Cuba
| Cuba | |
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| Motto: Spanish: Patria y Libertad (English: "Homeland and Freedom") | |
| Anthem: La Bayamesa (The Bayamo Song) | |
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| Capital | Havana 23°8′N 82°23′W |
| Largest City | Havana |
| Official Language | Spanish |
| Government: President of the | Republic |
| Independence - Declared from Spain |
Ten Years' War |
| Area - Total - Water (%) | 110,860 km² (104th) 42,803 sq mi |
| Population - 2005 est. | 11,345,670 (70th) 11,177,743 |
| GDP - Total | 2004 estimate |
| Human Development Index | 0.817 (52nd) - high |
| Currency | Peso Convertible peso |
| Time Zone - Summer (DST) | EST (Starts April 1, |
| Internet TLD | .cu |
| Calling Code | +53 |
| ~1~ 1993–2004, the U.S. dollar was used in addition to the peso until the dollar was replaced by the convertible peso. | |
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Cuba
Overview
Known as the "Pearl of the Antilles", Cuba offers picturesque colonial towns, an Afro-Cuban culture, almost 300 unblemished beaches, great countryside, potent rum and excellent beer. Cuba is great for scuba diving, yachting, fishing, hiking, horseback riding and golf. Cuba has been described as a "fascinating smorgasbord of nonstop discovery and experience".
Timing
November is the start of the dry season in cuba. Temperatures are normally around 27 Celsius. We will also miss the peak tourist season (mid Dec. to mid-March, & all of July & August).
About Cuba
Cuba is the largest Caribbean island [16th largest island in the world :-) ]. Of its 11m inhabitants, 60% are of Spanish descent; there are also substantial African and mixed-race minorities. Spain colonised Cuba in 1512 and decimated its indigenous population of Arawak Indians. In 1898 the US occupied the country, but relations soured in 1959 when the charismatic Fidel Castro came to power. The ban on US tourism has its advantages: apart from the coastal resort of Varadero the island remains non-commercial, and the people genuinely friendly. Well known for its musical culture, the rumba, mambo, cha cha cha, son and salsa all originated in Cuba. The Capital, Havana, founded on its present site in 1519, is one of the oldest cities in the Americas.
Things to do, when in Cuba
- smoke Cuban cigars
- take a ride in a Vintage american car
- stay in a 'casa particular' - a common phenomenon in Cuba - for locals to rent out a room or 2 of their houses for tourists, this is the best way to gain an insight into the country
- drink 'Mojitos' - 'just the ticket after a hard day on the beach, Cuba's quintessential cocktail, a refreshing concoction of rum, limes & mint'
Havana
The capital, Havana, with its colonial architecture and ostentatious 50s and 60s cars, is the biggest Caribbean city (pop. approx. 2.2 million) and the hub of Cuban nightlife.
We will spend a good 2 or 3 days in Havana.
Things to do in Havana:
- Fabrica de Tobaco Partagas - famous Havana cigar factory, offers a fascinating insight into the skills behind cigar making and lays bare some idiosyncratic Cuban working practices.
- La Guarida restaurant - where the excellent food is matched by Baroque surroundings,
- Visit Habana Vieja (old Havana) - including a visit to Edificio Bacardi - A slice of dazzling art deco architecture, the Bacardi family's pre-revolution HQ is a fitting place for to enjoy a Cubre libre
Other potential places to visit
Maria La Gorda - approx. 5 hrs drive from Havana - this seems to be the best place in Cuba for scuba diving. And also, you don't have to know how to scuba dive already!
Varadero - Fantastic beaches, and also good for scuba diving
Trinidad - a world heritage site, the country's most perfectly preserved colonial city, and also close to the beach & mountains.
Useful Links:
For practicalities - health, visas, climate etc. The Guardian
For geography, history & culture: Encarta