Cubans are highly appreciative of any gifts received. Even though most consumer goods can be found in Cuba, they often exceed budget. Therefore, gifts are highly appreciated.
Basic items, like shoes, can be challenging to come by on a consistent basis. Flip flops alone can cost $10 which is quite an amount if your income falls within an official monthly threshold. Also shower gels and creams make great presents.
Map of Cuba
This map is fully-indexed and includes street plans of Varadero beach strip, central Havana, Santiago de Cuba as well as selected hotels and places of interest. Printed on waterproof paper with an engaging photographic cover it makes for the ideal way to discover Cuba’s vibrant culture.
This map of Cuba outlines its borders, capital city and most popular travel destinations – an invaluable way of learning more about its geography, history and climate. Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, Straits of Florida and Caribbean Sea; maritime borders shared with United States, Haiti Jamaica & The Bahamas; majority covered by limestone plateau; rivers lakes tropical forests as well as stunning caverns & coral reefs can all be found throughout.
Cuban coffee
Cuban coffee is a rich and sweet espresso-style beverage enjoyed throughout the day, typically served in small cups topped with thick sugar foam. Although Cuban coffee can be easily made at home, be aware of your caffeine tolerance before trying it!
Moka pot coffee is typically prepared using finely ground espresso roast beans and sugar. To begin brewing it, whisk some coffee with sugar until it forms a light brown foam – white sugar tends to produce thinner foam while brown sugar will often give thicker results.
Cuban salsa course
No matter your goal is – whether learning Cuban salsa for leisurely purposes, or improving your dancing abilities to take them further – this course has something for you. Beginning with basic moves and progressing to more complex ones, this class offers something suitable for beginners as well as couples looking to deepen their relationships by sharing an artistic bond through dance.
Cuban salsa dancers differ from their LA counterparts in that Cuban-style moves are more circular and involve body isolation and hip movement, as opposed to linear. Recently, its popularity has grown, with many LA salsa dancers adopting elements of Cuban-style salsa into their dancing.
This four week series for absolute beginners builds a solid foundation in dance in an enjoyable and stress-free atmosphere, teaching social dancing etiquette, floorcraft and partnering techniques as well as offering an introduction to Rueda de Casino (an interactive group dance involving continuous partner changes).
Guayabera shirt
Guayabera shirts are traditional Cuban men’s summer shirts made of light fabric and designed to keep wearers cool in humid conditions. There is an array of pockets on these styles which allow for casual or formal occasions.
A shirt is traditionally constructed out of cotton or linen fabric, while more modern varieties may incorporate polyester for ease of care and mildew resistance. There are various fabrics to choose from including silk. Most designs include intricate stitch patterns to give an eye-catching finish.
Guayaberas are typically worn untucked, and make an ideal pairing for jeans or other tough work pants. Some styles feature floral or tropical prints which make them popular choices for beach weddings and vacations, as well as higher quality fabrics with intricate embroidery or designs.
Cuban history book
This Cuban history book starts with a family’s trip into the city for Christmas. Unfortunately, no trains are running and so they must find alternative forms of transport in order to reach their destination. This read-aloud book combines fiction and nonfiction into an enjoyable read aloud experience.
Ferrer’s history illustrates how an American-Cuba divide has long shaped Cuba from its beginnings, as demonstrated by periods of increased US hostility leading to Cuban internal repression of dissent.
An unforgettable story of exploitation and hope, Cuba’s rise from poverty to global prominence is told here with battles, shipwrecks, pirates and Indians all interspersed with tragic sacrifices and triumphant achievements – an essential listen for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Cuba-US relations.
Cuban novel
Cuban novels have long been an attractive literary form to writers from across the globe, drawing them in to explore political, cultural and historical topics that pertain to Cuba. Many novels written about Cuba also explore relationships between characters and their homelands.
This poetic tale about the turbulent lives of a Cuban family explores their struggles as life on the island becomes ever-more complicated. Reminiscent of Hemingway’s Old Man and the Sea, it paints an incomparably humane portrait.
This novel follows Pilar del Pino as she negotiates her relationship with Cuba and language, trying to reconcile Santeria beliefs with life in New York City. With plenty of drama and intrigue woven throughout this narrative, this tale will keep readers on their toes until its exciting conclusion.
Cuban tostone maker
One of Cuba’s most beloved side dishes, tostones are twice-fried plantains that make for an amazing snack – much like banana chips but thicker! Salted, tostones make for more of a savoury than sweet treat and pair perfectly with any meal; be it cuban sandwiches, empanizado bistec, arroz con pollo or classic arroz con pollo! Traditionally tostones are formed into discs using a tostonera, plate, or flat surface; alternatively you can use stuffed plantain press affiliate links to form cups so they can be filled with your preferred fillings; making tostones great additions as appetizers or starter menu items!
Travel journal
Travel journals are an invaluable way to record memories and insights that you’d otherwise forget, helping to recall all the little details that make each trip special – from your first glimpse of the ocean to inside jokes with locals. Handmade journals bound using Smyth sewing are generally considered superior forms of journal binding.
The Travel Journal comes in various sizes and can be personalized with initials or a name embossed onto its cover for yourself or someone special. A perfect present for anyone who enjoys traveling – from summer staycations to international journeys!
This travel journal is made of gorgeous woven fabric and vegan-friendly, making it an excellent choice for people concerned about environmental sustainability and working conditions. Easy to use with bookmark ribbon included for convenient convenience!
Bottle of Cuban rum
Recently, Cuban rum has become an increasingly sought-after collector’s item, due to limited edition bottlings and premium well-aged expressions that have gained increasing interest. Popular choices include Havana Club, Santiago de Cuba and Pacto Navio among many others.
Rums are typically produced by pressing harvested sugarcane to extract its juice, which is combined with water and yeast before being fermented and distilled through copper-lined column stills before finally being aged in barrels.
Master rum-makers, known as maestros roneros, blend premium, rich and smooth spirits together. This creates an exquisite beverage that pairs well with cigars.