My Cuban Adventure Part II: Off the Beaten Path

Posted on by goldenlifemusings

I first visited the beautiful island country of Cuba six years ago. If you know anything about the relations between Cuba and the USA, a lot has changed since 2017. But I was grateful to have had the opportunity to visit again and experience one thing that hasn’t changed – its magic. (Click here to read Part I “Review: My Cuban Adventure”). 

As the title of this post suggests, thanks to my good friend Juanita “BZB” Britton’s Off the Beaten Path Tours, I was able to see much more of this magical island than I did the first time. And while the main tourist attractions are still worthwhile experiences, learning more about the rich African culture made this visit to Cuba even more special.

Me and my good friend Juanita who curated this amazing experience.

There’s no place like home

Before I get into the new adventures I experienced, let me first share a little about our home for six days. Since my favorite travel buddy and I cruised the first time, we didn’t have the hotel experience. I had heard that many of them were a bit outdated and not up to American standards so I was glad we cruised the first time. This time we stayed at the less than a year-old Grand Aston La Habana Hotel, which was absolutely beautiful. Not only did it have the most gorgeous artwork displayed around the property, the rooms and common areas had the most lovely decor. Additionally, the infinity pool overlooking the Havana Bay was delightful and I saw the most amazing sunrises every morning from our room. 

A few things to note about the hotel though…other than breakfast (which is included), you’re better off going somewhere else for food. They advertise room service, but they didn’t have many of the items on the menu, which is already limited. Every one of us who had massages thoroughly enjoyed our services, but it is not a full-service spa with amenities. You’re in and you’re out. 

Off the beaten path

Anyone who knows me knows that I’m the ultimate beach bum, but I do love me a little culture as well (smile). This time, I was really excited to see “the other side of Cuba” beyond the traditional tourist sites. We got to experience what Juanita, our tour curator called “indigenous cultural tourism.” 

A beautiful view of the valley on the way to Matanzas

Our first step off the beaten path was to visit an artist village and learn more about the rich Yoruba (ethnic group originating in West Africa) traditions steeped in the culture. We visited homes, walked the streets lined with mural-adorned walls, and enjoyed music and dance performances by the beautiful people who welcomed us to learn more about their heritage and experience their way of life.

I just had to snap this photo of my gorgeous mama against this dope backdrop. Isn’t she lovely?!

One of my favorite parts of the day was exploring the street art of Havana’s Callejon de Hamel, created by talented muralist and artist Salvador Gonzalez. He helped to transform what was formerly a crime-ridden slum into a charming two-block alley-way filled with stunning Afro-Cuban art that pays homage to the Yoruba Santeria culture and religion. On Sundays, the day we visited, you can enjoy charming, energetic dancers who accompany the sounds of their native rumba music. We wore white in honor of the Santeria culture and religion that is practiced in Cuba.

On another day, we took a day trip to Matanzas, an African community 56 miles east of Havana. It is known for its Afro-Cuban folklore and is the birthplace of the music and dance traditions danzón and rumba. We visited a site that held artifacts from the descendants of the Dahomey kingdom in West Africa. So dope!

The food, the music, the art, oh my!

Since I offered a pretty comprehensive overview in Part I I won’t go into extensive detail here. But I must say, as far as food is concerned, it was the paladares for the win again! As a refresher, paladares are small, family-run restaurants, usually in converted homes. We found time to visit our beloved paladar next door, Casa Mia, twice for their delicious tostones (and the fine Cuban waiters…ssshh don’t tell anybody lol)! I also thoroughly enjoyed my experience at El Chiquirrin Restaurant in Matanzas, as not only the food was good, we were serenaded by their wonderful house band!

The music and art was pretty much abundant wherever we went, but there was one particular place we went that captured it all. That was the Cuban Art Factory (Fabrica de Arte Cubano). Set in a former cooking oil factory, this cultural arts center has a little bit of something for everyone from visual and culinary art to an energetic rumba class and fashion show. We got to experience it all! I definitely recommend a visit.

