Cuba is a land of contradictions that is easy to enjoy but difficult for
first-time visitors to decipher. The largest island in the Caribbean, it
is a tropical paradise that Christopher Columbus called "the most
beautiful land that human eyes have ever seen." It is famous for the
romantic charm of its crumbling colonial cities, the beauty of its white
sand beaches, and its irresistible Afro-Cuban dance beats. But it is
also a land of shortages and tight government control, which has been in
a sixty-year political standoff with its superpower neighbor, the USA.
The homegrown version of single-party socialism created by Fidel Castro
has kept Cuba in a Cold War time warp that only now is beginning to
change. As travel restrictions are relaxed US tourists can once again
visit the island. Greater flexibility toward private enterprise is
opening it up to boutique hotels and high-quality home-based
restaurants. There is a boom in special-interest tourism for cyclists,
hikers, birdwatchers, and scuba divers, while foreign entrepreneurs are
eagerly exploring investment opportunities. Culture Smart! Cuba will
take you beyond the usual descriptions of Havana nightlife, vintage
cars, and hand-rolled cigars and give you an insider's view of an island
that is teetering on the brink of historic change. It offers insights
into Cuba's fascinating history, national icons, unique food, vibrant
cultural scene, and world-renowned music. Practical tips help business
travelers gain an edge on the competition. But most of all, this book
aims to show you how best to break the ice and get a better
understanding of the infinitely resourceful Cuban people, who despite
severe hardships and shortages over many years remain optimistic and
fiercely proud of their heritage and culture.
