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Havana Mañana - A Guide To Cuba And The Cubans 05/30/11

cover art

Havana Mañana by Consuelo Hermer and Marjorie May in Havana a book of excerpts compiled by Susannah Clark. The selection I read was called "What to Wear."

The full book is a travel guide for Americans traveling to Havana. This is back in the day before the travel embargo put in place after Castro. It's a fascinating historical document of what life was like in the early 1940s both in the United States and in Cuba.

I'm not sure how much of the specific advice holds water seventy years later. Prices are certainly different; businesses have probably closed up and fashions here and there have probably changed.

That said, there's still some general advice that's useful for travelers. Vacationers should dress for the environment they are traveling too but they should also be mindful of the culture they will be visiting if they wish to fit in. Visitors should do their research: learn the neighborhoods, traditions and whatnot before they arrive.

If I were doing a period piece (either as a film or a novel), Havana Mañana would be an invaluable resource.

Three stars

Comments (2)


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Comment #1: Tuesday, May, 31, 2011 at 21:09:57

Joy Weese Moll

Cool book. I've been cataloging a botanist's collection of photos as a volunteer gig. I get a kick out of the photos he took in the early fifties in Cuba.



Comment #2: Wednesday, June 1, 2011 at 10:50:10

Pussreboots

Sounds like an interesting volunteer gig.

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