Travel To Cuba
By Phillip Townsend, Thu Dec 8th
Think Cuba, and vivid images come to mind: of men in Guayaberashirts and Panama hats, tropical breezes and cool drinks, steamyLatin rhythms and sultry women. It has always been an intriguingplace, steeped in truth and in fiction by the novels of ErnestHemingway. In the pre-Revolution Batista days, Cuba was the sin capital ofthe Americas, a wild haunt of mobsters, corrupt politicians,loose women and petty thieves, all vying to stake their claim toa share of the profits from gambling, prostitution and otherlucrative rackets. The easy money attracted some of America'sbiggest celebrities and high rollers, as well as a flood oftourists eager to indulge in the island's many carnal pleasures. After decades of blight and neglect, the Caribbean's largestisland is radiating a new self-confidence. Havana has regainedmuch of its past allure, tourism is once again thriving, oldbars, restaurants and hotels are enjoying a proud comeback, andstunning new attractions are being built.
Cuba is a destination worth discovering that’s at its best rightnow. As a travel desination, its relative political isolationhas kept it from being overrun with tourists. Once the U.S.government lifts economic sanctions and the travel ban, therewill
be a flood of investment into Cuba's economy that is sureto change the face of the culture and landscape. Cuba is home to just over 11 million people, with more than 2million living in the capital, Havana. The island's Cuba's richculture, interesting political history, and continued economichardship make it one of the world's most eye-opening nationswith a wealth of places just waiting to be discovered. The food,music, and, most of all, the warm hospitality of the Cubanpeople all combine to make it a great place to visit. U.S. officials say open trade and travel to Cuba wouldstrengthen Castro's oppressive government. But critics arguethat the Cold War-era U.S. embargo, aimed at forcing a change inCuba's leadership, has not achieved its goals after being inplace for more than 40 years. Despite the embargo, last year, 200,000 Americans visited Cuba(most through Canada or Mexico). As one taxi driver put it, "We have the best cigars, best rum,best music, and most beautiful women in the world. What morecould anyone want?" I can’t argue with that, and don’t think you would either. RESOURCES The Cuba Report, an expatriate guide, was recentlypublished. For more information or to order, visitwww.thegloballife.net.
About the author:Phillip Townsend is the author of The Cuba Report, available atwww.thegloballife.net |
