Far and Away, Cuba

FAR & AWAY S U M M E R

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I S S U E 1

• A SIMPLE GUIDE TO A GLAMOROUS TRIP •

FANTASTICAS EN CUBA! COME AWAY TO THE SPECTACULAR ISLAND OFF FLORIDA'S COAST

DISAPPEARING ACT

The ways you'll unintentionally spend your money and how to avoid it

CUBA IN FIVE

A day-by-day breakdown of what to do and how to get there

CARIBBEAN CHIC

A guide to style from sugar white beaches to the legendary countryside

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Editor's Notes Editor, Arielle Clay, welcomes you to the first edition of Far & Away.

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Cuba Top 10 Hindsight is 20/20, especially when traveling. These are the top 10 tips you need to know before you go.

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Caribbean Chic Cuba is a land of vast terrains and landscapes. How to dress to impress no matter what the day holds for you.

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Ask The Photographer Hear from the woman behind almost every picture in this issue. She gives the inside scoop on her unique perspective and advice for those looking to pursue this dream job!

FAR & AWAY

ISSUE 1

EDITOR'S NOTE

From the Editor Bienvenido! I am so excited to introduce the inaugural

In Issue 1 you can expect to find a 5 day guide to the

issue of Far & Away, The Magazine. It's funny, but

island that will take you from bustling downtown Havana

starting a digital magazine was never really in the

to the scenic tobacco fields of Vinales. You'll also find

plans. After a thrilling and memorable trip to Cuba, the

fashion advice on what to wear when and a cool Q & A

group of close friends I traveled with couldn't stop

with travel photographer Kivvi Rachelle.

talking about writing a detailed account of our

As for what you can expect next? We have more

experience. A list of do's and don'ts for people who

destinations, more glam, and more money saving advice

might follow in our footsteps to the amazing island off

coming your way from around the globe. We guarantee

the coast of Florida. As I mulled over the idea of a

each issue will transport you to a far away place and have

guide to Cuba and how to best format it, the idea of a

you saying "I simply must go there next!"

magazine came to mind. But what really sold me on the idea was the fact that our group hired a professional photographer to travel with us on this trip.

The images she was able to capture really were front page worthy! And so, with all the detailed advice we'd collected and the breathtaking images our photographer provided, I dove head first into our very first edition of Far & Away.

y a l C e l l e i Ar ARIELLE CLAY EDITOR IN CHIEF

On a muggy Friday night, our group of 10 decided to head into Old Havana for drinks and dancing. With such a large party, we had to split into groups of 3 or 4 to taxi into the

DISAPPEARING ACT No credit cards. No U.S. dollars. And limited opportunities to exchange money. When visiting Cuba be vigilant about not wasting your cash.

city from our Airbnb. “Flordita por favor,” I asked in my terrible Spanish. The driver's answer? "Of course! For 10 CUCs..." Great! I thought. That is until we met up with the rest of our group and learned some had hailed a ride for 8 and others for just 5!

VISAS Cuba is a fascinating country that requires a good deal of savviness when handling money. One of the first things to consider is your visa. Due to changes in requirements by the Trump Administration please check with the U.S. State department for more information. When we traveled in

Words: Arielle Clay Pictures: Kivvi Roberts

2017 several in our group pre-purchased the document. at a discount. American Airlines, for example, charged $85 for a pre-purchased visa. At the gate the cost was $100.

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MONEY EXCHANGE

When exchanging money take this advice, bring euros.

No question about it. Some in our group were told to bring American dollars and they would be able to exchange them 1-for-1 in the city. That didn’t happen and they was stuck with U.S. dollars that got a bad exchange rate.

As for the best place to exchange, we found the bank to be a sure bet. Over the course of our trip our group exchanged at the airport, hotels and a bank. The bank gave us the best rate. But it wasn't hugely better. At the time we exchanged, the bank vs. the airport gave us an extra $5 per $100. We exchanged a small amount $20 $100 when you first landed at the airport. Then immediately found a bank and stood in line for an hour.

When it comes down to it, if your back is against the wall just exchange all your money at the airport. You can exchange the CUCs back to dollars at the end of your trip at the airport. To do so you must go inside rather

than attempting the exchange at the outdoor terminal.

TAXIS There are pretty consistent ranges for the price of taxis.

You won’t find anyone offering more than 5 – 6 cucs difference in price. Still bargain to get on the lower end of things.

Make sure you check your change when paying for taxis and any other services. You want CUCs not CUPs back.

Look for the monument instead of the face. If you give a CUC and get a CUP in return you have lost money. Never get out of a taxi until you are 100% sure you are at the correct location. We lost $30+ making this mistake when

HEY! TAXI...

a driver dropped us off about 15 minutes from our actual

Hailing a cab in Old Havana

destination.

