Bizarre Foods Blog
Visiting Cuba
In Cuba I did a lot of cool stuff, but none of it compared with what you didn't see on camera. Sure I took part in a Santeria purifying ceremony. I drove some of the 60,000 vintage American cars in Cuba, all pre-1959 when cars stopped being sent to the country. I dined in some amazing paladares, restaurants squeezed into family homes, part of the free enterprise legalized by Castro in the mid-1990s.
They are legally only allowed to seat 12, but everyone bends the rules. The Havana Journal rates La Guarida as Havana's best known paladar, and the food there is awesome, but most of them are small unknown family places. I ate in some superb restaurants like El Ajibre, the best chicken rosticerria I ever ate in, and Santy's, a rustic fisherman's shack in Havana where they prepare the best fish in town from the fresh caught tuna and other fish in the most unlikely of settings. I stayed at the Hotel Nacional in Old Havana -- THE hotel in 1950s Cuba. Still in operation, stuck in time, it's dusty, fascinating and enormous. I stayed in room 225, the Frank Sinatra room where he honeymooned with Ava Gardner. I taste tested cigars with the catadores of the Partagas factory in the VIP smoke room, strolled the Bay of Pigs, picked tobacco with farmhands, danced with Havana Rakatan, wandered through the mogotes of Vinales and toured the old city of Havana in a horse drawn carriage. What you didn't see was the hassles we went through trying to get into the country, the sweaty nervousness of bringing all our gear through Cuban customs on the way in. The bliss we felt at May Day, the thrill of our boat ride to Cayo Macho, the fun we had watching all the tin pot dictators and their posses who were in Havana for the Non Aligned Nations Conference, throwing baseballs with kids in the streets each day in between takes, making fun of our bus driver who doubled as our government minder and was constantly writing down the names of everyone we talked to in his little book, lobster lunch with our fixer Toby at his house in Miramar and the list goes on and on. But here's the point. I doubt that when it airs, if there will be a more politicized show we have ever done. Cuba is a tough subject to tackle, part paradise, part paradise prison. And the expat community here in the States is very vocal and adamant in their chilling condemnation of all things currently Cuban, and I get it. But the thaw is here, and the palm curtain will fall very soon, and we found an amazing world in Cuba. Their favorite subject is America, they love Americans and frankly, travel is humanity's greatest equalizer. I think that travel allows us to join hands around the table, and we spend time enjoying each other and our commonalities, and we spend less time arguing about our differences. I say the sooner we embrace Cuba the better, because it's a bizarre world, but we all call it home.
Posted by: Andrew Zimmern
cant wait 2 watch ur show I know it was an awesome move to also go do other(bizzare)thing.
<3 ur show!!!!!!!!!
How did you get into Cuba being American.
Answer to entry #2 will be interesting to know...
Bravo on your Cuba show! I particularly liked the tobacco farm (I'm a cigar aficianado) and the lobster snokelling.
Bill King
Ridgefield, NJ
COMMUNIST!!!!
Are you crazy? You picked the most communist people to share your time in Cuba with. I am pretty pist being from Cuba to turn on my tv watching you sing and dance to a song about the biggest piece of crap to set foot in Cuba Che Guevara. He was a ruthless killer and one of the biggest communist in the world. I was a big fan of your show but now seeing this I'm done. You should get your crap together before you air some $h1t like that you commy. Do a little reaserch next time before you start singing some communist song. I'm disgusted. I won't be watching your show any more.
Andrew part of the deal for you to be able to do the show in Cuba was to repeat the Cuban government propaganda blaming every problem in Cuba on the embargo?
At the en of the show you said that Cubans are not allow to have boats and that is correct but not only they are not allow to have boats , they are not allow to catch any of those tasty lobsters they are not allow to travel outside of Cuba they are not allow to say anything against the Dictator because just for speaking against the government they go to jail up to 30 years ,you can check here in this web site what happened in 2003 in Cuba to those that decided to speak their minds against that lie called revolution and the Dictatorship www.cubaverdad.net/primavera_negra.htm
One last thing Cuba's national hero is Jose Marti not that murdered of Che Guevara,he is not even Cuban.
I love your bizarre foods and bizarre world. They are both fantastic shows. I was thinking that you should maybe try going to the Bahamas. There is a big festival coming up in Christmas called Junkanoo. There are lots of strange food in the Bahamas as well. So I thought you should check it out.
Americans are totally ignorant when it comes to Cuba,have you ever wondered why so many cubans risk their lives trying to leave Cuba on rafts? You only saw what the government allowed you to see. People don't have cellphones because they can't afford them ,they can barely afford food and clothing.I will not travel to Cuba any time soon as my father and grandfather almost lost their lives trying to leave that country .
How dare he say how he was blissful on May day. That is the day that the communist celebrate the anniversary of the communist revolution. And screw him for dancing and loving that song that the lechoneros were singing about Che. He obviously knows nothing about Cuba, the current social strife, and the suffering that they have indured in the past and in the present due to the castro regime. I can't believe Travel Channel tried to sugarcoat that country and their opression. I hope they feel happy that all the money they spent there on filming and food and hotels went all to the Castro regime while the people starving. shame on you Andrew
There is one problem. I am only fifteen and I'm not sure my parents will let this happen so I'm hoping you can figure this out, but I can try my best.
Hey Andrew Zimmern, Che Guevarra was a ruthless communist assasin that hepled lead the opressive communist revolution in placed today. You were so wrong to say that Che is a hero in that country. You only talked to people that were allowed to talked to you . Most people in Cuba hate Castro and Che. why do you think people risk their lives to leave that oppressive communist county. how dare you celebrate that communist song about che with those lechoneros. You obviously know nothing about cuba, you know only what you are allowed to see. The European tourist (because americans can;t go there) go there and spend time and money and say what a paradise while the Castro regime pockets all the money and the people are starving. Shame on you and Travel channel for making a bs show about Cuba and glorifying it.
all you guys freaking out about him going to cuba are all crazy. just because he visits doesn't mean he's a communist. and that's all i'm saying, because i am not going to argue with someone about something i barely know about.
You're really lucky Mr. Zimmern. A lot of Cubans living in the US or other countries can't return to their country because the goverment don't give them authorization to return. They have to travel with a Cuban passport (it cost like $1000 per 6 years) and them request the habilitation of this passport. That's a violation of basic Human Rights.
