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Thursday, November 19, 2009

About Travel in Cuba


Cuba - Beautiful Island in the Caribbean
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Abby_Agier]Abby Agier

The magical island Cuba in the Caribbean is an extraordinary place. And so is its capital Havana. The dilapidation of Havana Centro is impressive and the UNESCO World Heritage of Havana Vieja is very picturesque with the Spanish colonial buildings. Cuba is a city inhabited by many colorful characters such as magical artists, talented musicians and true survivors.

The capital Havana
Havana is not an ordinary touristic place. The city has character and has many interesting museums, history and beaches. Being a bastion of Communism, it has been politically isolated which doesn't attract the endless stream of tourists. The few tourists who make it to the island will be overwhelmed by the gentle and warm locals and the amenities of the island.

Nature of Cuba
Cuba is the biggest island of the Caribbean with 1,207 km of mountain ranges and over 200 bays and sunny beaches. The most famous mountain ranges are the Sierra del Escambray in the center, the Sierra Maestra towards the east and the Cordillera de los Organos to the west.

Generous Locals
You will find a lot of culture, food, art and music in Cuba. Your best option is to sit back and relax with a Cuban cocktail and watching the locals and listening to the Cuban samba somewhere near. The locals and very generous and if you meet them you'll find yourself invited into their homes. They share everything they have with you and will even cook you a delicious homemade Cuban meal with pork, plantains, rice and beans and make you a fresh mango juice and many strong Cuban coffees at the end. The people of Cuba are known for their hospitality and it's said that they will even give you their shirt off their backs. They want to be sure your stay at their island is the best you will ever experience.

Architecture and Dreamy Pictures
The colonial architecture could have compelled with the big European cities of Europe during its heyday. Unfortunately it's faded over time and had a lack of descent recourses. Its current state might not be perfect, but it's beautiful in its own way with the peeling paint and crumbling walls. This makes Cuba a place where it's impossible to make a bad picture and therefore the dream of many photographers. You too will take many beautiful pictures of laughing children, smiling locals, romantic lights and dusty streets.

About The Author

Abby Agier has been an editor for the travel industry for over 20 years. Next to publishing about the most beautiful places in the world she is also a editor for home and kitchen tools and writes about [http://www.classicstandmixer.com/]classic stand mixers to advice about the popular [http://www.classicstandmixer.com/]white stand mixer.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Abby_Agier http://EzineArticles.com/?Cuba---Beautiful-Island-in-the-Caribbean&id=3269912

5 Things Cuba is Famous For
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Dan_DeLa_Cruz]Dan DeLa Cruz

What's all the fuss about cuba? What's this tiny little island just a few hundred miles of the coast of Florida famous for? You might be surprise... The cigars, the rum, the women, the dancing, not to mention the baseball. Ohh, and don't forget about Castro.

#1. Its cigars. Cuban cigars are known worldwide as the best cigars. As the best they are also very expensive. Cuban cigars have been called the forbidden fruit because of their distinctive flavor and aroma. The Cuban government controls all cigar production in Cuba. Cuban cigars are made from tobacco, fillers, and wrappers grown, made, and manufactured in Cuba. Cuban cigars are for the most part hand rolled by master cigar rollers known as torcedores. Torcedores are considered artists in their field and are respected highly in Cuba and around the world. Although Cuban cigars are considered the best in the world they are illegal in the United States.

#2. Its Fidel. Fidel Castro has been a polarizing figure for decades. He is at the same time loved and hated by many. Fidel Castro came to power in 1959 as a result of the Cuban Revolution against U.S. backed dictator Fulgencio Batista. After the overthrow of Batista in 1959, Castro took charge of the military and soon became the next dictator of Cuba. From 1959 through 1960 Castro began to make sweeping changes throughout Cuba. Castro nationalized all industrial businesses, made agriculture into a collective community, and took control of all American-owned businesses. It was also during this time period that Castro began to cut times with the United States and form an alliance with the Soviet Union. Although Castro denied being a communist, he had effectively transformed Cuba into a communist country.

#3. Its rum. Cuban rum just as Cuban cigars is among the best in the world. Cuban rum has been called the spice of life with its smooth but strong flavor. As with Cuban cigars, rum is illegal in the United States because of the trade embargo that was enacted in 1962. Cuban rum is made from the sugarcane by-product known as molasses. This process of making rum was brought to Cuba by slaves from Africa. Cuba was the main supplier of rum in the 1700's and today the most common brand of Cuban rum is Havana Club.

