Cuba: Have You Ever Been In Love?

May 15, 2018

Well, have you? The euphoria of being in a dream? This happened to me when I was in Cuba.

Many people warned me not to go. All of my friends and family were extremely apprehensive about me going to the "forbidden country" that's infected with a political system that we're groomed to fear - communism. Often times our social-political climate molds the narrative of an opposite regime such as Cuba.

This is very typical when you're traveling to far-away (and not so far away) lands. The fear of the unknown sinks in. But what if the unknown is just that? An unknown place that provides no expectations and a space to create your own memories.

There is nothing wrong with the unknown. Take courage with you and you'll be happy that you didn't stay in the familiar.

““‘Why are you going back?’ he asked. Ordinary stopped. ‘Because I’m afraid! Leaving Familiar feels scary and too risky,’ he said.
.......
And even though his fear kept growing, Ordinary shut his eyes and took a big step forward - right through the invisible Wall of Fear.””

— "The Dream Giver" by Bruce Wilkinson

Once I was able to move past my fear there was nothing left but to experience the beautiful land of Cuba. When you visit Cuba be sure to embark on their greatest attraction - the people. Don't believe the Eurocentric media that Cubans are fair-skin with long wavy hair. Most of the Cubano people are black. African traditions are embedded into their food, music, and every day life-style. Below is the full itinerary that I created for my week-long trip to the romantic and seductive Cuba.

That's Michelle lurking. She was my ride-or-die during the trip.

The old cars that you see in Old Havana are actual taxis. Makes you think.....do I REALLY need to by a new car every few years?

Getting Into Cuba

I'm not quite sure why there are so many rumors in regards to getting into Cuba. It was probably the easiest process I experienced during my entire trip. You'll probably have more difficulties hailing down a taxi than getting the Cuban visa.

I booked my flight through Southwest Airlines that provided all necessary accommodations that's needed to enter the country. When I checked into my flight I paid the $50 for the visa, completed the hand-written document, and I was on my way. Dassit.

Currency

There are two currencies: the Cuban Peso (CUP) and the Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC), The CUP to the USD is 1 to 24 and the CUC to the USD is 1 to 1. The CUP is reserved only for the Cuban citizens whereas all foreigners have to use the CUC. The poverty in the country is extremely prevalent. Creating this dual currency economy allows the country to make a significant profit from tourism.

Things To Explore/Experience

Old Square (Plaza Vieja) and Calle Obispo - Located in Old Havana where you can shop and leisurely sight-see.
Museo del Ron Havana Club (Rum Museum)
Visit Ernest Hemingway’s home. It's actually an estate but I digress.
Explore the Malecon boardwalk along the ocean
Salsabor a Cuba (Dance School) Salsa Dancing. I really enjoyed my the salsa lesson, I even made it to the advanced level *hair-flip.* However, it was the most difficult place to find. I highly recommend this place but good luck finding it.
Callejon de Hamel. This was probably my favorite part of the trip. On Sundays from about 11:00 am - 2:00 pm there is live Afro-Cuban music and dancing. I have never seen anything so colorful, vibrant, and powerful in my life. It was a beautiful depiction of the African Diaspora.
The Christopher Columbus Cemetary (Cemetario de Colon). I know it's a bit unusual to tour a cemetery but I really enjoyed learning about the history that took place across Cuba and the interesting facts about the religion. It's also the site where Che was laid to rest.

I was so close to buying this little puppy. Cuteness overload.

The Rum Museum. Have you ever taste raw molasses?

Clubs

Club 1830 - It's an outside club that sits right on the ocean. The salsa dancing was beautiful, the drinks were strong, and the music was bumpin!

Casa de la Musica de Miramar - The best way to describe this place is the Cuban version of The House of Blues but with the crowd dancing! I loved it.

Fabrica de Arte Cubano (FAC)- It's an art gallery turned dance club. Everyone told us to go to FAC and to our surprise, they were closed for renovations until June 1st. Please let me know how it is when you go. Please.

Restaurants To Check Out:

La Guardia - This place is extremely posh that has an amazing, roof-top view of the city. It's where Beyonce, Jay-Z, and Rihanna dined when they visited Havana. It's a bit overpriced in my opinion but great to check out. Make sure you make reservations!
La Concordia - A great roof-top restaurant around the corner from La Guardia that's just as nice, less crowded, and more affordable.
Los Nardos - We went here on our first day in Havana. They have very authentic Cuban dishes and a really friendly staff. By the end of our lunch, the waiter was my best friend.
El Cocinero - Another roof-top restaurant (seeing a pattern here?) that's in the neighborhood Vedado with great drink options.
Hoy Como Ayer - Also located in Vedado, this was probably my favorite place to eat. The restaurant is inspired by Latin-Jazz culture and has live music on the weekends.
5 Centidos - Didn't have time to visit here but it's located in Old Havana and has a gorgeous patio to sit out on. I really hate that we didn't have to time to check it out.

Excursions

Vinales - It's about 4 hours away from Havana that has beautiful farmlands, tobacco plantations, and caves to explore. Visit any hotel and they'll be about to book the excursion for you. It'll cost approximately 60 CUC.

Playa Saint Maria - The local beach that a lot of people choose to lay around and frolic in the ocean. It's about a 20-minute drive from the center of the city. Keep in mind that Latin-America is a lot less conservative than the USA. Can you say, Thong-kini?!

City Tour Guide

I was planning to hire a guide for a community project and city tour but decided against it because our schedule was way too full. However, the guy that I was going to hire is extremely friendly, has great English skills, and is Afro-Cuban. Please let me know if you would like his contact information.