If buying a lobster is illegal, you need to know that finding other foods for everyday life is almost impossible.
Some of those Cubans banned to return are buying food for their families in the US and sending it to Cuba, paying $6 per pound so they can have a some meat, even it has to be canned meat.
Maleni, Maybe you should read a history book and learn something about Fidel Castro and communism before you judge people and calling them crazy. This is a passionate subject for Cubans. We have lost a lot. More than you will ever understand if you are not Cuban. Castro is to a Cuban as Hitler is to a Jew!
Maleni. Then learn some history. That is one of the most oppresive countries in the world. There is no freedom of speech. What you saw in that episode is what you were allowed to be filmed by the Cuban government. My family suffered alot in Cuba and it took alot for them to leave. When you saw Andrew singing along with those pig farmers preparing the lechon they were singing about Che Guevarra, a communist assasin that helped Fidel Castro with the communist revolution that ruined that country and the lives of the people there.
No one has said that Andrew is a communist. You know nothing about Cuba. There is no freedom of speech so what you saw is what they were allowed to be filmed and what people were to be said
Do you realize that every dollar spent in that country goes straight to the Castro regime and that the people don't see a penny of it. There is poverty in that country but you don't see that in Bizzare World
They always try to blame on the embargo. Notice how only the US has the embargo and all of the rest of the world travels and spends money but the country is still decaying and in poverty. That is tyrannical communism !!!
Andrew Zimmern. You are so wrong to say that the expats hate everything that is currently cuban. They hate the oppressive communist regime and lack of human rights that you so did not talk about or show on your episode
And the worse thing about that episode is say that Che Guevarra is a national symbol or hero. And even more insulting is watching you singing dancing to that song with those lechoneros about Che Guevarra. You were singing with for Christ sakes. That guy was an assassin
I really enjoyed your show tonight in Cuba. You showed Cuba just as it is . All these people from Miami are gonna give you a lot of crap for going to cuba because all they hear is the negative propaganda saying how horrible life in cuba is . Finally someone has taken a step to show american people the real cuba. Its true its a poor country , but also a beautiful one and as you had a chance to see , most cubans are not crying and feeling bad for themselves , they are happy people. I was born in Cuba and came 5 years ago, and feel sorry for the Cubans responsible for the still hostile relationship between the two counties.
I like your show and I like the Cuban show. I am Cuban and I did not like the Che singing part, you could have shown the real Cuban Heroes (Jose Marti, Carlos Manuel de Cespedes, Maximo Gomez, Antonio Maceo and so on). I guess there was a price to pay in order to be allowed to do the show in Cuba. Aside from that, I like that you mention things as the really are (not allow to own a car, boat...) Cuba is too complicate to show in a less than a hour program. Hopefully you (Mr. Zimmern) did not lose yourself in the Communist propaganda and did get the real picture of what Socialist/Communist is and how Cubans really live.
I was appalled to watch you singing along, a song that glorifies Che Guevara. Che was a murderer that executed thousands of innocent people without just cause, including Jews. Mr. Zimmern, how could you be so insensitive??? You ever consider having a BBQ with David Duke & the KKK? You could burn a cross and sings songs praising Adolf Hitler. That would be bizarre! Bring your family along to. What is the Travel channel thinking??
I came to to Miami from Cuba when i was 5.I loved the show you did on Cuba. I even got emotional watching it.I did not like the part about Che Guevara,but it is reality. Young people today in Cuba idolize him. I didn't know just how beautiful my birth country was until I saw your show.Thank you for doing this.
Guys, don't take it too hard on the guy. He's just in for the ride: nice cigars, old cars and feisty mulatas. His only sin is to have sold his soul to the Devil and turn the blind eye to what Cuba also is. I know a place or two on the island that would make his show look like crap, but I guess he was not interested in that kind of "bizarredness".
Cheers to another opportunistic human being.
I do not know what to say or comment about your show in Cuba. I was taken back by a number of comments made and your willingness to share in the celebration of Che Guevara, but then you sold your self,your jewish religion and your soul to the regime by allowing them to schedule you for a santeria ritual where you even did the sign of the cross. I am traveling to Cuba in a few days to see family. Note: I am taking 4 pounds of clothes and toiletries for myself. I am taking 125 pounds of clothes, medicine, food and personal hygine items including toilet paper to the people from where my family it from. My family in Cuba are Doctors & Architects all educated. I just remembered I need to buy some menstrual stuff for the girls and a towel for the baby/
Andrew: Congrats on the episode on Cuba. It was spectacular! I'm Cuban, I'm live in Miami and NOT Communist, and I enjoyed it so much because you get to enjoy seeing the beautiful country that Cuba is. It's a shame how ignorant people can be leaving you ridiculous comments. Anyways, the show was great, we got to see what Cuba is all about, the beautiful scenery, and how the people there have had to learn to live with what they have! the part where you show the mechanic with the jeep was great! It's incredible how those who live there have had to learn to do with what they have or what they can get their hands on! The lobster diving when you went to Cayo Macho was so beautiful. You see how virgin those reefs really are, since people can't go out there! Thanks for putting politics aside and doing such an amazing report on the island of Cuba! I look forward to the rest of the locations coming soon! Best of Luck!!
Hey Mr. Zimmerman would you have gone to South Africa when apartheid was the order of the day?
Or would you have gone to Cambodia in the late 70's, probably no waiting to get a table at a restaurant.
But, hey Andrew all that is ancient history...if "Bizzare" is what's on the menu how about a trip to Darfur? Or North Korea? Plenty of bizarre in those places.
What? Do you think it would be wrong to show a naive idiot living it up while thousands are starved, raped, imprisoned or tortured? Nah...no problem with that right?
But hey, Cuba is okay because idiots like you Mr. Zimmerman think it is a quaint little island stuck in 1959 instead of the brutal police state that it really is.
You suck Zimmerman!
Hey Mr. Zimmern would you have gone to South Africa when apartheid was the order of the day?
Or would you have gone to Cambodia in the late 70's, probably no waiting to get a table at a restaurant.
But, hey Andrew all that is ancient history...if "Bizzare" is what's on the menu how about a trip to Darfur? Or North Korea? Plenty of bizarre in those places.
What? Do you think it would be wrong to show a naive idiot living it up while thousands are starved, raped, imprisoned or tortured? Nah...no problem with that right?
But hey, Cuba is okay because idiots like you Mr. Zimmerman think it is a quaint little island stuck in 1959 instead of the brutal police state that it really is.
