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Travel Inspirations · August 17, 2010

Tempting Tuesday: Beach Adventures in Cuba by Andrea Perullo

As the tourists come crushing into the beaches of the Amalfi Coast, it’s been a pleasure to dream of traveling to other beaches around the world with this fun series of guest posts. With the crowds and the heat, nothing beats a bit of armchair traveling from the comfort of home! When the summer heat rises, out comes my collection of Cuban music by the amazingly talented artists such as Ruben Gonzalez, Compay Segundo, Omara Portuondo, Ibrahim Ferrer and so many others. If I can get my hands on some limes and mint—not always the easiest ingredients to find here in Italy—I’ll even whip up some mojitos. This week Andi from My Beautiful Adventures really tempted me with her story and gorgeous photos from her beach adventures in Cuba. She certainly does know how to have beautiful travel adventures!

Welcome, Andi!

________________________________________________________

 

Palm Trees Cuba

 

I am an adrenalin junkie like no other! This trait was developed several years ago and must now be satiated constantly. So, if you add my fascination with Cuban history and politics, my crush on Che, my love for mojitos, and all things Latin WITH being told that I am not allowed to legally enter the country; well, I could not have designed a better place to get my adrenaline fix in, nor to celebrate my 25th Birthday, than La
Habana, Cuba.

The trip itself was a dream-come-true, but one of the most memorable parts of the whole trip was spending my Birthday at Playa del Este, or the East Beach in Spanish. It is only about a 20 minute and $5 taxi ride from downtown La Habana.

 

Beach Cuba

 

As I walked over the sand dunes and in the direction of the ocean the sight of the crystal blue waters took my breath away! I will never become jaded with the Caribbean. The beach is long and wide, with white soft sand and warm gentle water.

Throughout most of Cuba you will encounter a separation between tourists and locals. That type of segregation was really unsettling and bothered me the entire trip, however unlike everywhere else, Playa del Este had no separation and being amongst the locals, especially in such a gorgeous setting, made the experience that much more unforgettable.

 

Beach Cuba 2

 

Surrounding the beach are numerous restaurants and bars, but my favorite place for a snack was the popular ice cream stand that always had a line.

I revisited Playa del Este once more on my last day in Cuba. It was the perfect place for me to reflect on my trip. The island was full of life and desperation at the same time. Surrounded by tropical heat, the beat of salsa music, dilapidated architecture, and the constant presence of political unease; in Cuba I had the constant feeling that something was just about to occur, because in a place so full of uncertainty the only thing that was
for sure was that something inevitably would happen!

 

Car Cuba

_____________

Andrea Perullo is a Chinese Medicine Doctor by day, travel addict by night. When she is not treating patients, she is exploring the world or dreaming of the next place to visit.  She also writes travel features for MNUI Travel Insurance and blogs at My Beautiful Adventures.

Posted In: Travel Inspirations · Tagged: Beaches, Blogosphere, Cuba, Guest Post, my menu, Tempting Tuesday

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Comments

  1. Global Butterfly says

    August 17, 2010 at 15:28

    Oh how I miss Cuba…I would return in a heartbeat!

    Reply
  2. Laura says

    August 17, 2010 at 15:48

    Oh, I don't blame you, Andi. It looks so beautiful! 🙂

    Reply
  3. Welshcakes Limoncello says

    August 18, 2010 at 15:37

    Love this post. I've always wanted to go to Cuba.

    Reply
  4. Wanderlust Woman says

    August 19, 2010 at 02:11

    The pink car was just the icing on your birthday cake. LOL

    Reply
  5. Saretta says

    August 19, 2010 at 08:41

    That would be a wonderful place to visit. Maybe I'll get there one day!

    Reply
  6. Laura says

    August 29, 2010 at 20:33

    Ciao Pat! I've always been drawn to Cuba as well. It was great to hear about Andi's travel adventures!

    Ciao Lisa! I couldn't resist including Andi's photo of that pink car in this post. Love it! 🙂

    Ciao Saretta! It's on my list, too!

    Reply
  7. Cherrye Moore says

    August 30, 2010 at 13:13

    I love your beach series, Laura and like many of you have said, I'd LOVE to visit Cuba. I think it has something to do with "not being allowed," like Andi said. What does that say about us?

    🙂

    Cherrye at My Bella Vita
    http://my-bellavita.com

    Reply
  8. Laura says

    August 30, 2010 at 14:30

    Ciao Cherrye! I've really enjoyed this beach series as well, and Andi's glimpse into Cuba was really fun. I'm not sure why it has that appeal, but I'm totally with you. Would love to see Cuba! 🙂

    Reply

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My name is Laura and the Amalfi Coast is my passion and my home. I’m a writer and photographer who is endlessly inspired by the incredible beauty of the Amalfi Coast. Welcome to Ciao Amalfi!

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