During the last couple of month I didn’t travel as much as I usually do due to my pregnancy and I am having a real itch for traveling, especially to warm countries. One of the countries on my ‘wish list’ which I added to my Summer travel plans is most definitely Cuba. 
Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean just south of Miami in the Antilles group of islands. The country’s tropical location means you can expect mild temperatures throughout the year.

Cuban Climate

Cuba’s dry seasons lasts from November to April, in the other months, brief but heavy rain showers fall almost daily. The temperature is usually in low and high 20s throughout the year. As a rule, the temperature in the east of the island is hotter than the west.

Havana is Cuba’s capital.  I remember many gorgeous, colorful Vogue editorials shot in gorgeous Havana. All so colorful, alive and picturesque. It’s possible to lose days in the historical Habana Vieja part of town. The cathedral here has been described as ‘music set in stone’ and just a few steps away; you’ll find the Bodeguita del Medio, where Hemingway and Nat King Cole used to drink.

Cigars, Caddies & Che Gurvara

Cuba is one of the world’s most unique countries. Thumb-thick Cuban cigars, Ernest Hemingway, rum, salsa, Che Guevara in his black beret as a symbol of civil resistance and Cadillacs that sag on their suspension in the streets are just a few of the icons of this distinctive country.

Havana - The City of Columns

Havana is Cuba’s capital.  I remember many gorgeous, colorful Vogue editorials shot in gorgeous Havana. All so colorful, alive and picturesque. It’s possible to lose days in the historical Habana Vieja part of town. The cathedral here has been described as ‘music set in stone’ and just a few steps away; you’ll find the Bodeguita del Medio, where Hemingway and Nat King Cole used to drink.

The City Of Varadero

Two hours’ drive east of Havana, there’s Varadero. The first tourists arrived in this beach resort in 1870. Most of the hotels here fall into the 4 or 5-star categories. Some of the most attractive and romantic locations include candle-lit restaurants in caves and cocktail bars overlooking the sea.

What to wear when In Cuba?

For visiting the beach I recommend floral vintage swimsuit & matching bright color accessory to blend in with the colors of the city.

For the dance night on the town I would recommend wearing passion red dress and sky-high silver heels.

10 Interesting Facts About Cuba

#1 - Cuba is often called El Caiman or El Cocodrilo (Spanish for alligator), which is what the island looks like from an aerial view.

#2 - Grade school is mandatory for every child in Cuba between the ages of 6 and 15. Uniforms are universally required with different colors for each grade level.

#3 - Fidel Castro erected a statue of John Lennon from The Beatles in 2000. Castro admired Lennon and believed he was a true music revolutionary.

#4 - Cuba is the most populated country in the Caribbean, with more than 11 million residents.

#5 - Cubans don't typically write their recipes down. Instead, they are passed down from generation to generation-through stories and shared experiences.

#6 - Cuba has the highest doctor to patient ratio in the world. There are so many doctors in Cuba that doctors are often sent abroad to countries with a great need of medical professionals.

#7 - Dance is very important in Cuba, the birthplace of classic dance styles like the Bolero, Mambo and Cha-Cha.

#8 -A rare prehistoric fish called the Mangar is now only found in Cuba.

#9 - Cuba has a 99.8% literacy rate, which is one of the highest in the world.

#10 - The only cars that Cuban citizens can own legally are cars created and bought before 1959. After this year, the Cuban government seized all of the cars, and owns them all to this day. Most of the pre-1959 cars in the country are from the United States. 

The United States embargo against Cuba (in Cuba el bloqueo) is a commercial, economic, and financial embargo imposed on Cuba . It began on 19 October 1960 when the US placed an embargo on exports to Cuba except for food and medicine. 

The US president Obama has been working to improve relations with Cuba since December 2014, when Obama and Cuban President Raúl Castro announced the restoration of diplomatic ties between the two nations. Since then, U.S. and Cuban embassies have reopened in Havana and Washington.

Have you ever been to Cuba? 

If so, let me know what you recommend to visit.

