Cuba is controlled by a communist government. This means that there is not a lot of variety or choice of food available. Menus tend to offer simple, fresh and in season faire. Pork and seafood is a popular choice. The cattle is kept for farm work and only processed for consumption when the poor beasts are on their last legs, if not dead already. Steer clear!
Cheese is another thing to avoid. Cubans have not conquered the art of making cheese. Turning the humble toasted cheese sanger into a dismal lunch. Better off with the street pizza with the lot. Hold the cheese but.
We visited an organic farm in Vinales were they put on a magnificent spread for our group. A whole roasted pork was the feature and was accompanied by a vast, delicious array of fresh veggies and other side dishes. We sat at a wooden banquet table as dish after dish was presented. The table groaned under the weight of it all and the floor boards creaked below as our tummies expanded. We were served a superb stress reliever coctele. Mix of coconut milk and rum with fresh herbs from the garden. Lemongrass, mint and aniseed. It really did relieve our stress as we reclined in rocking chairs on the farm house veranda overlooking the valley.
Cuban citizens earn 20 cucs a month ( approx 20 US) regardless of occupation. Hospitality is one of the best positions as tips are relied heavily upon to supplement the income. Doctors often work as taxi drivers to earn extra cash! Every person recieves free health care, education and housing although some people get the raw deal when it comes to delegation in the cities. Best to live in the country. A ration system is in place where everyone recieves weekly staples and apparently can survive a humble exsistance. You can buy an ice cream for 20 cents but it will cost up to $2 for a bar of soap!
In reporting all this, I must admit the Cuban population look happy, healthy and well fed. Every society has good and bad. Who are we to judge?
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