Paul El Cubano

In this day and age, the Internet makes finding things to do and see so accessible, it’s almost overwhelming. But with the takeover of social media, sometimes all you really want is just that one “Instagram moment” to share with friends and family. I am guilty of this and have honed my abilities to find “that” one pic we’re all looking for. How? I use Instagram to research my destination. 

I search the location tag on Instagram (under discover, search on the far right) and I browse through top and current photos. Sometimes you find places that don’t show up on TripAdvisor! I found a chic rooftop bar overlooking the capital building via Instagram (that I did NOT see on TripAdvisor) and my friends were blown away by this find! 

I can ask people currently there for recommendations. That’s how I found out more information about this bar. I saw someone’s picture and commented asking if we had to be guests at the hotel to get access. She responded within a day or so, letting me know that we simply had to take the elevator to the top floor and voila! 

I always try to save a screenshot so I already have a pic to show people when asking for directions. This worked later in the week when I was looking for a cute colorful cafe in Old Havana. I showed a local the screenshot and sure enough, he walked us 2 minutes back up the road and showed us right where it was! Worth it? I think so.

Lastly, I use this time to find pose ideas. Everyone wants a candid photo, so I check out what other people are doing when taking a picture at a specific location! (Hint: you can always flash the U!) 

As part of my trip to Cuba with the University of Utah’s Cuba Complexity, Community and Change program, I was able to stay with a host family. This was my third time staying with a host family (previously in Russia and France). I have always had good experiences with host families and I was thrilled to meet my Cuban abuela! 

I am a firm believer that host families are the BEST form of immersion in a culture. Why? Well...

If a different language, you are in the prime environment to learn. Especially if there are children in the home because kids often do not mind teaching you new words and helping with your grammar. 

You can ask questions to a reliable source who can explain from the perspective of a local.

You can get recommendations for local spots: bakeries, hikes, restaurants etc. They live there and definitely know the BEST places for whatever you are looking for! I have never regretted following a local’s advice. 

You get to taste local dishes for a fraction of the price! Some dishes, especially if they are well known, will be overpriced because they are marketed to tourists. But if you live with a host family, odds are they will eat that same food often! 

Trip Advisor will tell the average tourist that sites such as Temple Square, the Natural History Museum and the Utah State Capitol building are the must-sees in Salt Lake. But you don’t want to be just an average tourist, do you? Utah has so much beauty (we even have our own hashtag #beUTAHful) and you will miss it if you only focus your attention on downtown SLC. While there are many, many potential day trips one could take, I’d like to personally suggest three that I’ve loved! 

#1 Zion National Park

Just a 4.5 hour drive, Zion National Park could take a whole day or your whole weekend! The most popular hike is Angel’s Landing (pictured above). I stayed at Zion View Bed and Breakfast (click for link) which I recommend whole-heartedly. Southern Utah has a charm of its own that must be experienced at least once in your lifetime. 

#2 Park City 

A quick 35 min ride from the Salt Lake City International Airport, Park City is celebrity hotspot and skier’s paradise. With world-famous powder, the Sundance Film Festival, and a charming Main Street, you can’t help but love your afternoon in Park City. 

Personal Tip: Look up a parking map online before you go. Street parking is expensive but there’s free parking garages behind Main Street on the east side.

#3 Alpine Loop Scenic Byway

This is a scenic drive that is best experienced in the autumn. I went in October. Just follow Highway #92 up through American Fork Canyon and you’ll come back out in the city of Orem. The loop takes about an hour without stopping. Simply mention that you’re just driving through at the entrance of the national forest to save money on the entrance fee! 

Bienvenido! 

Let me introduce myself real quick: my name is Paul Bowles. I’m a 22 year old student at the University of Utah. I am from Salt Lake City, Utah. I’ve been to 22 countries in the last 4 years including one semester teaching English in Moscow, Russia and one year as an au pair in Paris, France. I am studying International Studies at the U with an emphasis in Foreign Relations and Security. I created this blog to document my study abroad in Havana, Cuba this fall! Hence the name “Paul El Cubano” (Paul the Cuban). I run another travel blog, Beyond Utah, which I will continue to grow. This tumblr blog is supplement to my main website. Follow along here and on my social media sites! Simply search “BeyondUtah” on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube and Twitter! I’ll include links below as well. Hasta luego! 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondutah/ (@beyondutah)

Snapchat: @beyondutah

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beyondutah/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7olG2ELJeTBlxxeUEtnmpg