If you have any questions about visas, currency exchange, flights, or any other technicalities feel free to hit me up. E-mail is the best way to reach me is at racheal.woods@gmail.com

When you visit Cuba please send me pics. I would love to see your travels :)

P.S. If you're a woman get ready for the cat-calling. I was kissed several times by random men. #WhenInHavana

Market in Vedado. The artwork was simply breathtaking

I've started sending postcards while traveling. Let me know if you would like one from my next trip

San Francisco: The Perfect City For Your Spring Vacay

April 19, 2018

At the tail-end of summer 2017, I decided to take a last minute trip to San Francisco/Oakland to visit my good friend Erin. California has always been on my list but I could never get over the prices. Most airline prices from Atlanta to the west coast can run you up to $400. For that amount of money, I could go to Jamaica or Cuba for even cheaper! However, I made it a point to see what all of the hype was about and it's the perfect a place for a spring time trip.

The Golden Gate Bridge

Definitely try and see the bridge! I was in complete awe of this beautiful structure. Here are the most interesting facts I learned about the Golden Gate Bridge:

The cables that suspend the bridge are long enough to circle the Earth's equator three times.
The color of the bridge isn't red. it's considered "international orange."
The lead engineer was so stressed out that he died within a year after the completion of the bridge.

One tip: it's EXTREMELY windy and can get pretty cold no matter what time of year you visit.

Colorado: Why Your Next Vacation Should Not Be To The Beach

August 18, 2017

Exploring New Scenery

Within the past few years, I've been trying to vacation in nonconventional places. I'm so over the beach, the Caribbean, and New York City. No shade to those places but our world is so big and diverse that it's a shame if we only go to the same places. Stepping outside of your comfort zone of travel is tough but oh so rewarding. If you dare to be different I promise you that you'll meet different types of people and learn about new cultures. This year for the 4th of July I took a trip to the beautiful state of Colorado!!

Colorado is a state that is filled with beautiful scenery all around. The gorgeous mountains, rushing rivers, and crisp air will remind you that earth is pure and serene.

I was looking for giraffes at the Samburu National Reserve

Kenya: 8 Things You Should Know Before A Mission Trip

March 30, 2017

That little girl who followed you around the village. The security guard that would always have kind words. The community leader who made you laugh. Or, the elder who told you she was your grandmother. All of these people will stay in your heart as a little piece of the country. Every interaction will teach you a lesson that our world is filled with people just like you.

Oia, Santorini, Greece, Mediterranian Sea

Greece: What I Didn't Know....But Now I Do!

December 11, 2016

A lot of travel articles paint the picture that traveling to the various islands such as Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes, and Ios is a hop, skip, and jump away....lies! The Greek islands are a result of multiple volcanic eruptions where some of the islands are a bit remote from the mainland. When you go to buy your ticket, to any island, you have the option of either choosing the express ship or the slow one. While on my trip I traveled to Santorini from Athens where the express was 4 hours (70 euros) and the slower route was 6-7 hours (40 euros).

The world famous BEAN!!! I wasn't able to capture it as best as I would like but it came out pretty good.

Chicago: The land of FOOD!

July 11, 2016

I was FINALLY able to take some time off and visit Chicago this past weekend. I was specifically going to experience the Taste of Chicago. With that being said my entire time was well spent stuffing my face. However through my trip I was able to capture Chicago in a fascinating light. Take a look!

"Canada: Can You Bring Some Hot Cheetos? We Don't Have Them In Canada"

September 01, 2015

It’s official, I want to move to Toronto! It’s amazing how close Canada is to America yet so many people have never been: myself included. I have a goal of going outside of the USA at least once a year and for 2015 I chose Canada. For very basic reasons 1.) it’s close 2.) I didn’t feel like being on an airplane for hours upon hours.

New Mexico: "Glenda the Good Witch" In Albuquerque

August 20, 2015

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Albuquerque, New Mexico? Breaking Bad? Cactus? Well that’s what I thought too. It’s definitely no Atlanta but it has a personality like no other. There is a strong Native American and Hispanic influence throughout the entire state. Every other street was in Spanish and a plethora of “New Mexican” food. While I was in New Mexico I visited the cities of Taos, Santa Fe, and Albuquerque – each with it’s own personality. In the capital of Santa Fe the city government passed a law that enforced all of the building maintain a Pueblo (a Native American tribe) style structure.

Now on to the food…

Puerto Rico: Wild Horse On A Tiny Island.....

July 17, 2015

When I travel I like to do non-conventional things. I want to eat what the people eat and shop where the people shop. With that being said, I visited Vieques, Puerto Rico. Vieques is a small island off the coast of San Juan, where I had to take a 90min ferry to the island. While I was there I visited the Vieques, National Wildlife Refuge (I told you I was a nature buff). Seeing untouched land calls for such serenity. I love untouched land; it makes me believe in God. Let me paint the picture….

Black History Tour: Gullah Geechee →

July 09, 2015

Last week I traveled to Gullah Gee Chee, South Carolina. Remember that cute black programming Gullah-Gullah Island? Yea, that’s where I went. The black race is definitely a community that has been deprived of our identity. Going to the Gullah Islands made me realize how much I did not know. Charleston was the first place where enslaved Africans were brought to America. This ethnographic community has been able to preserve their African heritage and build a subculture outside of the typical black-American culture. I hate reading long paragraphs so here are a few things that make the Gullah culture fascinating.

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