A few more things to know before you go…

  • As of the time of this blog post, US citizens need a valid passport (must not expire within 6 months of travel), a Cuban Tourist Card or Visa, travel insurance, and a signed affidavit indicating you are traveling under one of the 12 categories of authorized travel to Cuba. (We went in support of the Cuban people, justified by bringing art supplies, feminine hygiene products, and other goodies that we donated to the communities we visited.)
  • For US travelers, cash is king. Do not expect your credit or debit cards attached to any American bank to work there. The locals love (and prefer) your US dollars so there really isn’t a need to exchange them for Cuban pesos. 
  • Be sure to bring toilet tissue with you, as not every restroom (especially in the remote parts) is created equal.
  • The hotels in Cuba are like many other countries in the world that do not believe in washcloths. So if you’re used to bathing with them, bring them!
  • The sun is especially oppressive there so be sure to bring and wear lots of sunblock and something to cover your head if you’re going to be outside for long periods of time.
  • Wifi is sparse so prepare to unplug unless you have an international mobile plan that includes Cuba. We were really only able to access wifi in the hotel.
  • Check out the show at the Nacional Hotel, it was great! But skip dinner there. Try out one of the nearby paladares instead. You’ll thank me later!
  • Don’t skip the classic car rides. It was so nice, we went back and did it twice!
This rest stop on the way to Matanzas had the best pina coladas EVER!
I’m smiling because it was delicious!
This rest stop had the nicest, cleanest toilet…with no TP! lol
This all female band on the Hotel Nacional patio was dope!
To be so fancy, the Hotel Nacional restaurant was a huge disappointment.
They put on a good show though!
I loved the vibrancy of the colors in the costumes and the performers.
This paladar had good food, particularly the appetizers and dessert.
We didn’t get much salad while there so I’m glad I took a picture of this one lol.
Not only was this dessert pretty, it tasted good too.
There’s nothing quite like the classic car rides.

Which Door Would You Choose?

Posted on by goldenlifemusings

Last month I started watching a show that left me questioning my whole life. That’s a pretty dramatic statement, but it’s also a bit accurate. I didn’t start watching it with any expectations or even with any context from a preview. I simply watched it because I heard the name of the show come up in three unrelated conversations so I took it as a sign I needed to give it a go. And boy am I glad I did. By the way, it’s safe to read this semi-review; no spoiler alerts are needed here. I am not giving anything away purposefully because if you haven’t watched it yet, you definitely should!

The show is called The Big Door Prize, and you can find it streaming on Apple TV. It falls into the comedy category; but don’t be fooled, it also forces you to think a lot. What I love about this show, as bizarre as it is at times, is that it is so real. It touches on some of life’s biggest questions that we’ve all asked ourselves at one point or another. Why am I here? What was I put here to do? What could I do if there were no limits? Which mostly are self-imposed…

The show also manages to point out how dangerously trusting we are of technology; yet, how that same technology has helped us in many profound ways. Additionally, it tackles how self-centered we tend to be as humans, while also emphasizing how compassionate we are when given the opportunity to operate as our best selves. (Heads up, you and I are the only ones stopping ourselves from operating as our best selves.) Lastly, it questions why we can’t be content with what is in the moment. Yet, it affirms how it’s also ok to want more for ourselves than what we once wanted. It also still managed to make me laugh out loud at least once every episode. Brilliant!

Lastly, what I found most intriguing about The Big Door Prize was that it was mostly unpredictable. And the times that it was predictable were definitely on purpose. That makes for some entertaining TV. The ending of the season left more questions than answers, which surprisingly left me hungry for more. It’s no surprise, however, that Apple quickly picked it up for a second season before the first season was complete. 

Whether you are a TV watcher or not, I definitely recommend giving The Big Door Prize a shot. Even if you aren’t amused, at a minimum you will be encouraged to ask yourself some questions that might just generate some aha moments for your life. That’s certainly a prize worth winning.

What would you do if you knew EXACTLY what you COULD do? Which door would you CHOOSE?
What would you do if you knew EXACTLY what you COULD do? Which door would you CHOOSE?

Review: The Elcielo Experience

Posted on by goldenlifemusings
El Cielo also offers 13 and 10-course tasting menus for the not-as-adventurous foodies.

I had another “first” experience recently, so naturally I couldn’t wait to tell you about it. Normally I’d tease out the suspense, but since I have so much to share I’ll get right to it. I had the opportunity to indulge in a 20-course tasting experience. (All foodies collectively swoon here!) If your eyes widened and your mouth watered a little bit, you had the same reaction I did when I first heard about Elcielo Restaurant in my hometown of Washington, D.C. This quaint, Michelin-star restaurant serves Colombian cuisine and offers a unique fine dining tasting experience that you will be sure to never forget.

If you’ve experienced, or have at least heard of a tasting with courses in the double digits, consider yourself fancy. But for the majority of you reading this blog, prepare to be just as impressed as I was by all Elcielo has to offer.

Don’t worry, I won’t ruin all the surprises for you by documenting each part of the 20-course menu. I will, however, document some of the highlights here, just in case you decide to indulge.

It’s the details for me…

Let’s start with how much attention to detail was evident with every course. They say you eat with your eyes first, so Elcielo certainly knows how to make a great first impression. The presentation with each course was superb. Each plate was so beautifully decorated and well thought out that it had you savoring each bite, while also eagerly anticipating the next dish. They don’t call it the Elcielo “experience” for nothing.

I loved how with each course, our server thoroughly and carefully explained the dish and shared the history or thought behind its conception. It’s as if they are fully invested in you getting as much as you can from your time there so that you can leave full, both literally and figuratively.