#4. Its dancing. Cuba is famous for its spicy and sexy Latin dances. Picture in your mind moving passionately across the dance floor as you step in time to the beat of your dance partner's rhythm. Cuban dances are about passion and immersing yourself into the story of the dance. The word Salsa was created in New York, however the dance originated in Cuba. Salsa combines a mix of the Danzon from the French, the Rhumba from Africa, and the Son of Cuba. The Cha-Cha-Cha also originated in Cuba. The Cha-Cha-Cha is similar to the Mambo and gained fame in the early 1950's. The Cha-Cha-Cha is more sensual than the Salsa and can be more complex with its many rhythms.

#5. Its baseball. Baseball is more than just America's favorite past time. It is one of the most played sports in Cuba with a long and rich history. Baseball was brought to Cuba sometime around 1860 by Cubans who had studied and played along side sailors in the United States. Some of the greatest baseball players in the world are of Cuban Heritage. Cristobal Torriente, Martin Dihigo, and Jose Mendez are all in the Baseball Hall of Fame. Cubans have played baseball in just about every nation where baseball exists in the world. Not only have Cubans played abroad but many baseball greats from other countries have gone to Cuba to play as well.

Dan DeLa Cruz is a traveler, author, and [http://www.globaldatingrevolution.com]international dating coach. He is most well known as the author of the The Global Dating Revolution a guide to foreign women and [http://www.globaldatingrevolution.com]brazilian women.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dan_DeLa_Cruz http://EzineArticles.com/?5-Things-Cuba-is-Famous-For&id=3248561

Cuba Hotel Awards - A Way Through Excellence
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Giselle_Rodriguez]Giselle Rodriguez

Looking for more than good-value hotels in Cuba? Discover a selection of Cuba hotels that have received several prizes and awards, granted by international tour operators and tourism specialists. These leading facilities could be a fine choice for your perfect Cuba holiday or vacation if you trust well-known experts' criteria.

One of the most prestigious lists of the best hotels worldwide is The Gold List of Condé Nast Traveler. This annual list includes a selection of the hotels around the world that have the best service, rooms, food, ambiance and design, location and leisure facilities. The Saratoga hotel, an Old Havana hotel, received a high rating in the readers' travel awards 2006 survey, since it was at 24 in the hot list 2006 of the 60 best new hotels in the world within the category "Best for Ambiance/Design". You can find this distinguished facility in a prime location opposite the Capitol at Havana City. Art lovers will appreciate the Cuban art in all the public spaces of the property and the "mélange" of colonial and contemporary styles at bedrooms and lounges.

If you look further examples of hotel excellence then you should consider theWorld Travel Awards, voted by travel agents worldwide. They were established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate the achievements in all sectors of the global travel industry. These awards are regarded as the "Oscars" of the tourism industry by The Wall Street Journal. Cuba hotels winners at 2007 and 2008 were Hotel Nacional de Cuba as Cuba's Leading Hotel and Sandals Royal Hicacos Resort & Spa was the Leading Resort. A classy Cuban hotel at the Cuban capitol city and a gorgeous beach resort in one of the best beaches of the island and of the Caribbean, these are the choices of tens of thousands of travel experts, such as travel agents and other travel professionals.

Also Thomas Cook, one of the most important tour operators in the world, recently accorded its Marque of Excellence Award to Paradisus Rio de Oro Resort & Spa, a hotel which received several important prizes in 2008. For those seeking blissful vacations, here you will find a piece of your own paradise. This elegant hotel, located right alongside Playa Esmeralda beach in the province of Holguin, has received for the fifth time the Marque of Excellence Award (2002, 2004, 2005, 2007 and 2008) due to the quality ratings granted by clients. Since it is a 5-star Ultra All-Inclusive hotel that was conceived for adults over 18 years, it is more suitable for romantic getaways, weddings, honeymoons, events and vacations with group of friends.

Plus, Trip Advisor, the largest travel destinations and tips guide in the Web, granted this Cuba hotel two Travelers Choice 2008 Awards (The Best All-Inclusive in the World and the Most Romantic Hotel in Latin America and the Caribbean). These popular distinctions in the tourist industry represent the views of millions of travelers that have selected this hotel for its outstanding service.