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OLD FRIENDS A new acquaintance in the courtyard of the Havana Cathedral

EYE TO EYE A romantic dinner at celeb favorite La Guarida

CUBA TOP 10

TRAVEL TIPS YOU NEED TO KNOW WORDS: TANISHA HARRIS

Hindsight is 20/20, especially when traveling. Even though you spend days preparing, it's those minor details that many of us wish we would have known before traveling abroad. Here's 10 tips that will make your trip smooth as a Cuban cigar.

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Avoid Yellow Taxis

Classic cars are the more economic choice, but bargain hard. You can get from the airport to Old Havana for $15 total and for rides in the city, start negotiating at $5.

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Every mojito doesn't pack the mojo

These came in handy randomly throughout our trip. Make sure to also carry hand sanitizer and I personally recommend, travel size Lysol.

Don't be afraid to forego popular tourist bars for lesser known establishments. Drinks tend to be equally as strong and sometimes half the price.

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Carry wet wipes

Restaurants rarely split checks

Remember what you ordered and always have an assortment of bills to give exact change. Also, depending where you eat, there may be extra taxes.

Bring your inhaler You're bound to inhale petrol fumes from Cuba's classic cars. If you have asthma or are sensitive to pollutants, carry your inhaler and you might want to wear a mask.

CUBA TOP 10

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TRAVEL TIPS YOU NEED TO KNOW

Photoshoot beware! It is tempting to take pictures with locals, some will even ask you to take their picture. Just know, most of the time those eager to pose, are expecting to

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be paid.

12pm lights out Old Havana shuts down around 12am. If you want to spend the night dancing, the late-night clubs are in Vedado and Miramar.

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Wait to book excursions With limited wifi, it makes sense to book your excursions ahead of time, but trust me, wait until you arrive.

Partnering with your host can save you time and money. We went to Vinales for just 45 CUC, cheaper than any price we saw online.

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Keep an itinerary on you at all times No one checks to see if you are following the agenda, but it's good to have all your information in one document and with you at all times. Make sure to list the addresses and phone numbers of the places you want to visit. If your Spanish is bad, it might be easier for your driver or host to read the address than to have you say it.

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Rentry, no problem Bring your cigars, rum, and honey! We didn't have a problem bringing back souvenirs and we weren't interrogated by customs officials about our visit in Cuba. If you bring back more than $5,000 of merchandise, expect a different process.

WANT MORE TIPS? CONTACT TANISHA BY EMAIL AT HARRI490@PURDUE.EDU OR ON INSTAGRAM @SDOT_HARRIS

Cuba in 5 As the largest island in the Caribbean, it’s no wonder why planning a trip to Cuba can be more than a little overwhelming. Here we’ve laid out the day-by-day itinerary we created on our 5 day adventure in the country. Take a look, tailor it to your needs and remember have fun!

WORDS: ARIELLE CLAY PICTURES: KIVVI RACHELLE

Day 1

may want to try.

I participated again (not

Also Consider:

happening lol) I don’t regret it.

Arrivals: The Cuban airport has

- Free walking tour from 4-7

You get to see so much and

3 terminals. Like many U.S.

in

really feel the energy of the city

airports the terminals are far

Old Havana

and its people. The bike tour

apart. But you won’t find any

took up the entirety of our day

plane trains here! So, if you are

- Salsa Lessons

but here are some other

planning to meet people

arriving from different cities,

- Sunset Classic Car Tour

the time.

make sure you know ahead of

can be found in downtown

Also Consider:

freewalkingtourhavana.com bailarencuba.com

time the terminal where they will be landing. It’s an

- Rum education

Day 2

Breakfast: Since we opted for

- Microbrewery Tour

approximately 15-minute taxi ride between each terminal.

activities to consider if you have

Museo del Ron Havana Club Cerveceria Antiguo Almacen de la Madera y El Tabaco

an Airbnb instead of a hotel, we

Exploration: Take Day 1 to get

were able to get homemade

acquainted to the

breakfast for 5 CUCs per

neighborhood where you are

person. Many Air BnB hosts

staying. Our group stayed at

offer this. It was a light meal

Dinner: We started with drinks at

an Airbnb in the Vedado area

consisting of eggs, bread, fruit,

the world famous Flordita.

right on the waterfront. Once

smoothies and coffee.

