In the infancy of Cuba's tourism, Wanda St.Hilaire takes a trip to the tiny island. In spite of her love of all things Latin, she puts herself on a travel ban to Castro's Cuba, one that lasts twenty years.
When she is forced to cancel a trip to Oaxaca, Mexico at the last minute, she finds herself in Cuba twice, on back-to-back trips. Walking into the backstreets of Havana, eyes wide open, she is pulled into a dalliance with a charismatic cubano.
Underneath the façade of Cuba's tourism lies the desperation of a society living mostly in abject poverty. When tourists mingle with locals, we get a glimpse of what underlies the frivolity of Cuban entanglements. St. Hilaire speaks with an authentic voice and doesn't mince words; she recounts her own activities, emotions and opinions with refreshing honesty.
With each solo adventure, the author reaches a deeper understanding of human nature and the world. At the same time, she conducts a journey of self-discovery, learning about her own entrenched beliefs, biases and blemishes.
Wanda St.Hilaire supports her travel and writing habit by working as a reluctant sales and marketing representative. She spent four blissful winters away from the frozen landscape of Canada living in the barrios of Vallarta, Mexico, and she has traveled throughout the world. She lives in Calgary, Alberta.
Professions I'd like to try ... National Geographic Photographer/Travel Show Host/Anthropologist.
iggest mystery ... why humans still value money and power over love and beauty.
Most memorable meal ... a surreal, lavish lunch in Barcelos, Portugal on market day.
Wisest decision ... Not having children. I couldn't even keep a glass fish I once owned afloat.
Addictions ... Two and a Half Men, nonna's freshly baked bread at the Italian market, and Latin anything.
Biggest surprise ... having an independent film director contact me to work on an adaptation just as the book was being released!
I'd love to have coffee with ... writer and rogue extraordinaire, Hemingway.
If I were "Bewitched," the first thing I'd do ... is dematerialize all of the world's garbage and pollution.
Mantra ... I now create heaven on earth (okay, lofty goal).
Wanda St.Hilaire supports her travel and writing habit by working as a reluctant sales and marketing representative. She spent four blissful winters away from the frozen landscape of Canada living in the barrios of Vallarta, Mexico, and she has traveled throughout the world. She lives in Calgary, Alberta.
Professions I'd like to try ... National Geographic Photographer/Travel Show Host/Anthropologist.
iggest mystery ... why humans still value money and power over love and beauty.
Most memorable meal ... a surreal, lavish lunch in Barcelos, Portugal on market day.
Wisest decision ... Not having children. I couldn't even keep a glass fish I once owned afloat.
Addictions ... Two and a Half Men, nonna's freshly baked bread at the Italian market, and Latin anything.
Biggest surprise ... having an independent film director contact me to work on an adaptation just as the book was being released!
I'd love to have coffee with ... writer and rogue extraordinaire, Hemingway.
If I were "Bewitched," the first thing I'd do ... is dematerialize all of the world's garbage and pollution.
Mantra ... I now create heaven on earth (okay, lofty goal).