Moreover, Paradisus Río de Oro hotel received the Gold Medal 2008 Award accorded by clients of First Choice, the leading British wholesale company. Also in 2006, the Paradisus Rio de Oro was awarded the Travelers' Choice Prize in the category of Most Outstanding Hidden Jewels of the Caribbean. Want a better reason to go there in your next Cuba vacations?

If you prefer more responsible and ecologic hotels then you should try Brisas Guardalavaca. This Cuba hotel has won the important award "Green Planet Award" presented by the European Tour Operator Kuoni. This distinction is given to the hotels contracted by this tour operator with relevant results in terms of Environmental Care. This facility has also received the National Basic Environmental Award presented by the Ministry of Technology and Environment in Cuba. So if your catchphrase is "a better and a greener world is possible" then you should consider Brisas Guardalavaca in the top of your Cuba hotels choices.

Also for environment enthusiasts there is a fine resort at Varadero beach, the Iberostar Tainos hotel, which has won an Environmental Hotel Award in 2004/05. Singles, couples and families will appreciate the good four-star value of this recently built hotel, set on a beautiful stretch of beach surrounded by tropical gardens.

Other Cuba hotels have won international distinctions like Meliá Las Antillas, which was awarded the Primo Neckermann Reisen 2008 Award thanks to the rankings given by clients of the important German tour operator Neckermann, part of Thomas Cook group. This property ranked among the 100 best and most popular hotels in the world in 2008! So if you want to experience a truly unforgettable holiday you should look after this offer, an All-Inclusive Superior 4-star resort especially recommended for weddings, honeymoons, tourist groups and circuits.

Also the magnificent Paradisus Princesa del Mar hotel was granted the Marque of Excellence Award 2007 by leading tour operator Thomas Cook, in recognition of the hotel's high service standards and quality of its accommodations. What's important about this award is that clients are the ones who assess the hotels by responding to Thomas Cook's satisfaction polls, which measure the service, facilities and quality of the accommodations. It is conceived for adults aged 18 and over and it is highly recommended for those who want to spend some time in romantic environments with extraordinary scenic views and total privacy.

Deciding for any holiday is not an easy thing and planning where to stay is sometimes one of the most stressful parts of planning a vacation. So be a wise traveler and follow the expert's opinion on your next retreats in Cuba.

Giselle Rodriguez is a cuba vacations and cuba hotels blogger and content collaborator at http://www.umbrellatravel.com

Address:

Business Center Building Kohly III

Apartamento 71

Calle 34 entre 49 y 49A,

Reparto Kohly, Playa

Ciudad de la Habana CP: 11300

Cuba

Phone : +53 7 206 9606

Mobile Phone : +53 5 263 1106

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Giselle_Rodriguez http://EzineArticles.com/?Cuba-Hotel-Awards---A-Way-Through-Excellence&id=1936633

5 Things Cuba is Famous For


5 Things Cuba is Famous For
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Dan_DeLa_Cruz]Dan DeLa Cruz

What's all the fuss about cuba? What's this tiny little island just a few hundred miles of the coast of Florida famous for? You might be surprise... The cigars, the rum, the women, the dancing, not to mention the baseball. Ohh, and don't forget about Castro.

#1. Its cigars. Cuban cigars are known worldwide as the best cigars. As the best they are also very expensive. Cuban cigars have been called the forbidden fruit because of their distinctive flavor and aroma. The Cuban government controls all cigar production in Cuba. Cuban cigars are made from tobacco, fillers, and wrappers grown, made, and manufactured in Cuba. Cuban cigars are for the most part hand rolled by master cigar rollers known as torcedores. Torcedores are considered artists in their field and are respected highly in Cuba and around the world. Although Cuban cigars are considered the best in the world they are illegal in the United States.

#2. Its Fidel. Fidel Castro has been a polarizing figure for decades. He is at the same time loved and hated by many. Fidel Castro came to power in 1959 as a result of the Cuban Revolution against U.S. backed dictator Fulgencio Batista. After the overthrow of Batista in 1959, Castro took charge of the military and soon became the next dictator of Cuba. From 1959 through 1960 Castro began to make sweeping changes throughout Cuba. Castro nationalized all industrial businesses, made agriculture into a collective community, and took control of all American-owned businesses. It was also during this time period that Castro began to cut times with the United States and form an alliance with the Soviet Union. Although Castro denied being a communist, he had effectively transformed Cuba into a communist country.

