Ep 158 w/ Lisette Alvarez - A Deep Dive Into Cuba - Havana, The Afro-Cuban Culture And Navigating Travel In Cuba

Ep 158 w/ Lisette Alvarez - A Deep Dive Into Cuba - Havana, The Afro-Cuban Culture And Navigating Travel In Cuba

Author: Voyascape Media September 30, 2024 Duration: 50:18

Hello and welcome to Episode 158 with Lisette Alvarez, who joined me for an in-person interview at Podcast Movement to discuss Cuba. Lisette is a Cuban-American who has visited the country and shares about Cuban culture and how to travel there.


We discuss Lisette's background as a military kid, her cultural identity, and the historical context surrounding her travel to Cuba. Lisette shares her first impressions of Havana, the emotional significance of her trip, and the cultural exchanges she experienced. She explains the importance of local tours and interacting with local people, which she loves, and shares them with anyone visiting the country. The conversation also covers practical aspects of travelling in Cuba, including budgeting and navigating money. Lisette has propelled Cuba to the top of my list after this conversation.


Lisette Alvarez is a storyteller and communicator with experience in international affairs, creative multimedia production, and interdisciplinary web strategy. Her production company, Stormfire Productions, produces storytelling podcasts, and Lisette has an incredible passion for podcasting. Please check out her stuff below!


Takeaways

  • Travelling has been a lifelong passion for Lisette.

  • Cultural identity is fluid + shaped by experiences.

  • The embargo has historically limited travel to Cuba.

  • Cuba feels frozen in time due to political circumstances.

  • Experiencing local culture is essential when travelling.

  • Budgeting for travel in Cuba requires careful planning.

  • Connecting with locals enhances the travel experience.

  • Cuba's rich Afro-Cuban culture is a significant aspect of its identity.

  • Travelling opens up opportunities to hear diverse stories.



Lisette Alvarez/Stormfire Productions

Stormfire Productions

Lisette Alvarez


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Every Monday, James Hammond sets off with a microphone, and the resulting audio feels less like a planned production and more like you’ve been handed a pair of headphones in the middle of an adventure. Winging It Travel Podcast, from Voyascape Media, is built on the idea that the most compelling stories aren't found in guidebooks but in the unplanned moments and raw reactions that happen along the way. You’ll hear the crunch of gravel underfoot on a remote trail, the bustling chaos of a foreign market, and the genuine conversations that unfold when plans fall apart. This approach transforms each episode into a deeply personal journal entry, documenting not just places, but the cultural and human textures that define them. It’s a documentary of feeling as much as fact. While the soundscapes are cinematic, the heart of the podcast lies in its authenticity-the slight breathlessness from hiking up a volcano, the surprise at a strange local delicacy, the quiet reflection after a long day navigating unfamiliar streets. The journey covers the societal layers and personal transformations that travel sparks, making it about more than destinations. Tune in weekly to find yourself completely immersed, feeling as if you’re right there beside James, figuring it all out as you go.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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