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Varadero

Background: The native Amerindian population of Cuba began to decline after the European discovery of the island by Christopher COLUMBUS in 1492 and following its development as a Spanish colony during the next several centuries. Large numbers of African slaves were imported to work the coffee and sugar plantations and Havana became the launching point for the annual treasure fleets bound for Spain from Mexico and Peru. Spanish rule was severe and exploitative and occasional rebellions were harshly suppressed. It was US intervention during the Spanish-American War in 1898 that finally overthrew Spanish rule. The subsequent Treaty of Paris established Cuban independence, which was granted in 1902 after a three-year transition period. Fidel CASTRO led a rebel army to victory in 1959; his iron rule has held the regime together since then. Cuba's Communist revolution, with Soviet support, was exported throughout Latin America and Africa during the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. The country is now slowly recovering from a severe economic recession in 1990, following the withdrawal of former Soviet subsidies, worth $4 billion to $6 billion annually. Cuba portrays its difficulties as the result of the US embargo in place since 1961. Illicit migration to the US - using homemade rafts, alien smugglers, air flights, or via the southwest border - is a continuing problem. The US Coast Guard intercepted 1,498 individuals attempting to cross the Straits of Florida in 2004.



Links: Varadero Travel Blogs (18) | Varadero Travel Photos | Map of Varadero | Cuba Travel Forum | Cuba Facts | Map of Cuba

Coming Home - Infinity and Beyond, Near Death on the Road, Monotony, Boredom and the End of the Magic Man
July 25th 2008  Central America Caribbean » Cuba » Oeste » Varadero
Coming Home - Infinity and Beyond, Near Death on the Road, Monotony, Boredom and the End of the Magic Man The coach moves over the bridge and into Varadero's main drag. Back once again with the il ... 16 photos [full story]

Ultra Inclusive and Infinite in Varadero - The Emotional Finale
July 10th 2008  Central America Caribbean » Cuba » Oeste » Varadero
Fri 30/05 - 01/06/08 Friday, 4pm. The wedding is over, and Barney and Leanne are married. We all move to the wedding villa, to begin the celebrations. Sadly, the fathers of both bride and groom ... 10 photos [full story]

Ultra Inlusive and Infinite in Varadero - Part 3
July 7th 2008  Central America Caribbean » Cuba » Oeste » Varadero
Morning. I get out of bed, and walk to the bathroom. There are mirrors all around. I stand in front of them, transfixed. I can see myself from every angle - every tight, knotted muscle, every sine ... 17 photos [full story]

Ultra Inclusive and Infinite in Varadero - Part Two
July 4th 2008  Central America Caribbean » Cuba » Oeste » Varadero
Thurs 22/05 25/05/08 The next couple of days at the Paradisus pass without a whole lot of incident. I get to know my new home, relaxing by the pool, swimming in the sea, going to the gym and copi ... 9 photos [full story]

Ultra Inclusive and Infinite in Varadero
July 1st 2008  Central America Caribbean » Cuba » Oeste » Varadero
The bus from Havana to Varadero, Cuba's most popular tourist resort, costs 10CUC and takes around two hours. I leave at 2pm, full of positive vibes. There are, as usual, a few variables that cou ... 10 photos [full story]


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