Captivating Cuba

Here at Captivating Cuba, there's always something of a thrill whenever Cuba is featured in a film, so you can imagine the excitement when we heard about Che Part 1! Not only is it set almost entirely in Cuba, it also focuses in on one of the most famous and controversial Cuban figures - Ernesto 'Che' Guevara. This first part concentrates on his part in the Cuban Revolution, the second will revolve around his eventual death in another revolution in Bolivia.

So is it any good? Yes, but it might not be for everyone. Benicio Del Toro (who plays Che Guevara) is excellent, the screenplay is convincing, and the whole thing is very well shot by Steven Soderbergh (the battle of Santa Clara that takes up the last third of the film is particularly stunning). On the other hand, you don't come out of the film feeling as though you know Che any more personally than when you came in. It shows the process of guerrilla warfare in great detail, but there are no personal moments, no times when you get under the skin of Che. Some people will certainly be frustrated by this! But as a depiction of just how the Cuban Revolution was fought and won, its hard to imagine a more realistic or stirring film.

It very much feels like the part of something bigger - I'll have to reserve final judgement until I've seen the second act. Che Part 2 comes out at the start of February - I'll be sure to let you know what I think! But if you are at all interested in Cuba, the Revolution, or Che Guevara, it is definitely worth a look - be sure to let us know what you think!

Peter

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Last week Jasna gave you an overview of Salsa in Cuba. But what would Salsa be without the music?

Cuba pulses with a rhythm that is all its own, and music is key to the experience. It's everywhere on the island: on the beach, in houses, on the streets. We've already talked about some of Cubas festivals here, and how much music is a part of them. It's really wonderful to be surrounded by it all when you're on the island - there's nothing like it anywhere else.

Still (as you'd imagine), the island doesn't have one set style. Influences from immigration, European colonialism and freed slaves have worked together (and sometimes in opposition) to the point where Cuba offers many different types of music for visitors.

Cuban music is an eclectic mix of styles, with anything from jazz to classical European work played. You can visit some of the world's best jazz clubs in Havana or Santiago de Cuba, and then dance the night away as you choose: you can go for salsa dancing on the beach, or visit the more traditional clubs and dance fandangos and paso dobles into the small hours (my favourite).

Salsa (or Timba, as Cubans call it) is, however, one of the most popular styles on the island at the moment. The swinging beat compliments Cuba's festivals and dances perfectly, and can be heard along the length and breadth of the island. There's nothing like leaving behind stilted British sensibilities and letting yourself go salsa crazy on a trip to Salsa's true home.

Jasna's already mentioned our Salsa in Spring Holiday, but I can't help repeating it. It'd be a great Valentine's day gift of your partner, and also lets you experience some of Cuba's best music first hand - and there's nothing stopping you experiencing all the styles of music on offer in Cuba while you're there!

More on Cuba and Cuban music in the weeks and months to come, as well as comments and opinions from people who have already travelled with us to Cuba for you to read and enjoy.

See you later,
Peter

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Sometimes, it seems like salsa is everywhere in Cuba - on the streets...

...in the clubs...

...and even on the beach!

If there's one thing I love about Cuba more than its cooking, it's Cuban Salsa! Somehow it seems to contain many of the elements of real Cuban culture. It's a laid back, sexy and friendly dance with a mixture of African and Spanish influences, reflecting the cultural melting pot that is Cuba.

Music and dancing really seem to be part of the Cuban soul, and I honestly think it is one of the best ways to get to know the country. Plenty of other people seem to agree - since we introduced our Salsa holidays some time ago, they've consistently been one of our most popular holidays. It seems we aren't alone in our love of Salsa in Cuba!

I'm going to be cheeky here and mention our next upcoming salsa holiday, but after you hear what it is, I'm sure you'll understand why - our Salsa in Spring Holiday is really very special. 11 nights in Havana with expert tuition from local experts, and best of all, the final day of dancing takes place on Valentines Day - hard to think of anything more romantic than that!

Places are going fast, but if you're lucky we might be able to squeeze you in, and I promise, it'll be a pretty unbeatable Valentine's Day experience. Call or email if you are interested, and if there's a space left, it's yours!

If you can't make it to Cuba for Valentine's Day, don't worry: we'll let you know how it goes here on the blog, and hopefully we'll be able to put up a photo or two, so at least you'll be able to get a taste of the event from afar!

Jasna

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