This is my third trip to Cuba. Tom and I went in May of 2017 with Erin Fleming, our yoga teacher, on a group tour. In February 2018 Tom and I returned on a private tour for two arranged by Cross Cultural Journeys. Now here I am again writing an introduction to a book about Havana, celebrating my 3rd visit in less than 2 years.

This trip was with my great friend Julie Rice and she fell in love with Cuba …just like I thought she would. Because this was her first trip everything was new to her but there were still quite a few new places for me to see for the first time, including the Havana Club Museum, Hotel Riviera, the Napoleon Museum and the Capitol. It was a perfect trip.

Marianne O’Connell February 2019






While I was working through daily radiation and searching for something to look forward to Marianne suggested a trip to Cuba. It took less than a second to say “YES”. Some of my very best memories are vacationing with Marianne in Paris, Buenos Aires and Hong Kong.

I spent three months diving into all things Cuba, reading a curated list of books and learning as much as possible about Cuba’s colorful and volatile history. From Marianne’s suite at the lovely Parque Central we were able to enjoy the tropical breezes and beautiful views of the Gran Teatro and the Capitol. Seeing the Havana Club Museum, cigar factory, delicious paladars, Colón Cemetery and plazas made Havana came alive. One of my favorite memories was sharing a Cortado at the Hotel Riviera with our guide, Arturo, and our driver, Alfredo.

Julie Rice February 2019