What's New

Mariela Castro - daughter of Raul Castro - got approved for a special visa to visit the US to receive an award for her role in promoting civil rights to gay people. The visa got approved after a stormy week of opinions and an initial rejection.

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor of Tampa, fresh back from a trip to Cuba, has told President Barack Obama in a letter that the U.S. travel ban and trade embargo against Cuba are outdated, unproductive and harmful and should be reformed.

Yoani Sanchez, the famous Cuban blogger who critics the Cuban government, got approved, for the first time in the history of Cuba, for a visa to tour around and speak, in which she critics the Cuban government.

Beyonce and Jay-Z visit Cuba legally for the first time in order to celebrate their anniversary and cause major controversy in the US from the Miami Cubans that believe the embargo should go on.

Why can't all Americans travel freely to Cuba? And how are the restriction imposed on Americans due to the embargo compare to the restrictions imposed by the Cuban government?

The Cuban government opened opened its jail doors to international reporters for a rare visit. The last permitted visit was in 2004.

Raul Castro announced he will retire in 2018 after he got reelected for another 5 year term. His successor was announced - the 52 year old Miguel Diaz-Canel, who will step in if anything happens to Raul prior to 2018.

Hugo Chavez died at 58 years old after a massive heart attack and a long battle with cancer. His death can greatly affect Cuba's economy who depends on oil from Venezuela in exchange for medical help.

My Seductive Cuba gets a fantastic book review from Vancouver Is Awesome: "Okay, we’re making an exception to the “published in 2012″ guideline for the Holiday Lit List because this is such a gorgeous book that really needs more people knowing about it."

For the first time in Cuba a transgender woman to hold public office in Cuba, in Villa Clara, making history!!

Cuba removes a 51 years old travel ban on travel for Cubans and allows almost all Cubans to travel freely. Cubans rush to get their passports renewed and to reunite with family overseas.

Cuban baseball player who defected returns to Cuba after the Cuban reforms allow Cubans to travel to and from Cuba freely without the necessity of the government's approval.

Cuban reggaeton causes controversy and is considered to be a threat to the revolution. The antagonism towards the explicit lyrics continue to the rest of Central America. WIll reggaeton be banned forever in Cuba?

Chen Lizra was invited to do book signing at the New York Times Travel show in January. My Seductive Cuba will be available for sale during the show and you'll be able to meet the author in person.

Everyone has been waiting patiently for the video of Chen Lizra's TED talk. The video will be released by the end of December... Stay tuned, more news coming soon.

Join beautiful Cuban musician and singer Zahili Gonzalez Zamora for some Style & Beauty tips, and a talk about Cuban seduction and bringing classiness to it.

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Join Chen Lizra for a behind the scenes of the style that went into her TEDx Vancouver talk. Find out what inspired the look and where she got some of the items.

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Cuba is pushing for an exchange of spies between the Cuban 5, who are considered heroes in Cuba, and Alan Gross who was sentenced for 15 years in Cuba.

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Bettie Youngs Books signs Chen Lizra on a book called 'Seducing Happiness' - an 'How To' book on how to make your dreams come true. The book is scheduled to be released sometime in 2013, after which Chen will sign on for a third book.

As of January 14 Cubans will be allowed to travel freely outside of Cuba without having to request permission from the government. This is the first time such freedom is allowed since the revolution took place.

Famous Cuban director, Rolando Almirante, wrote a lead role for Chen Lizra to star in his new film 'Daniel's Saga' to be filmed in Cuba during 2013. The film will also host Danza Contemporanea de Cuba, one of the most prominent contemporary groups in the world.

Chen Lizra took over the Orpheum on Oct 21st with a very powerful presentation about the 'Power of Seduction in Our Everyday Life' and how seduction affects our self confidence and leads ultimately to success. her Twitter account almost went up in flames from the incredible response.

Following her powerful TED Talk about how we can use seduction to build self confidence and how this self confidence can make us more successful in life, Chen will be offering seduction workshops for men and women in Vancouver in November. See section below - Chen in Person.

