View of Baracoa, Cuba. Courtesy of Maggie Clare our Technical Designer.
Cuba: land of cigars, mojitos and dancing. Thanks to recent policy changes, American citizens are able to visit Cuba as long as they go as part of an authorized program. These programs have an educational focus and boast packed cultural itineraries and opportunities to soak up local trade and crafts. Our Technical Designer, Maggie Clare, recently took a trip to the enigmatic island country. Her trip was heavily immersed in the Cuban art scene and she shared some of her favorite experiences with us!
Do: During his time in Cuba, Ernest Hemingway worked on a number of novels including, and most famously, The Old Man and the Sea. If you're a Hemingway fan or if you're just feeling curious, check out the Hotel Los Ambos Mundos in Havana. This small hotel is where Ernest Hemingway always stayed while visiting the Cuban city. Start on the roof deck with a Mojito and an epic view of Havana. Then head to the 5th floor, where will you will find Hemingway's old bedroom just as he left it. Each year, the room's theme changes and this year the theme is alcohol. This experience is not to be missed!
Eat: Family-run restaurants in Cuba are known as paladares. La Guarida Paladar in Havana is one of the most exciting paladares we've come across. Tucked away on the 3rd floor of an 18th Century building, this restaurant is a hidden gem in what looks like a dilapidated mansion. The restaurant offers delicious food and an atmosphere that is unparalleled. La Guarida Paladar is famous for appearing in the Cuban film Fresa Y Chocolate.
Maggie explores Havana in W+W S/S 2012. Mosaic work at Fusterlandia.
See: Fusterlandia. Jose Fuster is a Cuban native artist whose ceramic and tile work leaves nothing untouched. You'll notice his whimsical work as you enter the small village of Jaimanitas just outside Havana - in fact, more than 80 neighbors have allowed Fuster to use their homes as a canvas. You can arrange to have lunch at Fuster's compound and then spend the rest of the afternoon walking through the premises and enjoying his work.
Drink: Head to Casa de La Trova for for some authentic Cuban nightlife. Get your hands on a mojito-filled jam jar and enjoy the live music and dancing. Tourists and locals alike can be found at this iconic spot in Baracoa.
Sleep: Hotel Porto Santo in Baracoa boasts a pool and a beautiful view over Baracoa bay. The meaning of Baracoa is "presence by the sea" and in this idyllic little spot in Eastern Cuba you'll be sure to soak up some tropical beauty. Baracoa is the oldest settlement in Cuba and the birth place of the song "Guantamera."
The weather in Cuba can be a little fickle - it can be extremely hot inland but cool and cloudy nearer the coast. It's the perfect place to enjoy open stitches and light cashmere - like our Stitch Scoopneck or our Stitch Front Open Cardigan!
