London, the capital city of England and the United Kingdom, is probably one of the most familiar places in the entire world. Thousands upon thousands of movies and shows were made in and about this historic city. Poets and lyricists have written about this wondrous place since the time the first Romans settled in the vicinity, and many budding artists are still inspired to create masterpieces based on the familiar sights of London. London has certainly achieved global city status, becoming the 2nd most expensive city in the world – seconding Moscow in Russia.
If you are planning on getting around the city on your own, you may as well use the public transport system. Renting a car is rather pricey and since vehicles here are on the right hand, it may get a bit confusing. If you prefer a more scenic route on nothing more than leg power, you may want to rent a bicycle for the day. Cycling here is an increasingly popular way to get about. However, if you are hoping for a city wide tour, we recommend the local buses, railways and yes, even the black painted cabs. It should be noted though that London is so huge that it is actually impossible to see all the sites in one vacation time. It is therefore prudent to subscribe to one of the numerous city-wide tours. You can always have the hotel concierge service to set this up for you; or you could always go online and choose what tour packages actually include the places you want to see. Most people opt to see the Big 3: Big Ben, St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Westminster Abbey.
There are other places to go to, though. And if indeed you are visiting London for the first time, you may want to time your arrival during local festivities, like: the Notting Hill Carnival in August; Lord Mayor’s Show in November; New Year’s Day Parade; and in the month of June when the entire UK population comes out in force to celebrate the Queen’s Official Birthday. This is usually punctuated by the very formal military pageant called Trooping the Colour. For the younger crowd, the annual Princess Diana concert at the Wembley Arena is something to really forward to.
One of the greatest things to do in London is to shop – that is, if you have a rather large stash of dough burning a hole in your pocket. Oxford Street is a great place to start, but if you prefer a trendier spot, you could always try Bond Street in Mayfair. Kings Road, Knightsbridge, and Sloane Street are three places that is often considered as a clothes horse’s paradise, and you can actually inhale the chic air all around. If you favor specialty shops, we recommend Camden Market, Covent Garden, and Portbello Road.
Bars, clubs, eating establishments, galleries, museums and theaters abound in Brick Lane, Chinatown, Hoxton, Islongton, Notting Hill, Shoreditch, Soho, and the famous West End, of course.
For a gastronomical treat, we suggest you try the organic and specialist food available for Borough Market. You do not really have to buy anything, because merchants are offering free samples everywhere. The various cheeses are an exquisite taste ride though, and we can almost guarantee that you will be buying yourself a wedge or two.
Ciudad de La Habana, La Habana, or simply Havana is the leading commercial center and the capital city of Cuba. It is true that Havana, on its own, has been the inspiration for some of the most romantic prose in the world. This is due to the fact that Havana still carries the air of mysticism and Old World splendor. At the same time, the city has that welcoming atmosphere specially dedicated to those who seek fun and frivolity during the nocturnal hours.
For a time, Havana became synonymous with cabaret shows and salsa. This is still very much true these days. The locals or the Habañeros do know how to spruce up the night. If you are a music enthusiast, we recommend heading on out to Jazz Café and La Rampa. These two spots offer the finest music from the best local bands. There are cover charges of course, but it is well worth the price especially if you could sit through the best performance while enjoying cheap but very good beer. (We recommend the local brew.)
If you would rather dance the night away, then your twinkle toes should head on out to the Havana Club where music can get you really high even up to the wee hours of the morning. Or, if you prefer a colorful and elaborate cabaret show instead, you may want to try Parisien and Tropicana Cabaret.
However, we also highly recommend that you find a trustworthy guide to help you walk the streets. Toured guides around the city are plentiful but a personalized tour guide is difficult to find. If you have a local friend or relative to help you by, then you would find your time in Havana a lot more pleasant that is expected. If you are by yourself, or touring the city with people who are not versed with the local language or way of life, you can easily be lured into petty scams by petty crooks. They won’t cost you much, but it can a bit of a spoiler for such a wonderful city.
Havana is also home to a very diverse group of performing artists, and you may want to look into the schedule for ballets at the Great Theatre of Havana. We do realize though, that this type of entertainment may not be for everyone. So if you want a really, really want to catch some good Afro-Cuban dance and drumming show instead, then it would be best to park yourself at the El Gran Palenque at 3pm on Saturdays to catch the Sabado de la Rumba. The Cuban National Folklore Group or the Conjunto Folklorico Nacional de Cuba is certainly something you should not miss. This show however needs prior reservations. You can ask the hotel concierge to do this for you.
