Christmas Traditions... I Want to be Home for Christmas

I want to be home for Christmas

Have you ever wonder what is like to be in Cuba for the holidays? Well, it's not as fancy as in the United States or other countries around the world, but it's fun for sure. The celebration starts on December 24th with a big family dinner. Most people will do the traditional meal: Roasted pork, congris, lettuce salad, fried plantains, Cuban rum and more. That was the staple at my grandmother's home when I was a kid. We always had plenty of food because my family has been saving a pig for the occasion for a long time. My uncles and grandpa would play dominoes and drink rum while taking turns out back roasting the pig on the stick.

Have you seen how is done? First, a whole has to be made a little longer than the pig and add wood to it and start a fire until you have ambers only to start roasting the pig. While that's getting ready, the pig is getting prep with a special seasoning. It takes the whole day to cook it, but it's a family affair with dancing, loud music and preparing food all day for the evening dinner. I remember that when I was a kid, we used to gather around the fire and enjoy the smell of the pig is being roasted and to listen to my uncle's stories. At dinner time, two tables are put together, and the roasted pig is placed on the center and the trimmings around it. Then at midnight we say: "Feliz Navidad" and then go to bed or continue dancing. There is no gifts exchange between each other and children receive gifts on January 6 and 7 when the three Kings day is celebrated. I miss being home with my family during the holidays, and I've never been back for the holidays since I moved to the United States 17 years ago.

Sheyla Paz with Shannon Rizzo (Global Girl Life)

I Love Partnerships

Working alongside other business owners helps me grow and gets me inspired. On our last newsletter, I shared with you that we have partnered with Firebird Tours and TripPro and today, I want to share with you another incredible partnership. Global Girl Life is a local company owned by the talented Shannon Rizzo aka “Global Girl,” and she has been an entrepreneur enthusiast since she was 16 years old.  She is a business consultant, an entrepreneur, adventurist and a travel enthusiast. 

A friend recommended her to us because she wanted to travel to Cuba. She visited last August and is planning a return trip this winter. When she found out about my Cuba photography exhibit, she recommended the local coffee shop The Loading Dock. The owners Juan and Amanda were so gracious to say yes, and my exhibition opened last September 22 and will be there until October 31. Anyway, back to Shannon Rizzo, besides being a fantastic consultant, she has a culture subscription box that includes four unique items each month like beautiful handmade jewelry by local artisans, exotic teas and spices, must-haves needed for travel, inspirational wall hangings, and art pieces from local artists. Check out her website for details as she may have something from Cuba in the near future, I hope.
Another formidable partnership was with two different blogs: Arita Bagwandin and the twins Milena & Jelena Aleksic. They wrote beautiful blogs talking about our tours and how amazing they are. They also posted stories on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Thank you, ladies, for the nice write-up! You can check out the Twins blog about us here: 10 Tours to Cuba you Won't Want to Miss and Arita's blog here: Travel to Cuba 

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Your Tourist Guide
I have been looking for one of this books for a long time, and finally, I was able to get them. They are available for you to purchase on my online store. These are the most have tourist guide when traveling to Cuba. The guides provide an extensive overview of the places to see, key history points and essential contact information throughout Cuba. The Old Havana in Your Hands is listed in Spanish, but it's actually in English. Cuba in Your Hands is a complete guide through the island. Whether traveling with a group or solo, this is a beneficial tool to bring during your getaway.

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Time to Hop On
Take advantage of the Fall Sale to save on your winter getaway to Cuba! From now until October 31st you can book your tours and save10% on any trip for 2019.  
Don't know which tour is best for your taste? Call us at +1 (615) 412-9615 for a FREE CONSULTATION... We'd love to hear what you like and where on the island you'd like to go. All of our tour dates are flexible except the Nature & Bird Watching Tour and the Salsa Festival. But you can Salsa dance at any time in Cuba. So, don't delay and book yours TODAY. Tours fill out fast, and maximum capacity is ten people per tour.

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