Cuba

Enchanted by the sea and the coasts of Cuba, Christopher Columbus exclaimed: “Never have I seen anything so beautiful.” Four hundred and fifty years later, Hemingway thought and wrote the same words when he reached the small village of Aymar. Even now, visitors are charmed and touched by the light, colors, and rhythms of this warm and welcoming land.

The uninhabited, wild cays, deserted beaches, tropical forests, sinuous hills, and the rough mountains are all jewels inlaid into the very heart of the Caribbean, the true wealth of Cuba. Those who have the same appreciation for the works of man will find fascinating patterns of art, history, and life here.

Every corner of the island exudes something magical. In streets and bars one will always find music, which is as much the heritage of the island as the ethnic mixture that flows through the veins of its 10 million inhabitants. They incarnate the soul of this exuberant and hospitable land, where dreams are not confined to sleep, but are lived with open eyes.

We dedicate this volume to the largest of the islands that mark the borders of the Gulf of Mexico, to its natural treasures, and its rather uncommon and controversial history. This fascinating book has both evocative pictures of one of the last natural paradises on the planet and firsthand accounts of the adventurous voyage of the “Queen of the Caribbean” through the seas of history.

Martino Fagiuoli is a professional photographer. His book American Dream Car in Cuba was inspired by a journey he made to Cuba in 1990.

Alfredo Guevara earned his doctorate in philosophy at the University of Havana, where he first met Fidel Castro. He took an active part in the student uprisings, supporting the underground struggle against Batista’s dictatorship. Founder of theatrical companies, cultural societies, and major specialty magazines, he is one of the biggest names in Latin-American cinematography.

Lohania J. Aruca Alonso is a former professor of architecture at the University of Havana and now works as an independent writer. She has written and edited many major books on Cuban architecture and contributed scientific articles to several specialized magazines.

Gianni Morelli is a journalist in Milan. He has written several titles on Latin America, made contributions to reference books, and written articles on tourism and geography for many Italian and foreign newspapers.

Magdalena Alayeto was born in Cuba and spent her early years there. Now living in the United States, she maintains a keen interest in Cuban history and culture.