It's not always about Fashion...

El Malecon Cuba

El Malecon. Havana, Cuba

I don't always have fashion on the brain. I know. Shocking. As I enjoy a cup of coffee on my porch on this peaceful and sunny Sunday morning in Atlanta, all I can think about is when I will return to Cuba. My journey had a profound and life changing impact on me, but it's even more complex than that. There is a special feeling about returning to your birthplace, I can't quite explain, but I think about it all the time. Can someone actually be homesick for a place they didn't grow up in? A place they haven't visited in over four decades? That's kind of how I feel... Even in it's dilapidated and unkempt state, Cuba is a beautiful country with exquisite architecture, lush countryside and beautiful beaches. While I've always known Miami as "home" Cuba is quickly changing that mindset.

I hope that everyone is having a lovely Sunday, where ever home is for you! xo

fashionado

Mojitos by Havana Club Rum

Havana Club Mojitos

This is not a DIY post on how to make mojitos... though these mojitos, served at the newly remodeled Hotel Capri in el Vedado Havana, Cuba were fantastic! Absolutely fantastic!! This is however, a post recommending Havana Club rum. This rum is smooth and sophisticated and, in a way, the secret ingredient here. Havana Club is made in Santa Cruz del Norte, Cuba, so you can't get it in the states. You can find it in the Bahamas and I've heard rumors that Bacardi may be carrying it soon, if not already. Mojitos are better when made with Havana Club. Something worth looking into. Havana Club is made with fresh sugarcane and aged in oak casks, 1 -7 years. It's also good as a shot or for sipping, which is how I prefer it. Keeps the flavor pure.

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Classic Cars of Cuba

I once read that it looked as if time stood still in Cuba because of all the classic cars on the street. It's true and here's a video clip from my recent trip to prove it! Truly magnificent. Classic car fans, enjoy!

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We are Back! Havana, Cuba

E Vincent Martinez Havana, Cuba 2014

I'm back from Cuba, in body - my heart is still there with my father. This '51 Chevrolet was our car for most of the time while in Havana. We took the photo on my old street which faced the house my mother grew up in and where I lived until I was five. The trip was phenomenal and very emotional as expected. I have many photos to share with you - from the amazing architecture to the classic cars to the beautiful beaches. We also returned with over eleven hours of video footage, so we have our work cut out for us.

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Countdown to Cuba

cuba-map-fashionado

By this time next week I will be at the airport, patiently waiting for my flight to Cuba. [Replace "patiently" with anxiously!] As I'm pulling wardrobe, doing laundry and going down the list of all that I need to do, I am starting to feel the excitement. There is so much emotion around this trip for me that I need to sit back and just take a breath from time to time. I never, in my wildest dreams, believed I would ever return to my place  of birth. While I won't have any wifi or 4G accessibility, I will do my best to grab Internet at the hotel whenever possible and instagram/FB/tweet. Make sure to follow me  @fashionado

xo

fashionado