If your interest in the city is more cultural than frivolous, then we recommend you go on a few sight seeing tours. Old Havana or La Habana Vieja, the very core city of present day Havana is home to the richest collection of Old World architecture. In fact, La Habana Vieja is a UNESCO’s World Heritage site, with its narrow streets and overhanging balconies – typical architecture that has remained unchanged over the centuries. Some of the sites you should not miss are: the Aldana Palace; Barrio Chino (Havana’s own version of Chinatown); Castillo de los Tres Reyes Magos del Morro; El Capitolio Nacional; El Cristo de la Habana; Fortaleza San Carlos de la Cabaña; Museo de Artes Decorativas or the Museum of Decorative Arts; Museo de la Revolucion; and the National Museum of Fine Arts, among many others.
Japan’s Kyoto Prefecture is the epitome of color and splendor. It is also the perfect example of a dynamic culture that clings tenaciously to its history while embracing the offerings of the new world. Needless to say, Kyoto is one of the must-see places of the world. Perhaps one of the first recommendations we have is that when you do go see Kyoto, you try to time your arrival with the local festivals. We can assure you that this is when you will see Kyoto at its finest. Not only will the sights and sounds overwhelm your senses, (not to mention all that glorious food!), but this is also the time when you will see how fiercely the Japanese preserves their heritage.
Here is a list of Kyoto’s local festivals: May 15, Aoi Matsuri (spectator event that includes a parade, showcases of historic pastimes like horseback archery, and the re-enactment of Tale of Genji); July 14 to 17, Gion Matsuri (Japan’s most famous national festival, and culminates with the Yama-boko Junkō 3 day-parade, private residences become open to the public and family heirlooms are displayed for everyone to see); August 16, Bon / Obon Festival (Japanese Buddhist custom to honor the spirit of one’s ancestors, usually culminates with Gozan Okuribi, or Daimonji or the lighting of fires on the nearby mountains to guide the spirits to their loved ones); and October 22, Jidai Matsuri (Festival of the Ages / Festival of the Eras which also culminates with a grand parade around the city).
Transportation to the city is no problem at all. Kyoto is less congested than the other cities of Japan, and bicycles are very commonly seen streaking along the side of the major thoroughfares. You could always rent a bicycle if you want to see the city on a slower pace. The city’s municipal bus network, taxi lines and subway system are also extensive and are relatively cheaper anywhere else in the tiny island. Tourists usually have no problem utilizing the main transport systems because most directions are posted in English. If you plan to travel extensively all throughout Kyoto using the buses or subways, an all-access / all-paid-for pass would be less of a hassle to you, as compared to buying a ticket from each and every station. Nonetheless, if you really want to have a car at your disposal, you can acquire the service of a private carrier. This is far better than renting a car because it comes with a driver who knows all the streets to the city.
Kyoto is a gourmet and a gourmand paradise. The local cuisine here is rich in flavor and color, and the sweets are indeed something that the locals are proud of. Although there are many 5-star restaurants and eating establishments in Kyoto, we highly recommend you try the smaller tea houses that line the outskirts of prominent shopping areas and the even smaller food stalls that sell hot food right off the grill. You really do not need to spend a lot of money on good food. Do as the locals do: buy a piece or several pieces of food, and eat them while you are walking.
Naturally, some of the prominent tourist attractions in Kyoto are all dedicated to the Japanese’s culture, history and religion. There are a number of Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines to visit. Historical palaces are also top favorites as well as ancient and modern gardens. Some of the sites you may want to see are: Arashiyama; the Gion and Pontochō Geisha Quarters; Katsura Imperial Villa; Kitomizu-dera, Kyoto Imperial Palace; the Philosopher’s Walk; Ryōan-ji Rock Garden; Sento Imperial Palace; Shinto Shrine of the Heian Jingū; Shugaku-in Imperial Villa; the Temple of the Golden Pavilion; the Temple of the Silver Pavilion; and of course, the 11 sites that comprises the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto.
Although Miami is often considered as a small city, it is actually the largest city within the metropolitan area of South Florida; and the largest in the Southeastern United States. Over 5.5 million people live here and the city has been named as the Financial Capital of the Americas. This global city has much to offer when it comes to arts, entertainment and media. Lately, Miami was ranked as America’s cleanest city for its city wide recycling programs, clean drinking water, clean streets, vast green spaces and its year round good air quality. For out-of-city travelers and overseas tourists, this fact alone is one great reason to visit the city.
