Customer Reviews

Cuba Is Not Only Varadero

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In 1994 Jerzy Adamuszek flew from Montreal to Varadero, but upon arrival he left the usual tourist track and began cycling around the country on his own. He was there just before Fidel opened the country to limited private enterprise and his deadpan account is a wonderful record of the way the country was in those days. This book isn't going the make you want to bicycle around Cuba - and Adamuszek himself doesn't recommend it - but it will reveal how Cubans away from the tourist enclaves really are. It's a classic in the bicycle travel writing genre.

I met Jerzy on the corner of 86th street personally selling his book and chatting with passersby. I bought the book based on his radiant look. A man pursuing his dreams to the fullest with clarity and courage. The book is just as I expected. I encourage all those with the ability to explore the road less traveled (so to speak) to read this book!

I spent two weeks traveling through Cuba, staying with families and exploring the non-touristy world of the island. But Adamuszek, with the eyes of someone who grew up in Eastern Europe, sees a dimension of Cuba that my American eyes couldn't. Reading this travel memoir was fascinating for the author is not only insightful, but with delightful commentary observes the life of the Cuban people at a critical time in the island's history. For anyone who wants to read about adventure, politics, and the human spirit, this book will more than satisfy.

I thought I knew Cuba, having been there over 5 times. This book gave excellent insight into the real Cuba, and has inspired a trip I plan to take this summer.