You suck Zimmern!
Sorry for misspelling your name in the earlier post. You are still an idiot.
I'm Cuban,born in Cuba and living in the Exile right now.And I want thank you for visiting Cuba,showing the world,the island and it's people.Nothing is better to bring iron grip over Cuba than having TV hosts going over there,exposing them to new world,it helps soften the blow of 5o years of communism.Thank you for helping,bringing my beautiful one day closer to freedom.Whenever we are free again,Mr.Zimmerman you are welcome guest in Habana any time you want and this time,you won't have government minder!
My husband and I love you and your show. We know we're in for a surprise everytime we watch the show. You are very courageeus for trying all those foods. You have a wonderful outlook on life.
Overall, I didn't have a huge problem with the show. It's in Andrew's nature to paint things in a positive light and accentuate the beauty of a situation.
But as other said before, I had a major problem during the Che Guevarra scene. How appropriate that they sung hiim a tribute while slaughtering an animal.
Also, the lobster diving scene made my blood boil. Andrew and the smug Brit enjoy a lobster and a fine cigar as Andrew asks,"is every day in Cuban like this?" "Yes," answers the man who has free access to fishing, boats, lobster, etc. while Cuban citizens can enjoy none.
Andrew, if your goal was to present Cuba as experienced by a tourist with blinders on; mission accomplised. We'll leave the edgier stuff to Bourdain.
One more comment, I hope you enjoyed your hotel. Cubans who are not employed at hotels and certain restaurants are not ever allowed inside. Buon appetite!
I've been anticipating this series since the pilot in Turkey and the first episode certainly did not disappoint. Great job in Cuba! Loved the show and looking forward to the rest of the season.
And the expat community here in the States is very vocal and adamant in their chilling condemnation of all things currently Cuban, and I get it.
No, you really don't.
Would you write the same thing about expats from Vietnam? North Korea? The People's Republic of China? Somalia? Do expats from these countries condemn all things currently... .
How about they condemn the brutal dictatorship and oppression they escaped?
You seem to be a pleasant enough person but please don't pretend you understand anything about this subject.
Some people on this thread really need to chill out. Cubans seem to be a lot more pleasant than some Cuban Americans. And come on - Andrew's job is to portray Cuba from an outsider's perspective, not to offer political commentary, and he did his job very well.
Let me congratulate you, Mr. Zimmern, on the wonderful job you did on your commercial for the Cuban National Assembly and Office of Tourism, which aired last night! I am a first generation American, my family is Cuban. Watching your show last night made me literally cry. I could not believe what I was seeing comming out of the mouth of one of my favorite TV personalities. I am a huge fan of the showm having never missed an episode of Bizzare Foods. I know it's your M/O to put everything in a positive light, and I get that. However, your treatment of the life in Cuba was so off, I think I need to see my doctor about gettin some blood pressure meds.
People hunting tree rats for dinner? I asked some of my family about this and no one ever heard of jungle tree rats being a national Cuban dish - or one at all!
Your participation in a Santeria ritual should cost you your Star of David! Not only is it an insult to Jews, but by making the sign of the cross, you have managed to insult Catholics, as well. BTW, no self- respecting, REAL Santero would let you come in a film a ritual like this. In fact, I've never seen Santeros lookin so groomed and styled! How long did hair and make up take?
Singing a Che Guevara song? Do you know anything about the man and how many people he massacred? How many people he stole homes and businesses from? Or do you and your producers just think that he's just some cool image on a t-shirt? I choose B.
With regards to the lobster scene, the reason there are no boats around is - and you did mention - most Cubans are not allowed to own boats. But you didn't say why - BECAUSE THEY WOULD ESCAPE - or worse yet, try to fish for some food for their families. Your "is this life in Cuba every day" was so insulting and insensitive - I almost choked. If a Cuban citizen is caught with lobster, it is most certainly illegal and would be arrested. Your guide was a stupid foreigner probably running from the law.
Your comments about the Bay of Pigs were inaccurate. Kennedy actually abandoned Cuban troops working for the CIA to overthrow Castro's government, leaving them on the beach to die like sitting ducks.
I truly hope you and your producers realize what a mistake you made. When the New York Times writes a review pointing out all these facts (the most leftist paper in the country, probably) makes you wanna think?
I always thought your shows were accurate and in touch with the "real" side of the countries you visit. But if the Cuba show is any indication, I now realize that it's all scripted lies and you are nothing more than a puppet.
Good luck to you, but I will never watch your show again. You just lost a very loyal fan.
The Cuba presented in Mr. Zimmern's program is a Potemkin Village and it is wrong and yes, immoral to portray it as reality.
Jeff and the other useful idiots on this thread need to confine their comments to subjects they understand and be quiet when the adults are conversing.
Javier, you sound like a really fun guy to be around.
And by the way, try to get the host's name right before you knock his show. I know they only show it at least 5 times per show but I guess some people are slower than others to catch on.
Andrew I was really looking forward to your show since I'm cuban and I left when I was 10, I don't think that it was necessary that you had to sing a song to Che Huge mistake it was very hurtful, Since he in fact along with Fidel started the Revolution, We all want a free Cuba but until then there's no need to idiolized a country that is far from being free.
Good job Andrew!
I was so happy just being able to see (for the first time ever) Cuba in such a realistic format... so thank you. Kudos on sidestepping the politics and trying if at all possible to provide us with a joyful view of my family's island. I wish my Grandmother had a chance to see your show.
Sure, the elephant in the room took a few dumps on your intention but all in all, I think this one succesful (and BRAVE) project you undertook. THNAK YOU>
Im dating a cuban and have had the privlidge to stay with his family for a little over a week in havana last January, and my trip was very similar to the one that you saw of Mr. Zimmermans. The hospitality is phenomenal, the food and music is like nothing you will find in the US. and even after talking to a lot of his family in Cuba there are a lot of things they would change, but in what country are there not people that would change things about their economical status and their life. The overall prospective i got from Cuba was there were more people smiling, cooking, and enjoying their lives, more than i have ever seen in the united states. He has family that has just recently come from Cuba and they have even said that Money and oppurtunity is so much greater in the US (obviously) but the family life and the people and the way of life is very much missed. Im in no way, shape or form a supporter of Communism but I believe that we shouldnt close of our minds to traveling their and helping the cubans out.