If you intend to visit Miami, we suggest you time your arrival after the summer season – after the tourist season has peaked and most beach revelers have gone their way. The city has wonderful beaches that can become so overcrowded during this time that it is impossible to really enjoy oneself – let alone, find a spot at the beach or boardwalk. To many people, Miami means simply that: a place to bask in the sun during the hottest period of the year. Fortunately, the city has much, much more to offer, and there are year round attractions that can cater to anyone’s interest. One recommendation we have is for you to visit the city during the fall season. During this time, the city becomes the home of the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Miami and the Miami Fashion Week – and there are a lot of parties, and after-party parties you can go to.
If you do visit the city, you will have no problem finding a place to stay. As of this year, Miami seems to be on a massive building boom. You can be assured that you will find a convenient place to stay at a price you can afford. There are numerous hotels and bed-and-breakfast inns in the city, but we greatly recommend trying to find a hostel room or a small guest house. If you compare these to most hotel room rates, the hostel room or guest house rate are cheaper by a huge score; and some of them are far away enough to let you escape the incessant noise of the city, but are still within convenient traveling distance to the city’s attractions. If you want to stay in one of the city’s main tourist attraction, you can book yourself a room at the Four Seasons Hotel and Tower: the tallest skyscraper in the entire Florida state.
For the artistically and culturally inclined, we recommend you hit the number of museums in the city. This is a great way to spend the afternoons with your family and friends. You should include in your itinerary one or more of these: the Frost Art Museum, the Historical Museum of Southern Florida, the Lowe Art Museum, Miami Art Museum, the Miami Children’s Museum, Miami Cultural Center and the Vizcaya Museum and Garden. For recreation, you should take the afternoons off in the gardens and parks of the city, namely: Bayfront Park, Bayside Marketplace, the Bicentennial Park, Jungle Island, Miami Seaquarium, Morningside Park, Tropical Park and Watson Island.
The state of California definitely has a lot to offer. North of the state’s San Francisco Bay Area is Napa County, which in turn is the home of the now famous Napa Valley. Although originally, this agricultural landscape offered a variety of food crops, grapes harvested for wine production are now its main source of income. Since the 1960’s, Napa Valley has become the center for wine making in all of US. Aside from the actual wines being sold in this region, tourism on a much specified scale (wine tourism) has also contributed to keeping the coffers filled to the brim, so to speak.
Napa Valley, officially titled as Napa Valley AVA is an American Viticultural Area. This means that under the federal law, this part of the US is strictly designated to grape growing, for the sole purpose of wine production. This region is particularly selected because of three factors: its natural geography, its geological factors, and its Mediterranean-like climate. In other words, this is one of the most breath-taking places to visit in the US; the regular rows of the man-made plantation set against the background of the clear blue skies is enough to entice about 4.7 million visitors to Napa Valley on a yearly basis. However, some visitors engage in the packaged educational tours within the wineries themselves; or they engage in tours that allow visitors to stay one night among the local homesteads, hostels and villas; while others yet, prefer a Napa Valley-wide tour. All these make Napa Valley the second most popular tourist destination in the Californian state; in first place is Disneyland.
If you are an avid admirer of the Cabaret Sauvignon, the Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir and the Zinfandel, then we highly recommend you visit Napa Valley. Tours are available all year round, but are particularly more interesting during the harvesting periods. If you want a romantic ride towards Napa Valley, there is the Napa Valley Wine Train that runs between the counties of Napa and St. Helena. This is a privately owned excursion train that runs around some of the more picturesque vineyards and wineries of the region.
You could always drop by Napa Valley any day of the year as there are private vineyard and winery and tours that always accommodate travelers. However, we highly recommend that you call ahead. Napa Valley is so vast and so popular that some tours are booked by a group of people for the day, and it may be difficult for you to find another winery nearby that you can actually tour. Calling ahead on one or more vineyards and wineries will make your travels more comfortable. Be prepared for a bit of cover fee, though, especially with wine tasting tours. Some of them cost up to $25 per head.
However, if you intend to spend at least one night in Napa Valley, you really need to book reservations weeks (even months) in advance. Napa Valley is so beautiful that there are many individuals who book villas or resorts for special occasions like weddings and family reunions.