Limon daquari anyone?

all 10 of us arrived. We walked

The drinks were tasty and strong

around our neighborhood, ate

Old Havana Bike Tour: Whew!

but take note, if you’re arriving

at a nearby restaurant and

Let me say that again.

late, like we did, some

then enjoyed rooftop music,

Whewwwwwww!! This bike tour

ingredients will have run out.

dancing and of course mojitos

was tough. Amazing, but

They were out of mint for

at Hotel Capris. While we

tough. The four hour expedition

mojitos and many options

opted out of some of the more

took us from Old Havana to the

including lamb on the

labor intensive plans they’re

Christ Redeemer statue (400

menu. Still, the amazing band

included as other options you

meters all up hill, yikes!). While I would likely cut this tour short if

the backseat were that it was not comfortable! It’s a 2 hour trip so prepare yourself mentally especially if your car isn’t the comfiest. We stopped twice before our official first destination. First, at a roadside cafe for a little breakfast that was underwhelming. Second at Hotel Los Jazmines (Km 25, Carretera a Vinales, Vinales 22400, Cuba) for a spectacular view, the best pina colada I’ve ever tasted (like seriously, and only 3 CUCs!) and a lackluster grilled chicken sandwich.

Tobacco Farm: This family run farm makes hand rolled organic cigars. They provide a short tour, a rolling lesson and give each guest one honey dipped cigar to smoke. You can purchase your own in increments of 10, 15, 20 etc. The cigars start at 20 CUCs for 10.

Horseback Riding: We mounted our horses at the farm for a ride through the countryside. We stopped at another farm that produces honey, coffee and rum. There we got a tasting of all three and were able to purchase any of the items we chose. There’s no water there so bring your own but they do provide small glasses of juice with or with out alcohol for 4 CUCs.

Caves: Our last stop was a tour of Cueva del Indio which and raucous crowd made up for any missing food items.

ended with a boat ride. I would say it was the least impressive part of the trip but it only cost us 5 CUCs so no

Dancing: After Flordita we made our way over to the

real complaints here.

Monserrate Bar. It was in walking distance and offered a band that had every person in our group up on their feet. In fact, they were so good, we went back a second night to see them. Food here was so-so but the drinks were spectacular, strong and like most places in Cuba cheap!

Dinner: Once back in Havana, we got gussied up and headed to dinner at the gorgeous Paladar La Guarida (our cover shot was taken on the famous steps that lead up to the restaurant). Try to get a seat on the patio. Menu recommendations include the Ropa Vieja, Sweet Plantains,

Day 3 Rise and Shine: With the help of our Airbnb host we were able

and the best Yucca I’ve had in my life!

Day 4

to book transportation to and from Vinales, Cuba for 20 Cucs per person. Pick up was 8 a.m.

Rise and Shine: This was our earliest wake up. We had to be in the lobby of Hotel Capri by 6:15 a.m. A air-conditioned bus

Let’s Ride: Our transportation was by way of a historic car. It held eight people with three people per row and reports from

(hallelujah) picked us up for the 2 hour drive to Varadero.

Life’s a beach baby: For 74 CUCs we got transportation and about 7

CUCs. I suggest finding your own if you are near a busy

hours to a Resort in Varadero. The all-inclusive destination provided

street. You’ll probably get a better rate and a larger car.

all you can eat and drink along one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Airport: Arrive 3 hours early. Seriously. There are no selfservice kiosks and lines are long. You have to check in your

Dinner: Once back in Havana our group split up. Some opting for a

bag and go through customs and security. If you have any

quieter night in the neighborhood. Others decided to head back to

cucs left spend them at the airport on some small souvenirs.

Monserrate Bar to hear our new favorite band. We then strolled over

The money is no good once you return to the U.S.

to Cha Cha Cha’s for a late night bite to eat.

Final Words Day 5

Cuba will be unlike anywhere you've ever been. Free Wifi?

What's that?! Use your trip as an opportunity to unplug and

Departures: Some in our group had later departures and opted to

unwind. Be appreciative of the people, the culture and the

visit Old Havana one last time to catch up on anything they missed.

wonderful country!

The Airbnb arranged for a taxi to pick others up for 30

Far & Away 11

"stuff your eyes with wonder, see the world."Â R A Y

B R A D B U R Y

CARIBBEAN CHIC Pack a wardrobe that brings the cool on those sweltering days and steamy nights.

Words: Arielle Clay Photos: Kivvi Rachelle Balancing a good look with the suffocating heat of Cuba is a challenge for even the most fashionable. The key is to pick breathable materials for day that photograph well but won't be ruined by sweat and stains. At night, you can amp up your looks with less practical pieces but keep in mind walking is a must so if you're wearing a heel, make it one of your more comfortable pairs.

Don't let fashion rule you. For example, we went on a bike tour which meant some wardrobe choices such as pencil skirts and long dresses were out of the question. Be stylish but also be reasonable.

Stick with platforms. They'll give you height & your feet a break.

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Skirts work great if you choose one that is free flowing and midi length.

Remember not too long.

