• Cuba

    Food Fight! Cuban Food vs Cuban-American Food

    I found the same reaction each time I told someone I was going to Cuba.  The initial questions all seemed the same and then the topic of food usually comes up in conversation.  Much like everything about Cuba, the food scene is complicated.  Here is why I think there is a difference about Cuban food and food in Cuba. “How excited are you for the food?  You’ll probably find the best Cuban Sandwich.” Since I don’t know many Americans that have spent time in Cuba, I could only go with what I’ve read online and much like Yelp reviews, the critics varied in opinion. Bland, boring and basic were some…

  • Cuba,  Snapshot Sunday

    Snapshot Sunday: Cuban Market

    Finding Gratitude at the Cuban Market I wrestle with the emotions surrounding seeing real struggles while abroad, like the embargo up close when I visited Cuba.  The stores are fairly barren, nothing like our massive grocery stories in the US.  Food is rationed for locals, the stores have empty spaces on dusty shelves.  Here you’ll find a lot of canned goods or prepackaged items.  Waiting in line to enter the store, checking your bag and having little choice, food felt more like a luxury than a necessity.  There are some free market stores but they are more expensive and your average Cuban will have to shop for beans, rice, bread,…