#3. Its rum. Cuban rum just as Cuban cigars is among the best in the world. Cuban rum has been called the spice of life with its smooth but strong flavor. As with Cuban cigars, rum is illegal in the United States because of the trade embargo that was enacted in 1962. Cuban rum is made from the sugarcane by-product known as molasses. This process of making rum was brought to Cuba by slaves from Africa. Cuba was the main supplier of rum in the 1700's and today the most common brand of Cuban rum is Havana Club.

#4. Its dancing. Cuba is famous for its spicy and sexy Latin dances. Picture in your mind moving passionately across the dance floor as you step in time to the beat of your dance partner's rhythm. Cuban dances are about passion and immersing yourself into the story of the dance. The word Salsa was created in New York, however the dance originated in Cuba. Salsa combines a mix of the Danzon from the French, the Rhumba from Africa, and the Son of Cuba. The Cha-Cha-Cha also originated in Cuba. The Cha-Cha-Cha is similar to the Mambo and gained fame in the early 1950's. The Cha-Cha-Cha is more sensual than the Salsa and can be more complex with its many rhythms.

#5. Its baseball. Baseball is more than just America's favorite past time. It is one of the most played sports in Cuba with a long and rich history. Baseball was brought to Cuba sometime around 1860 by Cubans who had studied and played along side sailors in the United States. Some of the greatest baseball players in the world are of Cuban Heritage. Cristobal Torriente, Martin Dihigo, and Jose Mendez are all in the Baseball Hall of Fame. Cubans have played baseball in just about every nation where baseball exists in the world. Not only have Cubans played abroad but many baseball greats from other countries have gone to Cuba to play as well.

Dan DeLa Cruz is a traveler, author, and [http://www.globaldatingrevolution.com]international dating coach. He is most well known as the author of the The Global Dating Revolution a guide to foreign women and [http://www.globaldatingrevolution.com]brazilian women.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dan_DeLa_Cruz http://EzineArticles.com/?5-Things-Cuba-is-Famous-For&id=3248561

Cuba - Beatiful Island in the Caribbean


Cuba - Beautiful Island in the Caribbean
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Abby_Agier]Abby Agier

The magical island Cuba in the Caribbean is an extraordinary place. And so is its capital Havana. The dilapidation of Havana Centro is impressive and the UNESCO World Heritage of Havana Vieja is very picturesque with the Spanish colonial buildings. Cuba is a city inhabited by many colorful characters such as magical artists, talented musicians and true survivors.

The capital Havana
Havana is not an ordinary touristic place. The city has character and has many interesting museums, history and beaches. Being a bastion of Communism, it has been politically isolated which doesn't attract the endless stream of tourists. The few tourists who make it to the island will be overwhelmed by the gentle and warm locals and the amenities of the island.

Nature of Cuba
Cuba is the biggest island of the Caribbean with 1,207 km of mountain ranges and over 200 bays and sunny beaches. The most famous mountain ranges are the Sierra del Escambray in the center, the Sierra Maestra towards the east and the Cordillera de los Organos to the west.

Generous Locals
You will find a lot of culture, food, art and music in Cuba. Your best option is to sit back and relax with a Cuban cocktail and watching the locals and listening to the Cuban samba somewhere near. The locals and very generous and if you meet them you'll find yourself invited into their homes. They share everything they have with you and will even cook you a delicious homemade Cuban meal with pork, plantains, rice and beans and make you a fresh mango juice and many strong Cuban coffees at the end. The people of Cuba are known for their hospitality and it's said that they will even give you their shirt off their backs. They want to be sure your stay at their island is the best you will ever experience.

Architecture and Dreamy Pictures
The colonial architecture could have compelled with the big European cities of Europe during its heyday. Unfortunately it's faded over time and had a lack of descent recourses. Its current state might not be perfect, but it's beautiful in its own way with the peeling paint and crumbling walls. This makes Cuba a place where it's impossible to make a bad picture and therefore the dream of many photographers. You too will take many beautiful pictures of laughing children, smiling locals, romantic lights and dusty streets.

About The Author

Abby Agier has been an editor for the travel industry for over 20 years. Next to publishing about the most beautiful places in the world she is also a editor for home and kitchen tools and writes about [http://www.classicstandmixer.com/]classic stand mixers to advice about the popular [http://www.classicstandmixer.com/]white stand mixer.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Abby_Agier http://EzineArticles.com/?Cuba---Beautiful-Island-in-the-Caribbean&id=3269912

Saturday, November 14, 2009