Diving in Cuba

Every year, thousands of people come to Cuba to go diving.

Cuba - is the heart of the Caribbean for scuba diving. Today, diving has become very popular among tourists and local residents. For beginners there are many schools with the best teachers. All resorts have dive training and professional suggestions on this sport. But almost all these schools consider only the cost of a dive, or training.

You can also take various marine excursions. Since Cuba is not only a paradise for divers and underwater filming for lovers, divers and of course fishermen.

Underwater fauna of this country is very rich here distinguish about 900 different aspectual animals and fish, among which are: dolphins, barracuda, bonito, tuna, rays, groupers, moray eels, lobsters, angelfish, mackerel and sharks. Warm water is particularly loved by jellyfish, octopus and sea turtles. At a depth you  can see the black coral. The sea bed is strewn with a wide variety of seashells. Oysters and lobsters in Cuba are the objects of industrial and tourist fishing. The greatest pleasure will bring you a lobster with its magnificent coral palette and a very tasty and tender meat.

One of the most popular destinations for divers is Varadero, here counted more than 30 places for diving.

Also released two of the most popular dive site on Varadero:

* Big Blue - underwater cave 230 feet in diameter, located in the reef of the bay of Cadiz

* Marine Park near Cayo Pedras del Norte, which occupies an area of 2 square. nautical miles and the exhibits which include a motor boat, a frigate with guns and transport aircraft, as well as the remains of other ships, especially flooded here to create the largest collection of underwater in the archipelago.

Scuba diving in Cuba is particularly interesting for lovers of the underwater world as you can find here the remains of sunken ships, which have been declared part of the national heritage, as well as see the marine inhabitants, such as: red fish protein, fish-men, bronze snapper, and more depth and meet - turtles, sharks, blue marlin and swordfish. In Havana, more than 70 places for diving.

But best of all entertaining dive in the islands, as some of the islands are naturak reserves. But on some islands to the fact that entertaining diving needs a very expensive license.

The best islands for diving are the Royal Gardens and the Faro de Luna, and the Bay of Pigs and Cayo Lewis, and many others.

Havana...

HAVANA - Cuban capital, is certainly the most colorful and memorable city of the Caribbean. This is the best example of Spanish colonial architecture in Latin America.

After decades of oblivion, UNESCO declared Havana the heritage of mankind. In 1982 the city got much prettier. Foreign investments have helped to restore the former glory of the beauty of Havana. Now here comes a lot of tourists, attracted by the magnificent architecture, nightlife and the nostalgic atmosphere of the island.

Until the revolution of 1959 in Havana came amny people - movie stars, millionaires, businessmen. Numerous casinos, night life shines, the atmosphere of hedonism - this is what attracted all these people. Time has left its clue on the building and on the economy. Today, there are no casinos, but bars and nightclubs of Havana and their unique atmosphere continues to attract foreigners and Cubans themselves.

It should be said that Havana is not a modern city. Those who are attracted by luxury kitchen and luxury purchases, are likely to be disappointed. Some tourists repulsed by the state of some city districts, and that poverty in which most Cubans live. No neon signs and luxury shops are at least, surprising. On the other hand, the socialist way of life means that the city does not feel consumer pressure and can develop at their own discretion.

Havana was founded in 1519. The city is situated on the bank of a deep bay. It is located in 15 municipalities.

The main sights are concentrated in 3 areas:

* La Habana Vieja (Havana Vieja in the area so many beautiful streets and interesting buildings that you can wander for days on it all the time to find these gems, here is the colonial center);

* Centro Habana (the border between Old Havana and the central part (Centro) is blurred. It passes through the central park and the building of the Capitol. The atmosphere of this area dramatically differs from the atmosphere of Havana Viejo. This region is less diverse, more modern and less frequently visited by tourists)

* Vedado - a lively area with wide avenues, where you can see the odd mixture of architectural styles. This neighbor ugly creations of 1950 and strict neo-classical styles. There are a lot of government agencies, and universities. This area abounds nightlife. Main street Vedado - Calle 23, which is also called La - Rampa. This is the most famous street of modern Havana.

By taxi from the center to get to interesting places. Are also organized tours, which can be inscribed in the hotel. Sated with Havana, you'll want a little respite from city bustle. Miramar district - an ideal place for a quiet leisurely walk. Your path will cross along the broad streets among the elegant homes and villas on the wealthy district. Miramar is in stark contrast with the more compact, lively streets in other parts of Havana.

