Not sure whether it's the music, the tropical sour sop fruit, or the simple fact that it's practically forbidden that sparked my undeniable infatuation with the exotic island.
To start with a brief history, Cuba has been under the Communist regime since the 1950's when Fidel Castro began to rule. Because of the ongoing political disputes between The United States and Cuba, American's have not been able to see the many wonders and hidden gems of the country; until now.
Great news, Americans! Obama is currently in progress of carrying out a plan to settle civil diplomatic relations with Cuba, which means there will be significant opportunities for Americans to travel there in the near future.
Here is a link to an article I found about the numerous ways an American can find ways around the travel embargo and what you'll need to visit:
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/how-to-travel-to-cuba-before-it-gets-mobbed-by-americans-2015-07-20
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/how-to-travel-to-cuba-before-it-gets-mobbed-by-americans-2015-07-20
The other day, I stumbled upon an article on the BBC website glorifying the hidden gem of Baracoa city in Cuba. Author Kerry Phillips Badal names Baracoa "the lost Eden" and shares her unique experience at this unfamiliar territory. Badal notes that the reason why Baracoa has remained hidden is due to the difficulty of accessing it. Apparently, the "rickety" plains from Havana or boat transportation is the only means of reaching it.
"The lack of infrastructure is hardly a bad thing, though, as it's allowed Baracoans to develop traditions, tastes and attitudes that are uniquely their own," Badal claims.
According to Badal's account, the food from Baracoa differs greatly from the traditional commercialized food in the rest of Cuba and Miami, Florida. While most traditional dishes consist of black beans and rice, the food of Baracoa is a combination of Haitian, French, and Taino Indian influence. The teti river fish is a seafood delicacy while the chorrote is a type of hot chocolate served fresh from the local people and many of the nearby cafes.
One of the island's most unique deserts is the cucurucho. It's essentially like an ice cream cone, but made with rolled palms and filled with a mixture of honey, guava, papaya, coconut, and sugar.
(Credit: Tanveer Badal)
Call me a deviant foodie, but doesn't that sound and look delicious?
She also mentions ,"According to Unesco, it's "one of the most biologically diverse tropical ecosystems in an island setting anywhere on Earth" and it hosts a lengthy list of endemic species that includes more than 1,000 flowering plants, man groves and palm, cacao and banana trees within its borders,"(Badal).
Unlike many other luxury all inclusive resorts on the Caribbean beaches, Baracoa is full of remote waters with little to no crowds except for the small beach huts selling fresh juices.
Unlike many other luxury all inclusive resorts on the Caribbean beaches, Baracoa is full of remote waters with little to no crowds except for the small beach huts selling fresh juices.
http://www.bbc.com/travel/story/20151210-an-island-paradise-you-havent-seen
(Credit: Tanveer Badal)
(Credit: Tanveer Badal)
If you love hoards of tourists covering every square inch of the beach, you can stick with your Cancun vacation. As for me, I'm adding Baracoa to my bucket list!
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