The DER below is from the expedition to Cuba that began on March 22, 2017.
The Isle of Youth is the largest and westernmost island in Cuba’s Canarreos Archipelago. Sometimes referred to as the “Island of a Thousand Names,” through the influences of early indigenous populations, Christopher Columbus, writers, and political figures, it has held eleven different titles, five of which became popular. After the Cuban Revolution, the location received its current name due to the establishment of secondary schools and colleges dedicated to education of both local and foreign students. Though many have since closed, the facilities remain and are repurposed to serve modern enterprises and community needs; the name stands.
Our visit to the Isle of Youth included stops in both the main city on the island’s northern tip and stunning beaches on the southwest shore. Nueva Gerona, home to over half of the population, features a charismatic downtown park with marble benches, a colonial mission style church, and art deco cinema. With time to explore this area and nearby neighborhoods, we enjoyed a glimpse into the community and lunch at a pirate-themed restaurant. The joyful noise of young people at play and work drifts into the park through open windows of the local arts school, where students receive training in core subjects as well as dance, voice and instrumental music.
A few kilometers east of Nueva Gerona stands the dramatic Presidio Modelo. Key structures include massive five-story circular prison blocks that are equally imposing and uncomfortable. Notably, Fidel Castro, his brother Raul, and their group of surviving conspirators were incarcerated here following the failed raid on the Moncada military barracks in 1953; although their attack was not successful, it provided Castro with recognition and a voice, both critical to his political future. Along with touring individual cells and one of the circulars, we also visited the dining facility and several small museum spaces.
Late afternoon offered a refreshing swim at Hotel El Colony on the shore of Siguanea Bay, and a snorkel over seagrass meadows for some. On this clear evening offshore, guests have gathered at the bow of the ship to embrace the darkness and take in the brilliant night sky. With two consecutive overnight sailing passages – east toward Cayo Largo (tonight) and Cienfuegos (tomorrow night) – we’ll also keep an eye out for bioluminescence in the surface ocean.