XoXo

There are some places that deserve their well-earned reputation for being popular tourist destinations. And with miles of sparkling beaches and countless historical sites to explore, Malaga, Spain is certainly one of them. The area is responsible for drawing in thousands of visitors every year. But before you add the destination to your must-see list of 2015, you'll want to make sure that you dress for the occasion and know the best places to see.

Take a look at three of the hottest attractions the area has to offer, and how you can cater your wardrobe to each.

Site 1: The Pablo Picasso Museum

Better known as the Museo Picasso Malaga, the Pablo Picasso Museum holds some of his most prized pieces that you can't see anywhere else. As the birthplace of the famous artist, the museum has a personal connection to preserving his work and his memory. Take advantage of one of the guided tours to get a first-hand perspective of the pride the region has for this beloved local.


What to Wear: While you don't have to wear something super formal, you shouldn't stroll up to a monument of one of the world's best artists wearing yoga pants or a tube top (come to think of it, yoga pants should be worn for yoga class only!). Dress more on the conservative side with a nice sundress and sweater when visiting this prestigious museum. Not only is it an appropriate way to show respect for the setting, but it's also a good idea as the museum can get a bit chilly.

Site 2: Costa Del Sol

BritishAirways.com notes that some of the most popular destinations to visit in Malaga are the beaches along Costa Del Sol. The sand is bright white, and the ocean is a sparkling blue. The coast is also lined with restaurants, shops, and tapas bars to quench your thirst and satisfy your appetite for the local cuisine.


What to Wear: Sport your best bathing suit while soaking in the sun. If you're strolling the beachside shops, though, you'll want to bring something more than a coverup. While you'll find plenty of food carts and outdoor bars, there are also nicer restaurants along the beach that have a stricter dress codes. A sundress and nicer set of sandals or wedges should suit most of them.

Site 3: Alacazaba and Gibralfaro

Malaga has two historic castles within its boarders, Alacazaba and Gibralfaro. MalagaTurismo.com says that although the castles' surroundings pay homage to a more modern society, the architecture and rich history of the castles serve as a window to the city's past. Use one of the guided tours to see everything the castles have to offer on the inside, and experience the breathtaking views by exploring the meticulously kept gardens on the outside.


What to Wear:
The steep hills and narrow staircases in and around the castles make them a strict no-heel zone. Save your ankles and opt for ballet flats or sandals. A flatter sole will make it easier to navigate the uneven terrain inside in addition to outside in the gardens. Complete the look with a wide brim sun hat to protect from the glare outside. It's more convenient than taking your sunglasses on and off as you repeatedly venture in and out of the dark castles.

Even though there's no better attire to sport on the edge of the sands than a bathing suit, you'll want to pack a little more than that. Use these outfits when planning your wardrobe for these Malaga hotspots, and you'll be prepared for all that this slice of paradise in the south of Spain has to offer.


Ahh, don't you just love traveling through Spain! Have you even been to Malaga? Let me know which site you liked the most!
XoXo

As you might have noticed I have been posting less frequently in past number of weeks while I was working from Barcelona. I had my regular work week connecting to business trip to Brussels and Easter holidays which I could spend with my boyfriend and my dog Papi working from this beautiful and warm city.

Since the beginning of the year I have built up quite a comprehensive 'to do' list and here I don't mean the list of cliche, general things like start exercising, eat healthy etc. my goals were more simple :)

      For example, I wanted to finally replant my kitchen orchids into one big pot (and learn how to do it in a process), replant my balcony tree (which as my friend Anita saids is wearing couple of sizes to small pair of 'shoes' aka its pot is to small) and plant my cooking herbs like mint, basil and rosemary.

     Also, I really wanted to take some quality time (not just during plane rides) and learn Spanish more intensively as well as to learn how to cook some new meals.


Finally...during last almost four weeks in Barcelona I made it! Mostly during weekends or when I finished working in decent time and still had some energy left in me, I tried to cook some new meals like: chicken pesto, broccoli cheddar soup, Easter bread, daily vegetable soups and a desert here and there. I have to admit that I am becoming better and better cook and actually started enjoying cooking, I guess it all depends who I cook for.


Most importantly, I straighten my priorities a bit and spent quality time with my two favorite boys - Ante and Papi, we even took afternoon naps together during weekend. Heaven! :)

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