A very inspiring article came out about Chen, what makes her an inspiring female entrepreneur, how she makes her dreams come true, and her future plans for helping you do it too.

In an attempt to boost voter support for the GOP ticket amongst Hispanic voters, Paul Ryan, the Republican vice presidential nominee pledged last week to be tough on Chavez and tough on Castro.

One year after launching charter air service between Tampa International Airport and Cuba, the flights have met expectations — and ridership is poised to grow in the coming year.

Design Travel is promoting a first of its kind Cuba cruise featuring several ports of call in Cuba. This unique Cuba cruise blends conventional cruising with private yachting, coupled with an exciting voyage of discovery.

This new and revealing article just came out about Chen Lizra, her life story, books she is reading and a dream writing mentor.

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A deal has been struck between the White House and a Cuban American senator to tighten restrictions on travel to Cuba by Americans.

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'Che Guevara was just Papi to me': Daughter of icon revolutionary talks of her beloved father for the first time.

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Brisas del Palmar will be performing in Vancouver for at the Vogue Theatre on September 15 before heading back to Cuba. Chen Lizra will be signing books at the event. Check below the 'Chen in Person' section.

Travelers watch out! Cuba imposes new import taxes aiming to stop the importation of goods via suitcases. The import taxes can affect Cubans and non Cubans alike.

US Cuba travel restrictions due to elections

The US has put travel to Cuba on a halt due to the coming elections with Florida being a swing state of a million votes. Many US travel companies cannot get their licenses renewed.

Fidel Castro celebrates his 86th birthday quietly in Cuba. Cubans worry about his health and the future of the island if both him and Raul will die of old age. It seems that no successors are in sight.

A music ban which was in place for many years preventing Cuban musicians that have left the island to be heard in Cuba's media, has been lifted, marking another step in Cuba's opening to the world.

Cuba reports an increase of 12.8 in tourism revenues in 2011. The number of tourists has gone up from 2.7 million to 2.5 million. The economy is showing positive signs of recovery.

Raul Castro calls for talks with the US for the first time in five decades making it known that no subject is off limits, even human rights and freedom of the press, as long as the two countries are on equal standing.

Celia Cruz, one of the most famous singers to come out of Cuba is going to be honoured in one of the largest Cuban festivals in the US in Chicago.

Since 2010 the government has encouraged people to start small businesses in an effort to stimulate the stagnant economy and get people off the payroll. Cuba is about to impose a new import tax that might hurt small businesses.

Chen Lizra will be teaching an Afro-Cuban workout class in Vancouver throughout the summer. Check out the 'Chen in Person' below for more details.

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Chen Lizra will be giving a talk at G Adventures Kits in Vancouver in August. Check out the 'Chen in Person' below for more details.

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Who is Ebony? Read Chen Lizra's latest article about Ebony, one of the hottest latest dance troupes in Havana, Cuba. Don't miss them on your next visit!

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A new article by Chen Lizra about Orly Solomon a French child star that is breaking ground in Cuba with her new project My Best Memory of Cuba. Here is your opportunity to be in a video clip with Cuba's best salsa stars.

Chen Lizra was nominated in the Inspirational Latino Award in Vancouver as one of the non-Latino community members contributing to the community. The winner will receive the award from the Mayer himself.

Chen Lizra received the IPPY Book Award in New York in a special gala that took place in Providence. My Seductive Cuba won a bronze medal in the travel guide category.

A new article by Chen Lizra about Casa Miglis - a new Swedish-Greek paladar in Havana, Cuba and the behind the story of the owner Michel. If you are traveling to Cuba - Don't miss this!

Maykel Blanco Fiesta Caliente Havana Cuba

Fiesta Caliente with Maykel Blanco at 1830 club has caused fans from all over the world to attend and enjoy one of their favourite bands while enjoying Cuba's fantastic weather.

Great article came out about Chen Lizra, My Seductive Cuba, her nomination as one of the Women Of Distinction and how she almost went bankrupt twice this year. Truly an inspiring story..