This fish dish was my least favorite of the 20 courses but it was beautifully plated.
This small bite of tapioca & foie served a powerful punch
I can’t say that I’ve ever seen or heard of tuna tartare served thtis way.
One of the most beautiful dessert dishes I’ve ever seen…and everything was edible!
This fun, tasty dessert made me feel like I was back on the beach in Cartagena.

I should also point out that this is not an experience for gluttons. Rather, this is an experience for the adventurous. They call it a tasting menu, because it’s just that. You get to taste, or small bite, of a variety dishes as they take you on a journey of different scents, sights, and tastes you’ve never had before.

And the winners are…

There was not really anything I didn’t like on the menu, but a few of the dishes shined above the rest. My absolute favorite dishes were the Truffle buñuelos, Guajira’s dry shrimp rice, Tree of Life, the corn soup (believe it or not), and the quail, wild onion & rice.

Corn Soup: This dish sounds plain, but the flavors were far from it. I’m not much of a corn chowder person, which is what I thought it would be when I saw it on the menu and looked at it. But, I think this was one of my favorites because of how pleasantly surprised I was. I ate every drop.
Guajira’s dry shrimp rice: This fritter, for lack of a better word, made of fried dough had the most delicious shrimp and rice filling. It was so good, my bestie and I considered asking if we could get another order. But the menu called out to us, “But wait, there’s more!” And indeed, there was.
Tree of Life: This flatbread with four cheeses and a perfect combination of herbs and spices was absolutely delicious. It was served with a creamy garlic cilantro spread that was to die for!
Quail, wild onion & rice: I was not prepared to be wowed by this little game bird as much as I was. The meat was so tender and flavorful and it was perfectly complimented with a delicious wild rice and yummy sauce.
Truffle buñuelos: I haven’t yet met a truffle I didn’t like, but this one was different. It looks like a plate of rocks, but if you look carefully, you’ll see a delightful finger-sized morsel that had a gooey center that literally melted in our mouths with one bite.

I would also be remiss if I did not mention the Coffee field. It was an elaborate display of the Colombian coffee-making experience that included sights, smells, tastes, and a few other sensations that are hard to describe. A photo would not have done it justice.

Roundabout course 7 or so, my bestie and I looked at each other with faces of overwhelm. We asked each other, how in the world is there more? Some of the dishes were more than just a couple of bites, so we made it a point to pace ourselves and try not to eat all of those dishes. We won and lost some battles lol. 

What I was not impressed by…

My $15 mocktail lol

I only had one source of complaint for this restaurant. From time to time, I’ll lay off the adult beverages and opt for mocktails. Imagine my surprise when I looked at the bill and saw the mocktail had an upcharge on it – an extra $5 itemized as “Don’t Take.” Of course, I had to ask the server what that meant. Do you know they charged me an extra $5 to NOT put alcohol in my drink? (Insert shock and awe here.) The audacity.

Fortunately, I had experienced some of the best food of my life, so I decided to remain in a space of gratitude. Needless to say though, it’s not something that I’ll easily forget and most certainly had to share! 

You get what you pay for…

As you can imagine, an experience like this is going to cost you. In fact, your meal is paid for at the time of the reservation, and they do not allow you to cancel and get a refund. You either have to reschedule (but make sure you do it more than 2 days in advance) or transfer it into someone else’s name. So make sure you’re committed before you go.

That being said, I would only recommend this restaurant for true foodies, and those with a fair amount of discretionary income. For two people with tax and gratuity charged before you step foot in the restaurant, it will cost you about the price of a two-night stay in a four-star hotel these days. Perhaps it’s something you reserve for a very special occasion. I don’t know what the value of an experience like this is worth to you, but what I can say is that if you do choose to indulge, you will not be disappointed!

Beautifully plated bison dish with potatoes and veggies.
A thoughtful Colombian nod to the DC Cherry Blossoms.
This lobster ceviche roll was one of the runner ups as my faves.
Clearly my bestie and I left happy lol.

Home Sweet Home Away from Home Part 3

Posted on by goldenlifemusings


It took me a year but I made it back home! Home sweet home away from home that is, and for me, that is Anguilla. Last year, I did something that I’d never done before. I visited a place I’d never been to and immersed myself in the culture for an entire month. I enjoyed it so much, I vowed to return and promised there would be a part three that would share even more goodies about this quaint, beautiful island country. 

In Part One and Part Two, I shared all about the culture, the people, the unique places to visit, and some helpful tidbits on what to know before you go. Well, guess what, there’s more where that came from! On my return visit this January, I reveled in some of my favorite spots and found some new ones that I’m excited to share with my Golden Life tribe. 

