
In November 2016 I took advantage of the easing of U.S. travel restrictions to Cuba and spent a week exploring the Caribbean island. I visited Santa Clara, Havana, Cienfuegos and Trinidad, encountering beautiful culture and scenery, plus a wildly different standard of development and daily life than I’m used to.
Here are some scenes from that trip that capture what makes traveling to Cuba such an adventure.

Speaking of Daiquiris, Ernest Hemingway was a big fan of the drink. You can visit the writer’s home about 30 minutes from Havana.

Visit a cigar shop or a factory to learn more about Cuba’s famous product. (And pick up some souvenirs!)

Bring your phone flashlight: Many streets in Cuba — including in Old Havana — don’t have street lights.

You can’t go far in Old Havana without running into some live music — you’ll find it on streets, at restaurants and in bars.

Fidel Castro’s presence is evident across Cuba; my visit coincided with his death, so I’d imagine the tributes are even more prevalent now.
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