Cuba on My Mind

It has been months since I returned with our group from Cuba, and I have to say that the experience has remained emblazoned on my memory.  I can't seem to forget the wonderful people I met, the unparalleled architecture we saw, and the beautiful cultural performances we witnessed, such as an inspirational choral performance.  It is amazing how little our group knew about Cuba when we arrived, and how much insight we gained by our visit.

Perhaps it is the gorgeous painting I bought in Cuba (my favorite in my home) hanging over my bed that keeps Cuba forever on my mind, or maybe it is the reminiscing with fellow Zoom Vacations travelers over the experiences we shared that we know few Americans get to encounter.  Whatever the case, I haven't stopped thinking about our time there.

The whole time we were in Cuba, our minds were in overdrive, constantly making connections and drawing parallels and distinctions between our home countries and other places we've visited.  Many people say that you should go to Cuba now before things change, and I know they are right.  We may be nearing the end of an age, and it is an era that I can promise you do not want to miss.  

Gay Travel in Cuba

The US LGBT community and Cuban people have a lot in common.   Like Cubans, gay people know first hand what it is like to be oppressed.   And it's not a surprise that Cubans have turned to (visual, culinary and musical) art to express and assert themselves.  We visited a privately run restaurant in the beautiful retro home of a gay couple.  We enjoyed their hospitality, and enjoyed great conversation.   

Indeed, Cuban food is best enjoyed in the many private restaurants that have sprung up throughout the country. Privately owned, they strive for fair prices, good service and delicious food.  In Havana, we met lots of gay people at a gay venue where we learned that the high art of drag is alive and well and that Gay Pride celebrations are popping up in major cities around the island.  We also learned that gay marriage is being openly discussed in government and has a lot of support.  Music and art are thriving in Cuba.  Private art galleries and craft markets are easy to find.  Cuban art is very affordable and high quality.  The one thing that impressed me about the Cubans I met was not only their kindness, but how open they were in discussing their lives and Cuba's unique position in the world at the moment and where they hope to be in the future.  

They look up to the US culture and government.  So, it's no surprise that our gay group felt very welcomed in Cuba and that meaningful exchanges were had.