Now, if you think that Napa Valley is only about tours and wines, we recommend you round off your excursion with a hot air balloon ride. For this ride, you really need to book a reservation, at least one day in advance with the company offering the balloon ride. These rides are usually held very early in the morning so you need to be in the field before the break of dawn.
Seoul is the capital and largest “city” of South Korea. Technically, Seoul is a province but classified as a Special City, and is under the direct administration of the central government. The city itself is culturally rich and diverse; at the same time, it has quickly become very metropolitan. As of 2007, the city was named the most expensive city in all of Asia, and the 3rd most expensive in the entire world after Moscow in Russia and London in UK.
Planning a trip to Seoul entails a bit of logistics solving. We highly recommend that you try getting around the city using the less traveled roads and off the main thoroughfares. There is a heavy congestion of traffic within the city, so if you really need to travel by road, you should at least get yourself comfortable. You could always sign up for a city tour that includes a tour bus package; or if you prefer, you could take the bus or the subway. Bus runs are frequent in the city, but yes, you can still get stuck in traffic. Taking the subways is faster and cheaper. Subways are also the main mode of transport for some 8 million locals daily, so it can get crowded a bit. You may want to skip taking the rail trains though, because these will only take you beyond the borders of the city itself.
It is also our utmost recommendation that you find someone to help you tour the city. Touring this large city on your own can be a daunting task, to be sure; but a great guide can help you avoid the tourist traps and get you into these out of the way locations that are better than most conventional attractions. Just to illustrate to you how vast the city is, Seoul is home to the Five Grand Palaces created during the Joseon Dynasty. They are: the Chandeokgung, Changgeyonggung, Deoksungung, Gyeongbokgung and Gyeonghuigung. The city is also home to the former Olympic stadium and the World Cup stadium. Walking tours around the city is non-existent, so any form of arranged transport would be a welcome relief to your traveling feet.
For nature trippers everywhere, one place you should not miss is the Seoul Forest, one of the larger parks in the city. It is located in Seongdong-gu and can be reached through the subway via Seoul Subway Line 2, Exit 8 at the Ttukseon Station. Seoul Forest is not really a forest, at least, not to the exact sense of the word. Rather, it is a state of the art recreational park that offers manicured lawns, man-made paths and a pristine wetland garden. Other amenities of the park include: the Arts and Culture Park, an eco forest, the Hangang Riverside Park, a nature experience center, marsh plants gardens, restaurants with waterside terrace views, and sports facilities.
If you feel like to want to experience every bit of Seoul, without traveling any distance at all, then we highly recommend you set your sights on exploring Lotte World: the world’s largest amusement park. This grand structure contains a hotel, an island linked by monorail, a Korean folk museum, a large indoor theme park, movie theaters, an outdoor amusement park, shopping malls and a number of sports facilities.
When it comes to nightlife, Seoul will certainly overwhelm you. The city is so vibrant during the nocturnal hours that it is easy enough to lose yourself in gaiety. There are a number of themed bar, discos and pubs in city, as well as great restaurants offering quality food at very cheap rates. However, as a gastronomical adventure, we would recommend that you try one of the eating establishments that offer “sannakji”: the newest novelty health dish in South Korea. Sannakji is live baby octopuses dipped in sesame oil – and usually taken with local brew or rice wine (and lots of it.)
It is true enough, that when people say San Francisco City, USA, the first thing that comes to mind is the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. However, there are other places to see and experience in this culturally eclectic landscape. The city has always been a favorite tourist area with its cosmopolitan and diverse population.
One other prominent attraction is the Alcatraz Island. Also known as simply Alcatraz or The Rock, this tiny piece of infamous real estate gained its notoriety as one of the toughest federal prisons of the world (circa 1960’s.) Although this facility is now being utilized as a historic and national recreation area, it had previously evolved from a lighthouse, a military fortification and finally to the prison. Tours are given daily, and you can reach the island via a ferry ride from Per 33 near the Fisherman’s Wharf.
Speaking of the Fisherman’s Wharf, this place is also a favorite watering hole among locals, out-of-town visitors and overseas tourists. This tourist spot occupies the northern waterfront area of the city, from the Ghirardelli Square on Van Ness Street to Pier 35 on Kearny Street. Some of the prominent attractions here include: the Cannery Shopping Center; the Musée Mécanique (that houses a collection of antique penny arcade games and mechanically operated musical instruments); Pier 39 (that houses the Aquarium of the Bay, marina where people could view California sea lions, the Marine Mammal Center, shops, street performances, a video arcade and virtual 3D rides); Pier 45 (that houses the Lost Fisherman Chapel); a Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum; and the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park (that houses a fleet of historic sea vessels, a library / research facility, a maritime museum and a visitor center); etc.