Traditional Cuban Sandwich

The Cuban sandwich, also known as the cubano, is a popular meal in south Florida where many Cubans have settled since the early 20th century. These tasty, toasted Cuban sandwiches are definitely Tampa and Miami, Florida's favorite snack. These treats can be found in most restaurants in these cities, but the best places to buy them are from the street corner-snack bars, called loncherias.
No one is certain exactly where and when the Cuban sandwich was invented. A Cuban sandwich is a variation of a ham and cheese originally created by Cuban workers, either in Cuba or in the Cuban immigrant communities of Florida, most likely Ybor City in Tampa, Florida, though there are also accounts of a similar dish being served in Key West during the 1870's. Later on, Cuban immigrants and expatriates brought it to Miami where it is also still very popular.

As with Cuban bread, the origin of the Cuban sandwich (sometimes called a "Cuban mix", "mixto sandwich", or "Cuban Pressed Sandwich") is somewhat murky. The sandwich became a common lunch food for workers in both the cigar factories and sugar mills of Cuba and the cigar factories of Ybor City around 1900.

At that time, travel between Cuba and Florida was easy, and Cubans frequently sailed back and forth for employment, pleasure, and family visits. Because of this constant and largely undocumented movement of people and culture and ideas, it’s impossible to say exactly when and where the Cuban sandwich first became a common worker’s meal.  By around 1910, however, workers’ cafés in Ybor City, Key West, and Cuba were serving many such sandwiches daily.

In Cuba (where it is more commonly known as a mixto), the sandwich was served in kiosks, coffee bars and casual restaurants, especially in the big cities such as Havana or Santiago de Cuba. By the 1960s, Cuban sandwiches were also common on Miami cafeteria and restaurant menus, as the city had gained a large influx of Cuban residents after the Fidel Castro's 1959 rise to power in their native land.

The Communist Revolution caused a wave of Cuban expatriates to settle in other locations as well, and they brought their culture and cuisine with them. Cuban sandwiches are now served in various Cuban exile communities in places such as New York, New Jersey, Chicago, and Puerto Rico, among others.
While there is some debate as to the contents of a “true” Cuban sandwich, most are generally agreed upon. The traditional Cuban sandwich starts with Cuban bread. The loaf is sliced into lengths of 8-12 inches (20-30 cm), lightly buttered on the crust, and cut in half horizontally. A coat of yellow mustard is spread on the bread. Then roast pork, glazed ham, Swiss cheese, and thinly-sliced dill pickles are added in layers. Sometimes the pork is marinated in mojo and slow roasted.

The main regional disagreement about the sandwich’s recipe is whether or not to include salami. In Tampa, Genoa salami is traditionally layered in with the other meats, probably due to influence of Italian immigrants who lived side-by-side with Cubans and Spaniards in Ybor City. In Miami, salami is left out.
In South Florida, mayonnaise, lettuce, and tomato are usually added. These additions are often available in restaurants in Tampa, but are frowned upon by traditionalists there.

When assembled, the sandwich is lightly toasted in a sandwich press called a plancha, which is somewhat similar to a panini press but without grooved surfaces. The plancha both heats and compresses the sandwich, which remains in the press until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted. It is usually cut into diagonal halves before serving.

To make 4 generous sandwiches:

Preheat a pancake griddle or large fry pan. Cut the bread into sections about 8 inches long. Cut these in half and spread butter on both halves (inside). Make each sandwich with the ingredients in this order: pickles, roasted pork, ham, and cheese. Be generous! Most people use a sweet cured ham (jamón dulce) or bolo ham for Cuban sandwiches. If you can find these hams in your area, great. Otherwise, look for a slightly sweet, soft textured ham with a mild taste.  Also, never use shaved ham or pork in a Cuban sandwich.

Place the sandwich on the hot griddle (fry pan) sprayed with a little "Pam" or lightly greased. Place a heavy iron skillet or bacon press on top of the sandwich to flatten.  Grill the sandwiches for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden. Make sure your griddle or fry pan is not too hot. Otherwise, the crust will burn before the cheese melts. Slice the sandwich in half diagonally and serve.

Every Cuban sandwich aficionado believes in their own version of this sandwich. In fact, they're usually passionate about this and will readily debate among themselves the finer point of how to make a Cuban sandwich. No visit to Tampa or Miami would be complete without sampling the cities claim to fame - the Cuban sandwich.