Before I share more, here are the Cliff Notes on my impression of Anguilla. If you are a beach bum, who loves relaxing on a beach, enjoying good food, experiencing live music, and taking delight in meeting new people, Anguilla should be on your travel list! But please make sure you have your coins together before you go.

The beaches

I mistakenly mentioned in my first blog that I hadn’t yet made it to half of Anguilla’s 33 beaches. I’d actually been to more than I thought! Sunshine Shack at Rendevous Bay and Madeariman at Shoal Bay Beach are still my favorites, but I did have some new experiences that I’d recommend as well. 

Be sure to spend a day at Scilly Cay, a private island off the coast of Island Harbour. It is a quick (less than 10 minutes) ride away from the Harbour. In true Anguilla style, you schedule your boat by standing on the dock and waving to get the boat captain’s attention. Within 10 minutes your ferry (a generous term for a very small boat) comes to escort you to the island where you can enjoy a day of relaxing on the beach, enjoying a limited, but delicious selection of Anguillan fare and cocktails, play corn hole toss and other beach games, and be serenaded by an acoustic guitarist and vocalist named Terry. He actually reminded me of my dad in spirit, though he looked more like Harry Belafonte physically lol.

I heard the seafood on the island was amazing but the chicken did not disappoint!
 This coconut rum punch was so bomb.
This little island is great for families

It’s important to note that Scilly Cay is not open every day of the week. At the time of my visit they were open Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. It’s best to check their social media to confirm days and hours.

I also enjoyed my beach time at Cap Jaluca on Maunday’s Bay beach. Though it’s important to note that it will cost you. If you are not staying at this 5-star luxury hotel, you either have to pay for a $50-day pass to visit or spend that amount per person at the beach shack. This is not hard to do with a couple of cocktails and an appetizer. It is a gorgeous beach with amazing views, but honestly, that’s not hard to find on this island.

This shrimp poke bowl was everything.

The restaurants

You know the foodie in me could not wait to get back to some of my Anguillan favorites like Sharky’s, Ember, and Dolce Vita. But lo and behold, I found some new ones that offered a new, and equally enjoyable experience.

Veya was so nice, we had to experience it twice on this visit. This is a new restaurant that opened since our last visit. Everything that I tasted on this menu from the salads and lamb chops to the sauteed snapper and even lemon ricotta flatbread was absolutely delicious. I also loved the live music that was offered during dinner by local artist, Omari Banks. Additionally, they have a downstairs lounge area that offers you a front-row seat to the live entertainment.

Not sure how we missed this well-known Anguillan restaurant on our last visit, but we made sure to visit Tasty’s this time. And boy did it live up to its name! Be sure to get the Johnny cakes, a Caribbean staple they do well, and the grilled lobster. I normally don’t go for a whole lot of extra trimmings on my lobster, like peppers, but it was superb! 

Didn’t capture a photo of the Johnny cakes but the lobster fritters were delicious as well.

Another new establishment that popped up since our last visit was Savi Beach Club. So beautiful! It was intended to have a similar vibe to the infamous Nikki Beach Club. It doesn’t quite hit the mark on yet, but I truly enjoyed my experience. The sushi was delicious and the dinner vibe was dope. We didn’t get to experience the day vibe because the weather wouldn’t let us be great on the day we planned to go, but I do plan to go back! 

(Fun tidbit, the Real Housewives of New York were filming there on the night we visited. They were the reason for us not getting to experience live music there that night.) They were at the table to the far left of us.

Last but certainly not least, the dinner experience at Blanchard’s is worth noting. Last year, we could only make it to the beach shack, but the restaurant is a whole other experience. Literally, everything we tasted from the Caesar salad and the Spanish dates to the red curry mussels and spiced pork ribs was amazing! A return visit is in order.

The nightlife 

On this visit, we scheduled restaurant reservations around when we knew there would be live music. So even some of the restaurants we’d been to before like Sharky’s and Dolce Vita felt like a different experience once the live music was added. By the way, I wouldn’t recommend Dolce Vita on a Friday night, unless you’re a fan of loud karaoke nights. I’ll just leave it at that.

If you’re a live music lover like my family is, be sure to check out Anguilla’s hometown favorite Bankie Banx’s Dune Preserve. Think who Bob Marley was to Jamaica. That’s who Bankie Banx is for Anguilla. He performs there most weekend nights and features special guests, like his son Omari Banks, who we saw at Veya. Like many Anguilla establishments, it’s right on the beach and it’s a whole vibe. 

So enjoyed hearing and meeting local artist Omari Banks.
Bankie Banx show was so great we stayed for two sets and got to meet him afterward.

If you’re interested in planning your restaurant visits around live music like we did, I recommend following the Anguilla Tourist Board. They offer a weekly schedule of live entertainment.

As you can see, for a small island, Anguilla has a lot to offer. As it is my home sweet home away from home, expect more new finds from future visits. Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @goldenlifeventures for more.