Cuba: Juan Carlos Garcia Martinez (Learning on Excursions)

My time in Trinidad, a town in central Cuba, gave me a sense of life outside the bustling city of Havana. A 7-hour bus ride away from the capitol city, Trinidad is brimming with historical landmarks preserving the legacies Cuba’s colonial history. It’s hard to miss this as you observe the architecture and layout of the town as you walk along its cobblestone roads. Trinidad is packed with hostels and home stays reflecting the touristic appeal of the area. It’s situated nearby beaches, resorts and waterfalls all scattered between the mountains lining the horizon. Inside the town you’ll find restaurants, shops and attractions all speaking to the rich history that Trinidad has to offer.

The bulk of Trinidad’s output is found in the heart of town along the Plaza Mayor. Lining this central space are the romantic and architectural museums, both preserving the history of Trinidad’s role in the sugar trade. The former shows the lavish lifestyles that families running sugar plantations lived in, while the latter displayed the influence that the Spanish colonial presence had on the town’s architectural development. Out on the streets are several shops and stands largely offering products of artistic value to the town. This includes printmaking, embroidery and linen work. Guayaberas, dresses and even table runners are decorated with intricately embroidered imagery. Textile workers proudly offer their work as it is seen as a tradition.

Juan Carlos Garcia Martinez

Hometown: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Major: Journalism; Chicana/o and Latina/o Studies

Program: IFSA Universidad de La Habana Partnership

I’m looking forward to getting to know the local arts and culture — I would love to check out the José Martí Memorial and Havana Biennial!