When maneuvering through Old Havana maxis are a no-no.Â

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Light weight materials like linen and cotton are a must especially if you're opting for a suit. Also consider light colors.Â

When exploring Vinales you'll go from scorching tobacco fields to humid caves so keep it casual.

Denim shorts and a cotton shirt work well. Also consider work-out attire.

Don't be afraid to coordinate looks.

Avoid matching, instead opt for a general theme.Â

Muggy temps are the perfect time to let your curly hair shine. Also consider braids or twists as a no-fuss solution.

More than 1000 Words One groom-to-be describes how a traveling photographer helped him see the greater value of engagement photos Words: Andrew Watkins Pictures: Kivvi Rachelle

My mom never liked being in pictures. As a result, I tend to shy away from photos too.

Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate a beautiful photograph, and actually enjoy capturing images myself (I’m a beast with my Iphone when I wanna be). I just would rather the picture not include me. So, you can imagine how excited I was about my fiance's proposal to not just have an engagement shoot but to hire a travel photographer to execute said shoot during our trip to Cuba.

To me, it seemed unnecessary, sounded expensive, and felt like it would be an invasion of our privacy. I mean, why pay extra money for a photographer when we all have phones that are engineered to take amazing pictures? Despite my lack of enthusiasm, I did some research on our

"WHY PAY EXTRA MONEY FOR A PHOTOGRAPHER WHEN WE ALL HAVE PHONES?" photographer, Kivvi Rachelle and I was very impressed especially with her poignant Instagram posts that showed her knack for capturing emotions in real time. From there, I knew we were in good hands, but it wasn’t until Kivvi got to work that I realized her pictures saved our trip.

Whether we were marveling at views

from the 23rd floor of Hotel Nacional, maneuvering through smog filled intersections in old Havana or riding horseback through the rolling hills of Vinales, Kivvi and her camera followed close, yet subtlety behind. This was pleasantly surprising considering that I felt having a camera tracking us around would be intrusive almost reality t.v. esque. On the contrary, I barely sensed her presence. The pictures became an extension of the travel experience, which quickly eliminated any apprehension.

Then, weeks later, the edits started rolling in. And as I looked at the pictures I saw the magic in Kivvi's lens. Her vision offered a real glimpse of some of the nuisances of the love I share with my fiance in a way I've never seen captured before.

The moments Kivvi documented, on guard and off, smiling and frowning, sucking in or letting it all hang out, all melded to create a priceless collage. I can't say exactly how much a picture is worth but I now know, it's far more than just 1000 words.

"I can't say exactly how much a picture is worth, but I now know, it's far more than just 1000 words."

ASK THE TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHER

PULSEBUSINESS.COM

Kivvi Rachelle is a talented photographer whose work ranges from portraits to street photography. But it was her knack for travel shots that really OC L us B U S caught ourLeyes andAled to invite her to Cuba.

ISSUE NO. 15

INESS MAGAZINE

Interview: Camille Thomas

Tell us about your photography style: I like to capture moments and try to elicit emotions from those being photographed and those viewing the photograph. I mostly do portraits and landscape/street photography.Â

What impact has traveling had on you as a photographer?

It's made me pay attention more, to the big and small things. Especially the subtleties. It's made it a lot easier for me to catch certain shots that others wouldn't really see as meaningful. Traveling just opens up your world and mind to allow new creative perspectives. It definitely makes me strive to make sure I capture the spirit of wherever I'm at.Â

You were there for 5 days- how many photos did you take?

THE GAME I took over 2,200 photos

CHANGERS An exclusive interview with visionaries, innovators and leaders that changed how we look in the world.

What advice do you have to other photographers visiting Cuba?

It's a beautiful place. Put down the camera every now and then and just enjoy.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY IAN CASTANEDA

Kivvi's Top Shots Check out some of our photographer's favorites

Do you think you were able to view Cuba differently as a photographer and how so?

angle, that's when I saw THE shot.

Through the lens I was able to see that it would be an amazing formation shot. All the girls just looked fierce and

I mean generally photographers see

I instantly knew how to place them.

things differently from others to begin with, you know. Our eyes are trained

I wanted to capture the pure essence

to see how the light is hitting, the right

of Cuba. We all know Cube is known

angle for the shot, etc. I'm usually

for the cars and colors. And I wanted

good with surroundings and knowing

to make sure I got the people going

where to place people. There was one

about their regular day. I wanted to

shot of the girls walking down this

capture a sense of time travel; that old

open, light-filled walkway, and as they

world charm that Cuba has.Â

began to walk towards me and I stepped to the side to get a different Far & Away 24

In Our

Next I ssue:

A G lam oro us Rom p T hro Par ugh is a nd The Fre nch Riv We iera 'll S . ee Yo u T her e!