My Seductive Cuba won a second book award during Book Expo America. The award was granted by the International Book Awards sponsored by JPX Media Group from LA.

Who produced the Cuban National Ballet in Vancouver? An article came out which stated by mistake that Chen Lizra brought the Cuban ballet to Vancouver. She did not! Please read what happened..

Mariela Castro, the daughter of Raul Castro, was granted a visa to the US for the first time since the embargo was put in place, in order to speak about gay rights. Her visit was announced following Obama's support of gay marriage. The visa approval sparked a major controversy in the US.

My Seductive Cuba wins a bronze medal in the IPPY (Independent Publishers) book awards in NYC in the travel guide category. The award will be given to Chen Lizra in a special gala that will take place in NYC at the beginning of June.

Chen Lizra will be teaching two free Cuban dance workshops June 30th as part of Carnaval del Sol on Granville St. in Vancouver.Also visit her booth, get a signed copy and find out about the Cuba tours.

Join bestselling author, Chen Lizra, at two Indigo-Chapters stores in Vancouver this May 12 (book signing) and 19 (talk & book signing). Find out from the author herself why she decided to write the book and why you have to read it. Details below in 'Chen in Person.'

Catch bestselling author, Chen Lizra, on Global TV BC on May 10th at 8:15 am for an interview about My Seductive Cuba, her Women of Distinction nomination, and upcoming plans. Details below in 'Chen in Person.'

Join Chen Lizra on May 16th for a special lecture about Seductive Marketing. Lure your audience with Seductive Marketing and boost your sales. Get a scoop on the top 4 seduction secrets.

Cubans can now sell cars and houses freely. Part of the changes that are taking place in Cuba allow Cubans for the first time to sell houses and cars freely.

Raul Castro announced that many of the restrictions that prevent Cubans from leaving their country and traveling freely will be lifted with a new immigration reform, and started talks with Cuban Americans in Miami.

Visit Cuba released a new article by Chen Lizra about La Guarida - a Place to Impress, revealing a very personal adventure and a great recommendation for superb food in La Habana, Cuba.

Visit Cuba released a new article by Chen Lizra about Theatre Under the Street. Find out where in Havana you can find these shows, what they are and how you can find out about them.

Chen Lizra has been announced as one of the YWCA Women of Distinction for 2012. The nomination is one of the most prestigious nominations for women in Canada. Chen was nominated in the arts, culture and design category. Check the YWCA's website to read her nomination profile.

Visit Cuba released a new article about My Seductive Cuba describing the uniqueness of Chen Lizra's travel guide, after the managing director of Visit Cuba himself tried the walking tours on his last visit to Havana, Cuba.

Stock of My Seductive Cuba has been sent to nine more stores in Vancouver, Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto. At the end of April more books will be shipped to stores all across Canada. In the meantime you can find out which stores are carrying books by following the hyperlink.

Cuba has honored an appeal by Pope Benedict XVI and declared next week’s Good Friday a holiday for the first time since the early days following the island’s 1959 Revolution, though a decision on whether the move will be permanent will have to wait.

A Cuban agent on parole in the United States after 13 years behind bars for his activities in an espionage ring has returned temporarily to the communist island to visit his critically ill brother, state television reported on Friday.

Oמ March 16 and 17 Chen Lizra was the guest of The Voice of Portland radio. Listen to the radio interview online and find out if Americans can travel legally to Cuba, what makes Havana such a cultural hub, what are folklore shows and so much more.

Read Chen Lizra's behind the scenes story about what went on behind the scenes with the sensational National Ballet of Cuba in Vancouver, Canada. Find out what took place in the after party. Be part of the action...

My Seductive Cuba has been accepted into the regional program and is now available for purchase through the Indigo-Chapters website. By the end of March it will be available in about 15 stores across Canada. And from May in about 60 stores including 2 airport stores.

My Seductive Cuba is one of the Constant Contact All Stars award winners for 2011. Special thank-you's to all of our followers and fans who have made this possible through their own passion for the project and Cuba.