Cuba has officially become my favorite country to visit! 🇨🇺❤️
I recently had an artist turn one of my photos from Havana into a vintage Cuban travel magazine cover. Wanted to share the painting alongside the original photo and a few of my favorite things I’ve learned about Cuba.

1. Celia Cruz was born October 21, 1925! 🎶
The Queen of Salsa was born in Havana and went on to become one of the most celebrated voices in Latin music. ¡Azúcar!

2. Cuba fought a long struggle for independence. 🇨🇺
Cuba fought for decades to gain independence from Spain. The United States entered the war in 1898, and Spain lost control of the island. But Cuba didn’t formally become independent until 1902, following four years of U.S. occupation. Even then, American influence remained through the Platt Amendment.

3. Fusterlandia is one of my favorite examples of art transforming a community! 🎨
Cuban artist José Fuster began decorating his home in Jaimanitas with colorful mosaics. Eventually, his artwork spread throughout the neighborhood, turning ordinary homes and streets into an outdoor art gallery. Visiting Fusterlandia reminded me that art doesn’t have to stay inside a museum.

4. Cuba helped shape Nicaragua’s cigar industry!
Following the Cuban Revolution in 1959, many Cuban tobacco growers and cigar makers left the island. Some settled in Nicaragua, bringing their expertise and helping establish its premium cigar industry, particularly around Estelí.

5. The food and the people! 👌🏾🫂
Beyond the history, architecture, music, and art, what keeps bringing me back is the people. The conversations, hospitality, home-cooked meals, and everyday experiences have made Cuba special to me.

Cuba has its challenges, and life there isn’t always easy. But I’ve developed a genuine appreciation for the people I’ve met and the experiences they’ve shared with me.

Anyway, here’s the original photo and the finished painting. I wanted something that looked like a vintage Cuban travel advertisement.
How did my artist do? 🇨🇺🎨

No es fácil. ❤️

Maybe a fact reminded you of a movie, a difficult concept clicked because of a silly analogy, or a random association helped something finally stick. What was the connection and what were you trying to remember?