Book Review: My Seductive Cuba – A Unique Travel Guide

Chen Lizra, an Israeli born dancer who now resides on Canada’s west coast, is the author of My Seductive Cuba – A Unique Travel Guide. Right off the bat she brings sexiness to Cuba with her provocative choice of a book cover.

But that’s just the start.

Chen takes you on a complete tour of Cuba by mixing personal stories with cold, hard facts.

First the facts.

Cuba is not a straight forward country to visit if you’re doing anything other than an all-inclusive trip. But if you aren’t, then you’ll find everything you need to know including maps between the covers. And if you are on an all inclusive and dare to leave your hotel, then you’ll be much the wiser after reading this book.

In the first chapter Chen describes Cuba’s political situation.  It’s a good synopsis and makes for interesting reading. You’ll understand why, as she puts it personal connections are valued more than what one owns. She gives a  helpful rundown about the revolution and the ongoing travel embargo for Americans.

The second chapter is devoted to preparing for your trip. Included are sections on getting to Cuba, customs (including a copy of what the form looks like), weather, telecommunications, tourist scams and even restroom etiquette. Pertinent websites are included. So are QR codes – those two dimensional barcode looking logos – that are sprinkled throughout the book and provide another layer of information if you have a smart phone and the free app you need to read it.

Chens next stop is a thorough look at what’s Hot in Havana. She takes you to the best places for dance and music, sends you to the can’t miss restaurants and leads you to folklore and cabaret shows. Then if you’re prepared to lace up your shoes you can join her on one of the six walking tours of Havana she describes. Finish with shopping, especially she says for sexy, beautiful clothing.

Once you’ve had your fill of Havana Chen takes you around the rest of the country. She’ll tell you how to do it, what’s allowed, what isn’t. One section – Cuba’s Best Natural Secrets, got me very excited because many of the places she lists aren’t known to the average tourist.

Getting the authentic Cuban experience is the subject of the final chapter. Rules, customs and language are dealt with – and all those quirks about a country you wonder about are explained. But this chapter in particular is full of insights garnered from making friends over a period of years and many visits. There’s an interesting section on a tambor ceremony and getting possessed. Learn about Santer­a, an exotic religion that started with the Yoruba people of what is Nigeria today – and is widely practiced by the Cuban people.

Some 300 plus pages later I am much the wiser about the workings of Cuba and I have insight now on what makes Cubans tick.

Seduced by Cuba

Although this book is loaded with facts, figures, websites and lots of wonderful colour photos, it’s Chen’s personality that shines through. Her experience and stories from Cuba are heartfelt. She has been seduced by the country and by opening her heart to Cubans she is able to show the real Cuba – the messy, far from perfect Cuba that’s got a big heart and soul.

This book isn’t like any of your typical guidebooks. It’s going to take you places other guidebooks don’t mention. And it’s going to teach you to open your heart to the people of Cuba.

I’ve always wanted to visit Cuba, and I feel even more compelled to go now.

It’s available for $Cdn16.95 through a link to sellers on her website.

Leigh McAdam

HikeBikeTravel

 

 

 

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