History of Cuba

The country of Cuba is now dancing to a different rhythm. It may have been hard to be with the rhythm the first time because there were divided opinions on the collapse of the Soviet Union because of the 40 years of blockade in this region. Although there were education, food, healthcare and work, there are many people who are saying that Cubans are still not totally free to express what they feel and what they think.

Fortunately, Cuba has transformed since it welcomed global tourism to be practiced in the country in the 90s. Nowadays, staying at private homes with rooms for rent or what is popularly called as the "casa particular" gives every tourist a glimpse of life of an ordinary Cuban. This practice also opens some parts of Cuba that was once off-limits or inaccessible to other non-Cubans. This also frees up some money to be used for the famous and raucous nightlife of Havana. 

History

Christopher Columbus set foot in Cuba on October 27, 1492. It is well documented that he sailed around the Northeastern Coast of Cuba for 40 days. He thought of the island as a land of lush vegetation and naïve and peaceful aborigines, who presented him with pieces of gold, spin yarn, cotton and other products that he used to trade and exchange for valuable trinkets. In 1494, when Columbus explored again this was he discovered there were more indigenous inhabitants in the area than he first anticicpated.  Thus, from this, it can be justified that that the island settlement began more than 4,000 years ago. The first migration came from the North America through Florida, the following migrants used the Orinoco River through the Antilles arc into Cuba. 

There were around 100,000 indigenous inhabitants in the island when the Spanish conquest began. These inhabitants were divided in group of different degrees of cultural and social development. The most backward and oldest group had disappeared by the 15^th century and it was assumed that they made their living on fruit collection and fishing. They also made their first instruments from shells with large mollusks. Also, another advanced group concentrated on hunting and fishing and they practiced agriculture with main crops as casaba, tapioca and are made to last for a long time after some preservation. 

Cuba was also the last colony of Spain to gain independence following its 50-year struggle which begun in 1850. The fight for Cuban independence started on October 10, 1868 wherein during its height, 8,000 troops were worse dressed and fed, badly armed and abusively sent for labor without any payment. This was only one of the so many struggles this country had experienced. However, with how it is now, although there is still a trace of its history, the smiling faces of the Cubans are more easily distinguished; smiles portraying freedom and liberty.

Lifestyle

Cuba is indeed a country of flair and individuality. With its Havana city as the focal and central point of the Cuban culture, there is no wonder many travelers and visitors has marked a special point in this part of the map. Go around Havana and other cities in Cuba and you will see so many musicians, artists, literary figures and dancers that were featured to satisfy the craving of people for real fun. The colonial charm of the country as well as its people effortlessness combines the features of a modern day society from the other parts of the world, making this country such a deep contrast. Cubans are fun loving and very friendly and for sure, travelers, will find it extremly difficult leave when nearing the end of the stay. Cuba cannot help but leave its visitors with the impression of uniqueness and friendliness not to mention that its pleasant climate all year round.

The exotic smells and tastes of Cuba will stay in your memory for a  very long time. The instantly recognizable aroma of the fine and magnificent Cuban cigars as well as the tempting cocktails combined with rum, another specialty of the country and of course, the strong and tempting aroma of the popular Cuban coffee  which is simply reflections of what Cuba is all about.