Suggested
Readings About Cuba
A lot
has been written about Cuba, but you have to be selective because many
books and articles are biased against Cuba. Avoid those. You will see
the real Cuba for yourself and it is a great idea to be prepared for
what you will see.
About Cuba as a tourist destination it is worthwhile to consider a copy
of the latest travel guidebook by Lonely Planet. Also, check out the
Cuban Government Tourism website at www.cubatravel.cu
If you want to get truthful information about Cuba check out the
following:
A Revolution in Motion by Canadian author Isaac Saney. An extremely
well informed and comprehensive review of Cuban revolution and society.
Check book reviews and ordering information at www.canadiannetworkoncuba.ca/Documents/Saney2003.shtml
Democracy in Cuba and the 1997-98 Elections by Canadian author Arnold
August
Everything you want to know about the electoral system in Cuba
(Editorial José Mart?, ISBN: 0-968-5084-0-5) Canada-Cuba
Distribution and Publishing, P.O. Box 55025, Fairmount Station.
Montreal, Quebec, Canada, H2T 3E2. email: aa@aei.ca
If you want to learn the true history of Cuba, you can get the
following book in Cuba:
HISTORY OF CUBA by José Cant?n Navarro.
Basic Spanish
The
experiences gained on the brigade are unique and leave a lasting
impression. They are heightened by your ability to interact with a wide
range of people. Obviously, an ability to understand and speak Spanish
is a major factor in this. Learning Spanish is highly recommended. Many
books are available at your local book store or library. There are also
some websites. We suggest trying:
http://www.davidreilly.com/spanish/
Things to bring
This
is just a guideline - use your judgment according to your personal
needs and preference. Whatever you don't use you can leave behind. In
fact, if you can, bring extra to share with our Cuban co-workers and
friends.
Some ideas of what to bring:
• medication you normally take or need
• vitamins (if you require nutritional supplement)
• aspirin or equivalent
• keopectate or imodium (Cuba is generally safe in this sense, but we
all react differently to a new place and food)
• sanitary napkins
• toilet paper (for length of stay)
• insect/mosquito repellent
• mosquito net
• suntan lotion/sunscreen
• laundry soap (we do our own washing by hand)
• toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, etc.)
• bathing suit (don't leave without it)
• hat
• bath towel
• flashlight + batteries
• film, camera batteries
• water bottle
• snacks, dried fruits, nuts (might come handy when food is not readily
available)
• radio/mp3/ipod w/earphones
• pocket knife
• small rain poncho packet
• sunglasses
• clothes pegs, rope, wash bucket
• waterproof sandals (for rain, shower, beach)
• Gatorade powder (good for keeping you hydrated)
• work clothes
(in hot climate, light colored loose clothing covering
arms and legs is recommended)
• boots or work shoes
• hat
• work gloves
• trowel and/or small pruning shears
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