One word of warning though: San Francisco is the home of the eccentric, and Fisherman’s Wharf is no exception. They have a local street performer in this area who has been given the dubious title of World Famous Bushman; he usually jumps from behind cover and startles passer-bys. This is an act that he has been doing for more than 25 years.
If it is food you are seeking, we heartily recommend the old-timers. These quaint eating establishments (most of them within or near the vicinity of the Fisherman’s Wharf) have served generations of patrons with the same 5-star quality. You should try Alioto’s #8, Pompeii’s or Forbes Island for some fresh seafood cuisine and a great mug of beer. Other places to make your palate work on overtime are: Café Arguello, Castagnola’s, The Cliff House, E&O Trading Company, and the Franciscan Crab Restaurant, to name a few.
Nightlife in San Francisco is very trendy, and there are certain clubs here that have achieved the status of Hollywood glamour. However, there are specific places that seem to predominantly cater to one type of patron. For the musically inclined, we highly recommend the night scenes of the Mission District and SOMA. If you want a quieter and more sophisticated arena, you should head on out to the Marina District. A few of the prominent places in the area are: Amber, Club Deluxe, Dolce, Hemlock Tavern, Hush Hush, Red Devil Lounge, Rockit Room, 111 Minna Street Gallery, and 26 Mix.
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The Republic of Maldives or Maldives in short, is the smallest Asian country when it comes to population size. It is a small island nation consisting of a group of atolls and is situated just south of India’s Lakshadweel islands and southwest of Sri Lanka on the Indian Ocean. Malé City, the capital of Maldives, is actually a combination of three islands: Kaafu atoll, the Villingilli Island and the artificial island of Hulhumale. The city is the heart of all commercial activities in Maldives and tourism is the primary earner of foreign exchange.
Malé City is the home of numerous resorts, all of them catering to tourists who wish to experience the unspoiled waters surrounding the islands. Water activities are very popular here particularly scuba diving and submarine rides. The corals thriving abundantly on the numerous atolls are home to the most exquisite marine creatures, some of them indigenous only to one atoll – and nowhere else in the world. Submerging yourself underwater for 45 minutes to 1 1/2 hours is definitely well worth the effort. You may have a long line wait though, since these two activities are the very thing that most tourists and locals want to engage in. If you are not particularly keen on getting your head below ocean level, there are boat rides you could take.
We do, however, recommend that you hire a local tourist guide. Maldives is a Muslim city state, and aside from having the tourist guide lead you to the more popular tourist destinations, they can also advise you as to the social protocol. Dress codes in particular are strictly enforced especially if you want to visit the mosques and other places of worship. We recommend that you give the Islamic Center and the old Friday mosque a look into. These two architectural wonders are truly sites to behold: richly furnished, intricately designed and large enough to house about 1/8 of the entire population of Maldives.
If you are interested in architectural tours, you may as well add the Presidential Palace to your itinerary. This is one landmark that is not difficult to miss. Its gleaming walls are enough to remind you of India’s Taj Mahal … but not quite. Still, it is an impressive sight to behold; and tours in and around Malé City usually include a few minutes walking through the Presidential Palace.
Ask your tourist guide to take you to the local markets and souvenir shops as well. Shopping here is simply grand, and you can go all out crazy with some of the very unique merchandise here, particularly the locally made cloths. These vibrant pieces of fabrics will be great as souvenirs to your loved ones back home.
But if you want a more gastronomical tour in Malé City, we highly recommend that your buy some really fresh fare at the fish market near the water’s edge. You can always ask the resort cooks to whip up something for the fish or crab (or whatever it is that) you buy. A visit to the fish market is an adventure in itself – you can actually get lost in the hustle and bustle of the area. You may want to try the local cuisine as well because they are simply good. Some of the finest fares are served in the resorts and hotels themselves; or you can ask your tourist guide to recommend a restaurant or two.
Muslim tradition bans liquor and strong spirits from being sold and consumed on the streets. Nonetheless, there are usually bars and pubs within the actual resorts or hotels you are staying in, so you could still get a cocktail or two. You do have to remember though that bars and pubs in Malé City close at 10 pm or thereabouts.
