Although a third of population was still poor, Cuba was 5th most developed country in the Southern America. At this time Cuba was at its economic peak, having the 8th highest salary in industrial segment in the world. The time when the best of American cars found their way here. It was then when all the magnificent buildings were erected, the fancy villas and town houses. But because of this period in Cuban history, Cuba is what it is now. Although in 1902 USA supposedly gives the power to local Cuban government, locals call it the puppet era, as Cubans had no say in what was happening to their country. 19th century marked independence wars and in the end USA annexes Cuba. With the abolishing of slave trade, Chinese workers are brought in. The next two centuries in Cuba marked fights between the British and Spanish on who will rule over Cuba. Many Cubans still know from which Spanish or African parts their ancestors came from. In order to work on the sugarcane plantations, a large number of slaves were brought from Africa, making for one of the sources of diverse population today. With the Spanish and the mass genocide of the locals, a new time begun in Cuba. The name „Cuba” translated from the local language, most likely means „where fertile land is abundant” or „great place” according to another source. All we have today are the words – Cuba, Havana, tobacco, canoe – and a few more, still existing even in the English language. Just roughly forty years later there was almost nothing left of Indian people or their culture. And not without a reason, as in 1514 Spanish conquered Indian tribes and established Havana. The history of Cuba started with Arawak speaking Taino Indians, who did not greet Christopher Columbus too warmheartedly in the 15th century. Since we only had two weeks, we used this time on the main island, but if you have more than that, be sure to visit the other island as well! I hear they are magnificent. It’s not true in fact, it consists of one main island and several archipelagos. Many think that Cuba is just single island-country in the Caribbean. And, you must take a ride in the old Cuban car! This time we could really sit back and enjoy, which was especially nice after long walks in the cities. For our own planned trips we used local drivers with their own cars, both old-timers and more modern ones. But who knows, life may bring me to Cuba someday again, and then I will certainly try those too. Although I have heard a lot about the advantages of staying in Cuban rented apartments – casas particulares – this time it was not an option. I was laughing that it has been a while since I was an ordinary tourist and this was a way to revisit what my trips looked like 5- 7 years ago. For several reasons „the base” for this all was to be Varadero, a five star all-inclusive hotel, with several included excursions. I wanted to see what Cuba is all about – seeing Havana, Las Terrazas, Vinales, Pinar Del Rio region, visiting Trinidad, diving in the Bay of Pigs and being lazy on the beaches of Varadero. In the beginning of May I went to Cuba, for a two week adventure, mostly consisting of exploring the famous Cuban culture, a little lounging on the beach and some diving. But they say be careful what you wish for, as it just may come true, and it did for me! All over the news there were articles about how you must go now, still to be able to see old American (and Soviet) cars, see Cubans unspoiled by capitalism and enjoy socialism in all its varieties. The opportunity to go to Cuba came unexpectedly and I immediately said yes! To be honest, just before finding out about the trip, I was a bit sad that I have not had the chance to see the Real Cuba, as now with relationship between USA and Cuba improving, it’s all going to change. Now Cuba will always remain in my memories as the land of the tasty mangoes. And there are plenty of those in Cuba – small, bright yellow, big & pink, and all very fragrant. There can be many descriptions of the month of May in Cuba – rainy season, off-season, crab migration season or – mango season! A good storm in a tropical country? Even better, you get to take some nice pictures of the clouds! Crabs? I don’t eat those, but they also contribute to good pictures! But mango is something that everyone loves. Do you know of any other fruit that would taste better than ripe, juicy mango straight from the tree? If there is one, I have never tried it before.
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