# data[].attributes.body
This Padlet is a work in progress of my trip in April 2023. I traveled to Cuba for an educational program to learn Cuban dance and support the Cuban people.

# data[].attributes.headline
Award for Best Music Entertainment in a Cuban Taxi

# data[].attributes.subject
Award for Best Music Entertainment in a Cuban Taxi

# data[].attributes.body
Due to the gasoline shortage Cuba, it can be preferable to hire a bike taxi. You don't want to miss out on a ride through Old Havana in this form of transportation. Take my word for it.

# data[].attributes.body
As a tourist, I did not experience any shortage of food while I was traveling in Cuba.  However, I was sensitive to the fact that a food rationing system still exists for Cubans.  It's called La Libreta or Libreta de Abastecimiento (supplies booklet) and it's been in existence since 1962.  Per person, per month, the rations are more or less: five eggs, one pound of dried spaghetti, a cup of cooking oil, a few pounds of sugar, seven pounds of white rice, less than half a pound of black beans, enough bread for one meal a day and coffee beans ground with dried beans or peas to make it last.  Anything else isn't included and it could be hard to find.
Breakfast was included in our stay at the Airbnb and we were guided to only order what we would eat.  Waste would be frowned upon.
As a result of the rationing system and food shortage, there isn't always a lot of condiments used in the food.  Food might be overly salty as a way to make up for the lack of herbs and spices.  I took a care package to Cuba for a friend's family and it included over the counter medications, vitamins, protein powders, and seasonings for food.

# data[].attributes.body
It's not possible to exchange USD for Cuban pesos in banks or exchange outlets.  It's also not possible to use credits cards from US banks so I had to carry cash at all times. Before my trip, I exchanged USD for Euros and once I was in Cuba I was able to exchange Euros for Cuban pesos.  I mostly did this through the hostal where I stayed. Once I got there, I discovered that USD and Euros were the preferred currency.  Sometimes checks would list the price in three currencies and I would have my choice of how I wanted to pay.  The only catch was that if I paid in Euros or USD, I would be given Cuban pesos in return.  We're not allowed to bring Cuban pesos back to the USA so I took this picture.

# data[].attributes.body
Yes, the Internet can be found in a lot of places, but since there are no international data/calling plans in Cuba with my carrier, I used Internet cards like these to access social media. I called my husband with Whatsapp or Facebook messenger and the connection was pretty dismal at best.

# data[].attributes.headline
I went for a coffee and had salsa instead...

# data[].attributes.subject
I went for a coffee and had salsa instead...

# data[].attributes.body
The server at this small cafe insisted that I dance. I'm sure he was testing me. ;)

# data[].attributes.body
You think it's a wedding or a Zumba class... but no! It's something they do at the clubs in between sets of salsa, bachata, and Kizomba. Everyone joins in and follows the first row of leaders.

# data[].attributes.body
Slower rhythm done in the style of the Salsa Rueda

# data[].attributes.headline
You can take Paloma out of Colombia, but you can't take Colombia out of Paloma....

# data[].attributes.subject
You can take Paloma out of Colombia, but you can't take Colombia out of Paloma....

# data[].attributes.body
Classic car buffs will delight in Cuba as you can see all sorts: Chevrolet, Fords, Pontiac, Buicks, Dodges, Plymouths, and Studebackers. You can even hire one for a ride around Havana at $50 an hour.

# data[].attributes.body
The first half of the songs were selected before I arrived to the island. The second half includes songs that I heard while in Cuba.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Mi Banda Sonora Cubana · Playlist · 49 songs

# data[].attributes.headline
Paloma leading salsa...for the first time

# data[].attributes.subject
Paloma leading salsa...for the first time

# data[].attributes.body
This guy was such a sport.  Earlier in the day I had taken a class on how to lead salsa and this young man was my partner. When he saw me at the club, he made me practice my new moves. :)

# data[].attributes.headline
Guinness Book of World Records - Largest Rueda de Casino 

# data[].attributes.subject
Guinness Book of World Records - Largest Rueda de Casino 

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.authors[].name
Κωνσταντίνος Πούλιος

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The largest Rueda de Casino Guinness Record Aristotelous Thessaloniki Greece 1 6 2014

# data[].attributes.body
Teresa, or better known as Teté, is a well-known Cuban musician who has toured  internationally and performed with many of the artists from the Buena Vista Social Club.  She is included in my soundtrack with her song, "Los Tamalitos de Olga."

# data[].attributes.body
Unfortunately I didn't grab my camera quickly enough to show how long the gas line really was. I was told that car owners line up the night before and sometimes the next day there is no gas to fill the tanks. I made reference to gas when I shared the bike taxi video. Whenever I asked for a "taxi" in the Airbnb, the front desk attendant would remind me of the gas shortage and that it would be preferable to find an alternative form of transportation to my destination.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
History, Culture & Dance
Rueda de Casino

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
What is Rueda de Casino? Rueda is a type of circle dance that came from Salsa de Casino in Cuba, meaning “Casino Wheel”. To understand Rueda, we first have to understand a little about the culture and behind Cuban Salsa.