Its true they don't own boats, if they did they would all come to the US, but living with a Cuban whose lived in the states for a very short time and has even told me that the grass isn't greener on the other side. Just more money.
OH and Cubans can now stay in hotels and they do own cell phones. Things are looking up for the people in Cuba its sad that the only people who are making it harder to create a change in cuba are the Cubans that live in Miami (and who by the way probably haven't even been there themselves.)
My hats off to you Zimmerman. your show was amazing. I think you did a great job showing the TRUTH about Cuba.
Che Guevarra was a ruthless killer who oversaw the assasination of over 20,000 political prisoners. Cubans don't like him, they despise him in the same way that Jews react to Hitler. What you called a boat restriction is really an apartheid against cuban citizens who don't have the right to stay in those poor excuse for a hotel and in those restaurants. This will the first of many blogs on this subject, because as Americans we must recognize the intrinsic value in knowing the difference between good and evil. There are plenty of places in the world to go and have a nice time, good cigar, and a nice plate of food without having to participate in that country's oppressive, ruthless, regime.
I am glad that you wrote about the different problems that you faced. However, those problems pale in comparison with those that the Cuban people face. There is an apartheid which does not let the cuban people enjoy those simple pleasures that you enjoyed as a foreigner. And Che Guevarra was an assasin responsible for the death of over 20,000 political prisoner and Cubans hate him in the same way that Jews hate Hitler.
Look, I am not saying Mr. Zimmern likes to torture puppies or anything but what he did was wrong. What the Cuban gov. does to its people is evil. They support narco-terrorists and export violent revolutions all over Latin America and they were the dogs of war for the old Soviet Union.
So, Princess I am sorry if I offended your (or Mr. Zimmern's) delicate sensibilities. Offending you is a small price to pay in comparison to the suffering of 10 million Cubans.
Look I would at least have some respect if he just came out like Redford or the other lefties
Andrew Zimmerman, I am angry that you didn't solve all of Cuba's problems on your visit. I am sitting at home doing nothing to help but you should have fixed everything in Cuba because you're a travel host and that's obviously your job. Instead of giving everyday Cubans a voice you should never have gone there. You should have ignored them because that's our current government's policy and it's working so well.
could not believe the piece! totally got this one wrong.
Andrew, I believe that you and the Travel channel owe the Cuban community an apology. Your show does not air in Cuba so why air communist propaganda.. I really had high hopes that the piece would show the heart of the Cuban people. Instead I was horrified to see you commemorate the revolutions birth and destruction of a nation. The fact that you decided to bring attention to Che Guevara..to say he IS a hero was a totally out of line.
I’m sure its important to you that your fans know your show is accurate and truthful, specially now as you unveil countries that most will not be able to visit. I will have a hard time now finding credibility in your pieces. Perhaps you should stick to tasting food and keep your mouth full at all times... If you are going to do a show which touches on sensitive issues then you have the responsibility to do the research.
The Cuba I know is bizarre because of its proximity to freedom (Key West) which cannot be enjoyed by its people. It’s bizarre because of that brit that can enjoy a lobster and for the Cuban diver who will be shot for trying to dive for one. Cuba is bizarre because of its enterprising people that have been oppressed for so many decades but have found a way to survive. It is bizarre for the fact that many families have been pulled apart, not been able to see their loved ones in decades. Bizarre World should have begun by researching “Santeria” which you also got wrong on your piece. Perhaps a visit to Miami, by your team would have been in order.
Loved the show. I just came back from Cuba a week ago and it was exactly as you said in the show. Yes the airport was a big hassle. Everyone hating on the show needs to chill out. The Cuba that I saw last week was EXACTLY like on the show. I am Mexican and was not treated like a tourist. I stayed in a casa particular and everybody loved being in Cuba and loved Cuban life. They will admit that the economic situation is hard, but they will still tell you that they love their country and YES, their government. All of you talking crap have not been to Cuba lately or ever have no clue. You just believe what you want to believe. You don't see was is, you see what you want to see. You need to quit hating on anything Cuban because that includes hating the Cuban PEOPLE. Your own personal vendetta has made it harder for the Cuban people. Castro has been in power for 50 years and your childish complaining aint going to take him out. I don't agree with his policies, but I understand that he is in power and accept it. You guys need to accept that after 50 years Castro is here to stay, move on and let the Cuban people have a better chance. By the way in Cuba they love Americans, with the exception of Bush, Repulicans, and Miami Cubans. Yes they don't like Miami Cubans. Half of the jokes were of Miami Cubans. Cubans know that Miami Cubans are the reason the embargo has lasted so long
Why did the boat break-down?
The best solution for Andrew written in is Marta's which is PHERHAPS YOU SHOULD OFF KEPT YOUR MOUTH FULL AT ALL TIMES !
I am cuban, born in the island and now living here in the States...I did like your show on Cuba, except for that Che Guevara song and the lobster part with the british guy, obviously for him every day on an off-shore key is like this, I or my family in Havana could really tell you what their days are like as common working people living on less that 15.00 dollars a month, but for the most part, great show, it truly showed what Cuba is all about in terms of culture, cuisine, scenery, and social life, many cuban-americans here are totally blind and brainwashed but the negative propaganda about Cuba, but I guess it is time to put that crap aside and approach to a people and a culture that is very rich, colorful, and still happy and creative despite the hardships the Castro's regime has impossed to them. This is not a political show....we have to understand that...
I liked your words at the end of the show on how your Cuba experience will help you appreciate more all those things we take for granted here in America.
Great show...!, it is a shame many cubans here have post so many stupid comments on it...just a whole flock of ignorant creatures....
Hugs to all from Philly.
Hey why didn't you go to Santiago de Cuba...?
You didn't make mention of the coffee either.
Another thing is that people attending those demonstrations are not willingly there, some are for sure, many are forced to go by their employers otherwise they don't get paid...Cuba is really weird and unique in many ways, but I don't think of this episode as "communist propaganda" at all, the embargo is real, as well as the restrictions, limitations and abuse of the communist regime ruling in Cuba on its people, we have to look at the whole picture, but like I said before, it was a nice approach to our beautiful and exotic island....let me tell you...that lobster thing was NOT COOL...I love sea food and I tasted that for the fist time when an american friend of mine wnet to Cuba and ordered one to share it with me at the beach...catching a lobster in Cuba is like killing a person....!!!!!!
