel in Havana, for breakfast each morning we had a choice of pancakes, fruit, cheese, lunchmeats, potatoes, breads, and omelets made to order. And the coffee was divine! The breakfast choices were somewhat less appealing at our hotel in Cienfuego, but they had basically the same offerings.

We spent most mornings in panels discussing the Cuban legal system. During these panels we were served Cuba Libres (rum and coke), water, soda and/or espresso. The espresso was divine and kept you going to the next event - which was usually lunch. At the restaurants I expected modest servings with little flavor, and once again I was wrong. The portions were large (even by American standards), fresh and delicious. There was generally a salad (cabbage, cucumbers, tomatoes and pickled green beans – although not much lettuce), a protein choice (usually fish, chicken or pork), a starch (rice or potatoes), and mixed vegetables. Then came dessert - ice cream was often served and was terrific - there has been some debate between the folks on the trip as to the ingredients, perhaps soy, perhaps milk (we didn't see many cows and the beef is imported), but for sure lots of flavor! And then again with the espresso… If you are counting, this would be at least the forth cup of coffee for me.

In the afternoons, we usually had another meeting or had free time where we scattered to the winds to see Havana (and Cienfuego). In Cienfuego, we visited Copelia’s ice cream store, which is famous for their stance on integration (before the revolution, private ice cream shops were highly discriminatory) and they only serve ice cream. When we went, there were 2 choices - banana or strawberry. As you can see from the picture, I chose strawberry!  On another day while in Havana, we stopped by a pastry market and ordered flan, cake, and chocolate pudding for our snack. Another stop provided yet another espresso (cup number 5).

The last stop on the food bus is dinner. Our dinners usually lasted 2-3 hours each, and were filled with laughter and silliness. Some folks had the national drink - the Mojito (rum, mint, sugar and lime) made famous by Ernest Hemingway at La Bodeguita, while others had the daiquiri, also made famous by Hemingway at the Floridita Bar.  And there were also fresh fruit juices wherever we went, with a favorite flavor being guava.  Dinner would begin like you would expect - a little bread, a drink, and then the menu. From there, regardless of where we went, there came courses and courses of food. The appetizers looked great (fried plantains, ceviche, garlic bread, potato dumplings), followed by the main course (grilled lobster or fish, sautéed shrimp, chicken, or bistec de cerdo – a grilled marinated pork steak, sometimes breaded), which was always terrific. Meals included black beans and rice (called moros y cristianos, which is the national food) or potatoes, mixed vegetables (the yuca was great), and cabbage salad. We also had the opportunity to have sweet fried plantains, which were terrific. Finally, there was dessert - ice cream, cake, brownies, flan (best flan ever), chocolate mousse, profiteroles; and ending with another espresso (cup 6 for the day).

At the end of the trip, with my palate overly satisfied, there was one draw back from the trip: the withdrawals from the caffeine that I was pumping into my veins every few hours (I hope to get over that soon!). I learned a lot about the people in Cuba by eating their food, they are very proud of the food they serve, and they want you to enjoy your meal and go home and tell everyone what a great place Cuba is!

-Erin McGann