LaHabana59

LaHabana59.com - A place for re-living the magic that is Havana, Cuba.

Here you will find pictures, adventures, memories and music from all over the island compiled by those who are passionate about this enchanting City and diverse Country.

Each month we will feature the LaHabana59.com “Music Pick” and also the “Photo Pick” of the month, as well as other relating news or interesting stories we may find.

Questions or Comments?

Picture or Story submittal?

Send e-mail to: Rico@lahabana59.com

LaHabana59. com

FEATURED ARTIST

AlexCuba

LaHabana59. com

FEATURED CD

	Travel Guides: Eyewitness Travel Guide CUBA - Don’t leave home without it! Updated release July 2007. This is the only guide I use, I’m on my third update. Well researched and well laid out. Great detail, good maps and actual examples and explanations of people, places and things.*** TimeOut - Havana & The best of Cuba - Promises to be the best Havana guide. Will review it when released (April 2007)**
	Travel Stories: Mi Moto Fidel - Christopher P. Baker: This is a fun read, a tongue in cheek adventure with a reality check. Picture this, Christopher Baker, a Californian from England riding around Cuba on a BMW no less. British wit with Yanqui arrogance.* Enduring Cuba - Zoe Bran: I laughed, I cried. From a dizzying experience with santeria to a naked moonlit walk along the beach, this captivating travel journal has it. One of my favorites.* The Handsomest Man in Cuba - An Escapade - Lynette Chiang: An engaging, witty account of the people, customs, food, and culture of Cuba framed by a fascinating approach to travel. With only a folding bicycle and a towable suitcase, Australian Lynette Chiang spent three months touring Cuba, eshewing tourist hotels and typical itineraries in favor of an unpredictable day-to-day existence among ordinary citizens. She discovered a people who, despite great privation, are warm, generous—and generally happy. Her narrative covers equally well the challenges of travel on two wheels and the surprises of life in the land of Fidel. *** A must read!
	History / Politics: The Man who invented Fidel - Anthony DePalma: ** Three Nights in Havana - Robert Wright: Havana - Autobiography of a City - Alfredo Estrada:**
	Cooking / Recipes: Havana Salsa-Stories & Recipes - Viviana Carballo: No, you don’t go to Cuba for the food. Or do you? This book promises to go beyond rice & black beans! You can bet I have this on pre-order. Release date, August 2007

READING SUGGESTIONS - Think you know CUBA? - Doesn’t hurt to read about other peoples experiences and views.

Here are some of my personal favorites and some upcoming new releases that sound intriguing.

Click on Alex’s picture for more information

“Toronto has it's own Buena Vista Social Club; though they are collectively younger with a fresh urban vibe and energy”.

www.myspace.com/elsonache

www.sonache.com

Son Ache

New CD

“Aprovechame”

Get more information and music samples at these sites:

LaHabana59. com

CONGRATULATIONS

LULA LOUNGE CELEBRATES IT’S FIFTH YEAR ANNIVERSARY.

It’s times like this I’m glad I live in Toronto! In only five short years Lula Lounge has become a staple for world music in Toronto, with a special flair for Cuban music and artists featuring Cuban dance party Fridays and Salsa Saturdays and have included artists such as Cafe Cubano & AlexCuba to name just a few! Go to www.lula.ca and find out what the party is all about!

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AN INTRODUCTION

After a few trips “down east” (Nova Scotia) I began to hear a name of someone who is passionate about music and equally passionate about Cuba. I have yet to meet this person, but already obviously have something in common! This multi talented musician, teacher and (so I am told) all round nice guy, is also the founder of a society that refurbishes used musical instruments and takes them down to Cuba for distribution to students. The name of the society is “Los Primos” and the name of this music humanitarian is Jeff Goodspeed. No surprise to those in the Atlantic provinces, but maybe to us in the middle and to the west. Below is a link that can further introduce you to “Los Primos” and Jeff’s work. Enjoy!