Cuba’s people and history have left me incredibly inspired and with a positive life outlook. I have never met people so generous, grateful, well mannered and kind despite their limited means. Cubanos love life and appreciate every minute of it and they will surely make you join in! People went beyond their ‘way’, literally, to help me out throughout my time in the country, they have given me thoughtful gifts and many stories to cherish. So many stories to write and tell. Martha, who has the same second hand book stand at Plaza de Armas in Havana since she was a teenager, talked to me about Che – how he used to stroll in the evenings at the Plaza, he was ‘elegante’ she said and always kind and caring with the kids playing around and the people he would meet. I heard about Fidel from Amadeo, an Italian who felt in love with Cuba in his youth and after 15 years back and forth decided to take citizenship, about his 8 hours speeches on the 1st of May.

I learnt how proud they are for their past, their revolutionary fathers and the deep respect they have for them. I learnt about their struggles, their dreams, how ready they are to move forward.

If I ever was to give one advice on travelling would be ‘talk to people’. They are the history, the vibe and culture of the country.

And another thing…

I found Cuba a very safe place for a female traveller. I combined both solo travelling (around Havana and Trinidad) and adventure group travelling (covering Havana, Viñales, Cienfuegos, Trinidad and Santa Clara to visit Che’s monument, museum and resting place which was an extraordinary experience) . For my group travelling, I joined Cuban Adventures. It was a special experience, this is a company specialising in Cuban tours and offers a truly authentic experience. If you are travelling solo and want to experience Cuba off the beaten track, meet like minded travellers and hear first hand on Cuba’s history and culture from a local this is undoubtedly a great choice.

Read more on:

Havana

Trinidad

Viñales

For more travel tips on Cuba, get in touch taksidin@gmail.com