Author: Janet Podolak

Meet some Cuban artists, see their work

Music in Havana is everywhere  – from balconies on decaying houses from which laundry lines are strung, at dinner and over drinks on breezy rooftops, in immaculate and beautifully restored public squares,...

Tocororo reveals Cuba as a birding paradise

The brilliant blue white and red tocororo is Cuba’s national bird. I’ve been stopped in the street, at the grocery store, library and at wine tastings by those asking about my recent...

A guide to staying hydrated in Cuba

  Guarapo- fresh squeezed sugar cane – is made for a nearby guaraperia where a Hemingway-inspired drink that also uses fresh squeezed pineapple is served. It’s important to stay hydrated in tropical...

Rum, cigars the forbidden fruits of Havana

  Partagas,  one of the oldest cigars in Cuba, were begun in 1843 by an immigrant from Spain. The Trinidad is made exclusively for Fidel to present to dignitaries and diplomats. Cigars...

Old cars of Cuba have a few surprises

This is a typical Havana traffic scene with a mixture of cars old and new The cars of Cuba were one of the biggest surprises during my recent visit. I expected to...

Cuban money and legal purchases in Cuba

Five  CUC and  three CUC convertible peso notes are shown with a souvenir Cuban flag. The CUC currency, designed to be exchanged for other currencies brought to Cuba by visitors, isn’t used...

Amazing Havana street music brought tears

Met a wonderful guitar player  in Cathedral Square at twilight. Two standouts will be forever memories when it comes to the music we heard in Cuba. On the advice of a friend...