Unlike many here, I long for the day U.S citizens can freely go there and fing out by themselves, they will bring a lot of freedom and make cubans know what the world looks like from a perspective other than what the media in Cuba makes locals believe.
Hugs to all
Philadelphia
I agree with Carlos's comment- What about Santiago de Cuba? La Ermita de la Caridad del Cobre? You missed a great opportunity to show Oriente, the most beautiful province in the whole island. Also, I agree about Che Guevara, but let's not forget- he is the Hero of every
Cuban communist living in the island.
Ofe
DEAR ANDREW:
I have long enjoyed "Bizarre Foods," I am now enjoying "Bizarre World," and I suspected you would catch lots of grief for your Cuba show. After reading the comments from Armando, Emilio, Bing, and others, my suspicions were more than confirmed.
Participating in a folk song about Che Guevara? Participating in a Santaria ritual? Actually smoking a delicious Cuban cigar??? I thought to myself, "All sorts of people are going to be pissed about THIS!" And judging from some of the comments above, I was right.
I'm sure travel host Rick Steves caught hell for doing his Iran program also. But the fact remains that citizens of the United States remain woefully ignorant about the cultures of Iran, Cuba, and many other countries with whom we have poor diplomatic relations. And the only way to improve the chances for world peace in the 21st century is not by demonizing those countries and their peoples, but by engaging them.
I admire you for doing a show about Cuba. Maybe, like Rick Steves, you can go to Iran someday. Wherever you go, I'll be watching.
I enjoyed the Cuba show. Jose Marti is my favorite poet.
A major nerve was hit with the Che segment. I thought you were reporting a fact that that was the attitude of the people there, not that you were embracing it. Would an evening news anchor be condemned for reporting the attitude as a fact?
I liked that you kept emphasizing that the people were warm and friendly. The people are not the government they are forced to live under. You also kept emphasizing that we the citizens of the world are one. The government we live under is not as important as the spirit and oneness of the common man. The vast majority of us have no choice of what government leads the country we live in.
As a side note I just finished an article on Somalia in the National Geographic magazine. The author took the same stance, that the people were great, the government or lack thereof sucked.
I also respect that you realize you are not there to change attitudes or tell anyone they are wrong. You can make choices in the editing room based on the story you want to tell. You are a guest in the country you are visiting. A good guest shows good manners.
I loved getting a flavor of Cuba today. I loved all the shots of vintage cars still running. I loved the spirit of the people, which you showed in depth. They may be poor but they have not lost their zest for living.
I would disagree with the person who said no one in Cuba would see the show. The common man wont, but you can bet your bottom dollar someone in the government captured it and will circulate it among the powers that be. It may make them ask some questions about approaching the US to lift the embargo.
For those that say the embargo was not important they are unaware of the power of the US in 1960 to influence the rest of the world. I will not bore you-all with details, but lets just say it is like daddy telling you not to do something or you will be punished. You may stop or you may try to continue covertly, but you sure aren’t going to do it openly. It killed Cuban trade. It killed tourism, which was the mainstay of the economy.
In my mind you presented the wonderful people who live in Cuba. They were likeable. According to the network’s statement of the mission of your show you are giving us a view of different cultures. I think you accomplished that mission. Keep up the good work.
Gracias Andreu por ir a Cuba. Es muy bueno que travel channel y tu programa pongan a Cuba entre los paises que visitas. Si hay comunismo en Cuba es lo de menos en este caso porque este es programa de cocina y tradiciones culinarias alrededor del mundo y Cuba es uno de ellos.
Did you know there is a rumor that Eva Gardner liked it, shall we say, in a place that most proper ladies will not admit to liking it - and I'm not talking about Cuba! Frankie, being a Hoboken boy, was likely more than happy to oblige. I am certain that Miss Eva definitely walked funny for the remainder of her Cuban Honeymoon!
I really enjoyed your show tonight in Cuba. You showed Cuba just as it is, I love it, I love you show, and this one in CUBA was incredible, wonderful!!!!!, CUBA is the isla bonita!!!, just forget those comments and keep up the good work!!Great job in Cuba!
Isabel,
Cuba just as it is? Estas comiendo mierda?
Yeah...just forget that the Cuba you saw is only for the Elite of the Party and gullible entertainers.
The real Cuba is a brutal police state.
Just because Zimmerman participated in a Santaria ceremony, it doesn't mean he believes in that religion. Ditto for the CHE song. Anybody with a working brain knows that CHE GUEVERA was a murderer, and not even from Cuba. I don't blame Zim for dancing and signing along with the locals. He isn't going to Cuba to criticize or judge. I'll give him a pass on that one. His show is about showing and sharing in the culture.
I like that a poster here reminded us that despite the US being about the only country left with the embargo, CUBA still suffers from poverty. I think it's wrong for people to blame the US entirely for Cuba's current state of affairs. It's pretty cut and dry, the embargo hasn't worked, so even though I'm a conservative and 100% against Fidel and the communist gov't, it was time for us to move on.
Andrew
Thank You for trying. It is impossible to understand/decifer Cuba. It has been to long and far to many abuses have been bestowed on my nation by this ruthless dictator. The truth is that the cuban People notice I say PEOPLE have been the victims of a 50 Year old dictatorship & of a long standing embargo. They have suffered inmesureably. I urge you to please read up on the history of El Che and the atrosities he commited as others have. After all how would the world know of Auschwitz if not from the mouth of those who suffered the atrocoities. I cordially invite you to Bizzare (Havana del Norte) Miami the northern most province of cuba!
Best Regards, A Cuban Freind from Miami
It is Friday...and I am still very upset about the Cuba Show! You and the Travel Channel need to formally apologize to all the Cuban Exiles around the world. Our wounds are still very deep and it may take another 50 years to heal.
Andrew, good job, hopefully you will be able to do another show in a free Cuba, but then again it may not be that bizarre
Next time Mr. Z. why don't you go and visit the families of all the Cubans(journalist) in prison for 30 years, only for wanting a better country, why is it that is ok for Cuba to have a dictator and now his brother for 50 years,and is wonderful for you and many like you to go over there without given a single though as to what is really going on there, you really want to know, get in touch with Las Damas de Blanco, maybe, just maybe the best way to know how great is Cuba, go live over there, not with dollars,due it the way Cubans do.
