A visit to the Sugar Mill Museum in the countryside reveals the history of sugar cane production in Cuba
MONUMENTS TO MARTÍ Revered throughout the country as the “Apostle of
Cuban Independence,” Havana-born José Julián Martí Pérez (1853 – 1895) – known simply as José Martí – was a poet, professor, philosopher, journalist and revolutionary political theorist who inspired, died for and came to symbolize Cuba’s fight for independence from Spain in the late 19th century. As is befitting Cuba’s national hero – and as you’ll see for yourself during your People-to-People travels – Martí’s image and legacy are everywhere... from Havana’s international airport (which is named for him)... to the sculpture and massive tower honoring him that dominate the capital’s Revolution Square (above)... to his image in artwork (below) created by students at an arts school in Camagüey.
Marxist revolutionary and military leader who played a key role as Fidel Castro’s second-in-command in the Cuban Revolution and the subsequent establishment of Cuba’s revolutionary government; the complex commemorates the victory of Che’s troops in the pivotal Battle of Santa Clara in 1958. Discuss Che’s life and legacy as you view the monuments and some of his personal effects in the museum, and visit the cave-like memorial crypt containing the remains of Guevara and fellow revolutionaries killed with him while fighting in Bolivia in 1967, marked by an eternal flame. Following lunch at a paladar in Santa Clara, continue on to your hotel on Cayo Ensenachos – a small island linked to the mainland by a long causeway, somewhat reminiscent of Florida’s Key West – where you’ll have dinner à la carte at your leisure at your choice of the hotel’s restaurants this evening. Meals BLD
6. SUGAR CANE HISTORY IN THE COUNTRYSIDE An excursion across the causeway and into the countryside today leads to a look at the process of extracting sugar from sugar cane, a mainstay of Cuba’s economy for centuries. Of more than 50 sugar mills in this region, only a few are still in operation today. On the road from Remedios to Caibarién, travel to the Museo de Agroindustria Azucarero Marcelo Salado (Sugar Mill Museum), interpreting the history of sugar production in Cuba, including the use of slave labor. View exhibits featuring original machinery and steam locomotives used to transport cane to the mills, and talk to museum staff. After a traditional Cuban lunch served family style – and a coconut tree-climbing demonstration – return to the hotel for some time spent as you wish. Just before sunset, head to the hotel’s waterfront bar for a champagne toast as the sun sets over the Cuban coast, followed by an à la carte dinner at the hotel. Meals BLD
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