Andar La Habana

A way to learn about our beloved city...

Visiting the Cuban Capital building in Havana

One of the things that I loved watching on TV when I lived in Cuba was “Andar La Habana” with Eusebio Leal, the Havana historian. I loved how passionately he spoke about the history of the buildings, the streets and its people. The different types of architectures that are found just in our capital and how it enriches our country culture and traditions. When Eusebio Leal speaks, it's like poetry in motion. I recall a special episode about the Capitol building where he starts at the hall of lost steps (Salon de los Pasos Perdidos), one of the most beautiful halls inside the building. During his story, he talks about how people say that the Havana Capital is a replica of the U.S.A. capitol and that it's not true. The Cuban Capitol was built in between 1926-1929 and that it was a long carefully planned project on the Campo de Marte where the projection of the congress palace would be and then the idea turn to be the presidential palace.
The project was put on hold until the Gerardo Machado government decided to continue with the construction of the capitol building consecrate it to the nation and also to the magnificent project of General Machado that would come to him of popular election in regime unpopular in a dictatorship that the people would shake in a great battle in 1933. The capitol is a national good of the Republic of Cuba, it is a form of expression with a series of national values. Its dome, the highest, of 91 meters is even higher than those of the United States. The columns, capable of holding 60 tons each, load a dome of more than 2,000,400 tons of steel.
I'm paraphrasing the way he describes the Cuban Capitol but it sounded so good when he spoke that you'd be mesmerized listening to him. I would recommend you to check out the Capitol when you go to Cuba, you'll love the history and the beautiful architecture inside and out.

Happy Thanksgiving you all!

Four Million THANK YOUs!

Another holiday that we don't celebrate in Cuba but we are very grateful people. I want to say to you all THANK YOU so much from the bottom of my heart for being part of the journey with me. I have been in the United States almost 18 years, and every year I give thanks for the things that I've accomplished, my friends, business partners, clients and to my family for taking care of my mom during hard times. Because of you, I have been able to see my family more often and bring business to small entrepreneurs in Cuba. Because of you, they had a few more dollars in their pockets to create their dreams. Because of you, they will have a lot to be thankful for this year and have a better life in Cuba.

This year has reached 4 million despite a sharp drop in U.S. visitors. According to a Ministry of Tourism (MINTUR) release, the figure hits the mark of 4 million four days earlier than the previous year and Cuba looks to attract by the end of 2018 some 4.75 million international visitors, a record-high figure.
"This result is achieved despite media campaigns to discredit Cuba as a tourism destination amidst the measures to intensify economic blockade imposed by the United States," said the statement. In the first half of this year, 266,445 Americans traveled to Cuba, down by 28 percent from a year ago.
This report not only includes tourist from the U.S. but also from other nations.

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Walking around Old Havana

It's November already!!!

Thanksgiving is next week, and maybe you all are thinking about Black Friday, and the deals that would be available that day. Perhaps you are thinking about not buying something material but something that would last a lifetime. Where am I going with this? Well, I'm talking about investing on a trip of a lifetime. ;-) Memories of visiting a foreign country, getting yourself immerse in Culture, learn a few Spanish words, dance on the streets to the rhythm of traditional music, drinking a mojito and discovering how wonderful our people in Cuba are.

I hope that all that get you fireup and book your Educational Tour TODAY! I'm so excited for you already. Let's chat soon!

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Cuba tourist books

Cuba Books

Heading to Cuba on your own? We got you covered. These two books are the best to guide you around Old Havana and Cuba. They are available only on our online store. The books are very detail with relevant contact information throughout the island and detailed stories of its architecture, history, and places to visit. Before you go, check out my Traveling to Cuba guide to help you get ready for your journey.

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