I know what I am talking about,3 members of our family came 3 month ago
Andrew,
I was happy and at the same time sad to see the land that I was born in. By the way "The Che" was the biggist buddy of Fidel Castro and a communist. It pains me that he is being promoted as a celebrity when many died and are still suffering poverty from his ideals. My family in Cuba do not get to eat the kinds of food you tasted they get mostly rice and beans if they fortunate enough. Although I may have left Cuba as a young man I still keep in contact with my family and know the hardships they face on a regular basis. One day I would like to return to Cuba and pull a lobster out of the ocean that I can share with my family there. I appreciate your desire to bring the bizzare foods of Cuba to the forefront however you & the Travel Channel have just continued the propaganda that the Castro regieme has been spewing for years. the true people of Cuba are not allowed the liberty to eat the foods you tasted and shared on a normal basis.
"Che Guevara is an inspiration for every human being who loves freedom, we will always honor his memory." --- NELSON MANDELA
Fidel, Che, and Raul were able to overthrow the U.S.-backed dictator Batista because of several conditions in the country.
CUBA under the U.S.-backed DICTATOR Batista:
- Americans owned 70 % of the arable land.
- 1% of the population controlled 46 % of the wealth.
- Batista's goons and secret police killed 20,000 Cubans (tortured even more).
- 67 % of the population were illiterate.
- 50 % of the population lived in Bohio shacks.
- Dissidents were hung and left to dangle in the streets as a warning sign.
- The Mafia (Meyer Lansky & Co) ran Havana and used Cuba as a w#orehouse for rich gringos from the U.S.
To the Gusanos of Miami = YOU LOST !!!
By all accounts the Cuban people are far better under Fidel then the U.S.-backed dictator Batista.
No more is the country the highly segregated and oppressed land where the soldiers marched through the rural areas killing and burning at will. Batista killed 20,000 Cubans and tortured even more. No more is the average citizen underfed and illiterate. Fidel introduced free education and free health care to all people, and gave the poor families children an education. For every literate Cuban under Batista there are 3 Cuban DOCTORS under Fidel.
Also, Cuba sends more doctors overseas to help with disaster relief then any other country, usually ten to twenty times as much as most European countries and much more then USA's number of 0. The amount of Cuban doctors in Africa alone is staggering, and is the only reason that real progress is being made in the backward and damaging medical condition of their tribal areas. Maybe that is why Fidel is a long- standing member of the UN's Human Rights Committee. That is something you can't say about an American president. Not bad for an "evil dictator" under a 40 year trade embargo.
Hasta la Victoria Siempre !
Ever since JFK, US presidents have been promising the Florida voting block of exiles that the Cuban government will be overturned. And you can give them an E for Effort. They initiated, promoted or tolerated all of the following: Bay of Pigs invasion, attempts on Castro’s life, sabotage, brutal economic blockade, downing of an airliner, innumerable raids by exiles, bombings in Havana, guerrillas in Escambray mountains, misinformation campaigns and much more.
Then Cuba is accused of being too tough on dissidents, who receive instruction and money from the enemy. What would the US reaction be if under such threat and siege? The point that cannot be missed is that the Cuban socialist regime is legitimate and has the right to exist. And I propose that it would not exist in its present form had not been because it was isolated and forced to depend on unyielding ideology and war preparedness. And yes, it was pushed into Soviet hands for survival.
Things are changing. Respect Cuba’s sovereignty and you will see the release of prisoners and relaxation of personal freedoms. They understand that and have clearly said they are not afraid to tackle any subject. But Cuban exiles, please realize you will never hold power in Cuba, so stop trying to disrupt the path to peace.
- 8 FACTS THAT CHE-HATERS HATE -
(1) Che was named one of the 100 most influential people of the 20th century by Time Magazine, and listed as a “Saint and Icon”.
(2) Che’s famous image entitled: “Guerrillero Heroico” has been declared the most famous and reproduced image in the world.
(3) In September of 2007, Che was voted “Argentina’s greatest historical and political figure”, and this Summer they erected a giant statue of him in Rosario.
(4) In Argentina schools are named after Che.
(5) In Cuba, Che is on the 3 dollar Peso, and school children begin every morning reciting “we will be like Che”.
(6) The revolutionary firing squads Che oversaw were supported by 93 % of Cubans at the time.
(7) Cuba under Batista was a Mafia ran casino and hooker haven for American tourists, where mostly US companies owned 75 % of the arable land. This is the context that Fidel and Che rose to power in.
(8) Che’s radicalism was spawned from living in Guatemala during the 1953 overthrow of Jacobo Arbenz by the CIA at the behest of the United Fruit Co & Dulles.
It’s time for some Che’s of our own ...
Andrew, first I want to tell you how much I LOVED the show :o)
The richest 250 people in the World now own as much wealth as the world’s poorest 2.5 billion people. Cuba offers up a brave alternative to this oppressive economic system that plagues our globe.
I was singing right along with you, and admire your bravery for shooting this excellent piece. Patria o Muerte!
It was a great show. I wish more travel shows would show us the unspoiled beauty of Cuba. As for the Cuban exile Gusano-haters up top talking trash to Andrew = get a life and get over it. Your side lost. So enjoy underpaying your Haitians in Miami while supporting [Terrorists] like Luis Posada Carilles & Orlando Bosch who are the same as Al Qaeda.
I've traveled to Cuba several times, and absolutely love the island and her people. Great weather, delicious food, beautiful music, amazing beaches, and special and educated people. Clearly the jewel of the Caribbean and makes nearby "capitalist" Haiti and DR seem like squalor ghettos.
Cuban exile gusanos get whiny when you remind them that they tucked in the wieners and fled from a few hundred bearded guys with guns to the comfort of American Capitali$m.
Maybe if they had half the 'Cajones' that Che had, they would have tried to start their own revolution and topple Fidel. Hell Fidel at one time was down to 12 men and came out victorious. So what's their problem ??? - grab 82 of those south beach geezers, load up a yacht, and see how far they get when they land in Cuba like Fidel & Co. did.
Then again Fidel & Che are two of the greatest minds and men of the last century - while most corrupt exiles without their Miami mafia connections would only be qualified to cut some rich gringos lawn.
#2, I'm sure he flew to Cancun like all the other 60,000 Americans a year who visit beautiful Cuba. By the way over 500,000 Canadians also visit there annually and adore the place.
#10 & 14, actually the Castro regime only has a 20% tax on US currency when converted into CUC's. So 80 % of the money spent in Cuba goes to Cubans.