Nassau is truly breathtaking, in every sense of the word. It is the capital city of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. It is one of the call ports of a number of Caribbean cruises and boasts (rather rightfully) of an attractive harbor and a dynamic economy near the water’s edge. There are also great architectural sites to visit, and the city has a very colorful night life too. One thing that you should remember though, is that Nassau is a place for the deep-pocketed. Everything here is on the upscale. Hotel accommodations and transportation alone can be hefty so be sure to bring more than just pocket change.
If you are planning your first time visit to Nassau, we recommend you clear your schedule after Christmas; to be more specific, on the 26th of December (Boxing Day) to the 1st if January (New Year’s Day.) During this time, Nassau usually holds the largest, the liveliest and most colorful Junkanoo street parade in all of Bahamas, where contesting groups of costumed people dance their way to (hopefully) the proffered cash prizes. The parades happen from 1:00 am and end at 10 am all throughout the Junkanoo festival. We do, however, strongly advise that you make hotel reservations months in advance if you are timing your visit at this time.
Hiring a tour guide is hardly necessary. Nassau is small enough to travel on one’s own and transportation is not a problem at all. You can always rent a car or hire a driver for the day; and tax cabs are as prevalent here as they are in most major cities in the world.
Accommodations too are plentiful and definitely the place to be is at the Atlantis Resort. This resort is situated at the heart of Paradise Island and is a veritable paradise on its own. Whatever entertainment you are seeking is right here in Atlantis and most of the individual hotels have attractions of their own.
Beach Tower Hotel, for example, has a dance club, a small movie theater and a tube ride down the Lazy River. The Coral Tower Hotel has family room accommodations, and the Discovery Kids Adventure Camp. The Royal Towers Hotel is home to the Bridge Suite whose price tag lies somewhere in the vicinity of $25,000 / night, and guests are required to stay at least for 4 nights at a time. But don’t worry; this suite comes with its own cook and butler – and a five year waiting period. Other more affordable lodging places includes: The Cove Atlantis, the Harborside Resort, the Imperial Club and the Reef.
For family adventure trips, we suggest spending time with the city’s water adventure activities, because there is certainly none like them elsewhere in the world. You can visit: Aquaventure, The Current, The Dig, Mayan Temple Entertainment Attraction, The Marina and The Power Tower. Or, if your prefer partying until you get so bombed that you forget what hotel you checked into, we recommend Blue Note Nightclub; and the Cocktails and Dreams Nightclub.
Better late then never I guess. President Raul Castro, who succeeded his brother Fidel as president of Cuba in February of this year, has relaxed long-standing restrictions on cellular phone use and ownership. Of course, mobile phones have been available in Cuba for years, but the only people who could legally own them were party officials, and certain well-to-do foreigners. Regular Cuban citizens were banned from owning or registering cell phones, though many did so illegally.
But now Cuba is being thrust boldly into the wireless era, and the government restrictions on cell phone usage have mostly been lifted. This past Monday hundreds — if not thousands — of regular Cuban citizens waited in line to buy legal mobile phones and wireless service for the first time in the nation’s history.
But the cost of purchasing a legal cell phone and wireless service is anything but cheap in Cuba. In fact, the average price of a standard mobile phone and one year service contract is estimated to be nine months pay for the average Cuban worker — that’s one expensive cell phone!
But even though the cost is currently so exorbitant — cell phones are only sold in Cuba through state operated telecommunications offices — Cuban citizens seem to have an insatiable appetite for mobile phone service. Up until now, Cuba has had the lowest cell phone usage of any country in Latin America. But now all citizens will be able to purchase prepaid cards to allow them to make and receive calls, including international calls.
Although critics have said that Raul Castro is little more than a pale copy of older brother Fidel, in reality the new Cuban leader appears to be taking decisive action to open up Cuban society and commerce. Relaxing the laws on mobile phone ownership is just one example of the changes taking place on the island.
Politically, the move may signify a shift in Cuban policy, and even encourage the American government to rethink its long-standing boycott of Cuba. Washington is watching closely to see what changes, if any, the new President Castro will instigate. And even a simple move such as allowing broad ownership of mobile phones could go a long way toward opening up a Cuba culturally, politically and financially.
Although Spain, Canada, and most of Europe, has continued to have close ties with Cuba, the United States has held out, and refused to lift the 40 year economic boycott. But the political landscape in the US is changing as well, and with Raul Castro now running Cuba, the timing could be right to open up relations between the U. S. and one of its closest neighbors.
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