#19, Batista’s goons killed 20,000 Cubans. As a result Che reviewed the appeals of War Criminals convicted during revolutionary tribunals and had the worst of them executed. This is very common and just. Batista’s BRAC gouged eyes out, and tortured thousands. Che brought Cuba justice.
#29, Cubans are allowed in all hotels. Yes they were previously denied entry to prevent wealthy foreigners from bringing back prostitutes to their rooms - like they do in nearly every other developing nation.
#40, the only people owed an apology are Cubans in Cuba from the Miami terroristas who have attacked their island and supported an illegal blockade against them for 50 years. Miami thugs would starve every Cuban in Havana if they could, all because they want their Hacienda and slave labor of 1958 back.
VIVA CHE & VIVA CUBA
Andrew your show was ill-informed and completely irresponsible. Your worst ever. You can never reach as long as that.
Che is dead and I laugh everyday about it. He died like a whining baby pleading for his life in Bolivia. He was a murdering animal and deserve to die like one.
Given the chance he would've try to nuke the USA. Even the Soviets thought he was a complete lunatic.
All the Che lovers on here should really think before they spout their garbage. The only good thing they could put on Guevara'a s tombstone is a dancefloor. He rots in Hell. As soon will Castro.
To the above d!ckclown "dead commies", you're another reich-wing political $HIT KICKER who actually believes all the CIA sponsored clap trap about freedom, democracy, etc while overwhelmingly voting for cretins like Bush who destroy everyone of these concepts you supposedly hold dear.
You're so busy fawning over the immature ramblings of blogger Yoani Sanchez, Babalu blog, or Radio Marti, that you miss the delicious irony that the only Gulag in Cuba is the U.S. one at Gitmo which you support having.
As for the Guerrillero Heroico El Che, he was one of the most complete, intelligent, poetic, and brave men to ever live. He inspires millions around the world to be better people and drives people to fight against injustice. He symbolizes everything that is good and noble in the human condition ... A secular saint who died for your capitalist $ins.
If there is a heaven ... Che is surely in charge there, and gusanos like you will visit the el Paredon in Hell.
I loved this episode and love the show.
Viva Andrew Zimmern.
How did Andrew go to Cuba. Did he do it legally? I have thought about going but I think there is still a $250,000 fine in effect by the US government for Americans that go there without a special license.
All I can think of is that he got a special license because he is in the entertainment industry. In which case Andrew should make that clear on the show so other American's don't end up with $250,000 fines (and the Travel Channel doesn't end up with big lawsiuts).
I am an American who travelled to Cuba last December. There is no fine, that is a myth. All you have to do is fly to Cancun, Mexico first and then fly to Havana. Havana will not even stamp your passport as they have been instructed by the Cuban govt not to. When I entered back into Miami I even told them that I had visited Cuba, but that I had delivered "humanitarian aid" while there (a small amount) and thus they didn't care - as there is a "humanitarian aid" exemption in the Helms-Burton Act which governs travel of non Cuban-Americans to Cuba. Don't let Uncle Sam's fake stories of fines fool you. Nobody has ever been fined for travel to Cuba.
This is one of the best shows on all of television.
Cuba was beautiful.
I am an American who travelled to Cuba last December. There is no fine, that is a myth. All you have to do is fly to Cancun, Mexico first and then fly to Havana.
When I entered back into Miami I even told them that I had visited Cuba, but that I had delivered "humanitarian aid" while there (a small amount) and thus they didn't care - as there is a "humanitarian aid" exemption in the Helms-Burton Act which governs travel of non Cuban-Americans to Cuba.
Wow, I sure learned a lot by reading everyone's comments. I thought it was cool that Andrew went to Cuba, something that I have always wanted to do. It's good to know about the humanitarian aid exemption in the Helms-Burton Act regarding Americans traveling to Cuba! Cuba appears to be a very beautiful place, despite the poverty and political controversy. The people shown on the show also appeared to be very good-natured and willing to make the best of what they have. It's "bizarre" to call Andrew a communist because he visited there to do a show. Hostility and name-calling by some of the bloggers was really a turn-off. People all have their political opinions, sure, but why is it that the right-wingers are always the ones that act hostile, call names and hurl insults? Just curious...
I have no comments to make about Cuba itself and the people there, as I have no first-hand knowledge of it.
Rock on Andrew!
Andrew Zimmer, I am very upset for your game playing during your tour in Cuba. Because your jewish back ground, I was specting you to be more sensitive about the pain of the cubans and the only reason that make then suffer (THE COMMUNISM)
Your show is nothing but a cheap prostitute and you do not deserve the time I spend watching your show. DOWN BIZARRE WORD!!!
Your portrayal of Cuba was seriously flawed. From your "Hanoi Jane" pose on a missile to song about Che Guevara you totally ignored the fact that this is one of the most oppressive regimes on the planet. America has a embargo against Cuba but the rest of the world does not. Why did you not mention this fact? I will reconsider my support of your show.
I read some of the negative comments about your Cuba show and I'm disappointed you may lose some of your supporters. I however love your shows. I believe the message you send to all who watch is to be open minded to other cultures. Understanding diversity is the 1st step in bridging humanity. Keep doing what you are doing. I don't have to believe in every ritual or cultural ways. But if I don't respect other cultures, how then could I possibly hope to share my culture with others. Perhaps if more people in this world would at least respect the rights of others - then and only then will we have a chance of living in harmoniously. Its all about respect. I am a Christian - and in my faith - Christ Jesus does not force one to believe - it is a personal choice. I do believe in doing unto others as I want them to do unto me. RESPECT - Keep up the Great Work Andrew
You made your trip to cuba seem like wow how great, but say that to a guzano a cuban who left cuba in the revolution, how dare you sing a song of che guevara el comandante! the only reason they sang that song was because they were on tv with you, you did not notice when one of the men said how hungry he was!che was a murder of the cuban people you are so ignorant!i am not cuban but my husband is. he had to leave everything when he was 11 and you are there smoking tobacco eating food r=that most cubans can not eat. i am disgusted and will not see your show anymore and will make sure none of my food chanbel friends turn you offffffff!
I took my time to post a nice long thread and it was not posted to the forum. I guess Andrew is closing up the thread. I guess he is a Commie.
Too bad Bizarre Foods was not around the 1930s or 40s. A trip to Germany or Poland would have had the same effect on your Jewish family as you have had on the Cuban familys in the US whom lost their free country.
So is Hitler to Germany as the Che to Cuba?
To those who believe life in Cuba is a bowl of cherries, why are you living in the USA?
Sorry Bordain, but I will no longer turn to the Travel Channel.
Hi, i'm an american and i was wondering if i could travel to cuba and purchase one of those old cars? I love old cars and have always loved the american classics. I could probably go down there with $20 american dollars and buy one dont you guys think. THe thing is how would i get it back, if anyone knows feel free to email me
bajadude02@hotmail.com
I enjoy your show to the max! You OWN half of my DVR!In your blog you make Cuba sound just like what I expected. The first words of "A Tale of Two Cities". These are the best of times, these are the worst of times. Keep up the Cool/Entertaining work!
P.S. Please do the Yucatan/Merida/Valladolid. It's a unique place, almost a seperate country from Mexico
The hypocrisy of the Anti-Castro crowd, is never to be underestimated. It’s the blockade, not Castro, which has created the majority of the misery for the Cuban people. Yet a tiny minority of so called “exiles” and former Batista goons have unfairly controlled U.S. policy towards Cuba like a 5th column, thanks to votes they provide their Republican masters in Florida. In a very ugly and ironic way, they promote the starving and suffering of the Cuban people by insisting that no change in US policy occur.
Exiles don't care at all about the Cuban people. They would starve everyone in order to have their mansion back.
"Che is not only an intellectual, he was the most complete human being of our time, our eras most perfect man." --- Jean Paul Sartre
It’s politically blasphemous to say anything positive or even nuanced about Che Guevara around right-wing Americans. Worldwide, however, the loathing of Che is an extreme minority view.
Che was more complex and contradictory a historical figure than some people understand.
However simple minded Americans like their characters to be unambiguous and simple: Good OR Bad; Black OR White; Saint OR Sinner, etc. In reality, things are rarely so simple.
That’s one of the reasons that ADOLF HITLER is so often pulled out in an argument: There are relatively few people who embody absolute evil so clearly and readily.
The hysteria and the manic frustration expressed by right-wingers regarding the continuing and growing popularity and iconic status of Che is in itself very revealing. Complexity is not their strong suit. Seeing more than the surface is a little hard for right-wingers. Everyone must fit into the “Superman vs. Lex Luthor” box. Reality is harder to pigeonhole.
Can most conservatives tell you anything at all about Fulgencio Batista? Do they mention the 20,000 Cubans killed by Batista's mafia based police state? Do they discuss the difference in how Che's men released all captured enemy soldiers, while Batista's goons gouged their eyes out and tortured them?
Nah ... to a right-winger (the kind that wanted to hand the nuke codes to a half-literate ex beauty queen who believes in witchcraft & a fatherless messianic carpenter zombie) there are only heroes and villains. Just like in their biblical fables they cling to so much.
I love Zimmern, he seems like a great person. All the Cuban exile haters above need to go whine somewhere else.
Cuba seems like a great place to visit, I think I'll book a ticket for this Winter break.
Us Canadians love Cuba and her people.
We are glad that Uncle Sam in his infinite stupidity bans most Americans from visiting the island - more for us to enjoy for ourselves.
The crumbling U$ could learn alot from Cuba, if they ever dropped their arrogance and hubris.
I visit Cuba once a year, and can't wait till my next holiday at Veradero.
Cuba is beautiful. This show was very interesting. I learned alot about the amazing island. Viva Cuba ! & Viva Che :o)
I can't wait to watch. I love your show. I love my people, but my god....please move on. People, stop the insanity, cultural exchanges should not be political. If some of you left Miami maybe you will stop being brained washed.
Cuban exiles in Miami are probably the most annoying people in the world.
Fidel won, you lost. Get over it and enjoy your cocaine in Miami.
As for this show, it was enlightening and entertaining. Nice work!
I'd rather live in Cuba than the U.S.
Luckily I live in Canada.
Nice show you did there mate.
I love Cuba and the revolution.
All of you Cubans who live in America who think that Cuba is fine and that Castro is fine the way that it is right now should just move back to live in that perfectly fine country. It must be nice to be sitting on this side, enjoying your freedom and any food that you can afford while claiming that things over there are just fine and that the people are happy and that they love Fidel. I just find this so interesting and BIZARRE.
It was courageous of you to venture into doing a show on Cuba. I am Cuban born, American raised. I think you captured the essence of Cuban spirit, which is love and charisma in the midst of simplicity, poverty and restraint. On the other hand, there show really veiled the truth about life in a communist country, the chains of dictatorship and the human sacrifices over years, and even through today, that have been made in the spirit of freedom. It's understandable that the politics on filming a show on Cuba must've been extraordinary. Kudos to you for going and bringing us back pretty pictures and a renewed appreciation to our parents for getting us out of there.
This is what makes me love this site This is a very interesting article. I enjoyed reading it. I need to read more on this topic.
Good day, sun shines!
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I'm glad you got to visit Cuba, but you probably only got to film what the govt & other stakeholders permitted. If you were Cuban and had your company stolen from you, your family/relatives murdered/imprisoned...then you might feel more subjectively as many of us do here.
How horrible to be separated from your parents for months as many Pedro Pans were...or even worse..have your dad or brother encarcerated...
Cuba is an amazing place and Che was an amazing person.
Gusano exiles need to quit whining and enjoy ruining Miami.
The way cubans live on the island is shameful. The island is in shambles thanks to the oppressive castro regime. No wonder 2 million have jumped on a raft and fled their homeland.
Hello Mr Zimmern: I am Cuban born, US citizen. I am a HUGE fan of your shows and enjoyed most of them. I am glad and grateful to you for the one about Cuba, you were able to go beyond politics and show a warm sympathy for the Cubans from the Island and their character. Thank you.
Chalk me up as one of those who was instantly made ill by watching this episode. The propaganda was so thick, you could cut it with a knife. I am a first generation American of Cuban descent and I am angered that you would allow yourself to become a puppet in Castro's propaganda machine.
Have any of the whiners watched the show before??? There was nothing uniquely different about it. When he goes to China, you don't hear political exiles going OMG, HE WENT TO CHINA AND HE DIDN'T CURSE THE GOV'T!!!!
And the people whining about the Che singing. I read the comments and went to watch the episode expecting a full spectacle, but all he did was kinda sing along with the old dude. Overreacting a bit?