Havana---Cuba is far from seeing a McDonald's or Starbucks open any time soon, but the diplomatic thaw with the United States is bringing more American visitors to the sweltering island.
While the US embargo against Havana still forbids regular tourism to Americans, a growing number have flocked to the Caribbean destination under easier-to-get special permits.
Excitement about visiting Cuba has grown since US President Barack Obama and Cuban counterpart Raul Castro made the shock announcement in December that they would restore diplomatic relations.
While the two countries have yet to reopen their mutual embassies, Obama and Castro will take a new step in the warming relations with a possible historic meeting at the Summit of the Americans in Panama this week.
Cuba has fascinated tourists from around the world because it appears frozen in time, with its aging buildings and old Buicks from the 1950s that are still around as the embargo prohibits imports of US cars.
"Cuba is in fashion in the US because people don't know about it, they're curious because we think it's like being back to life 50 years ago," said Walton, a retired professor from New Jersey who walked along Old Havana with a tour group.
Walton and his group were visiting Cuba under an education license, one of the 12 categories permitted by US authorities. The others include cultural, religious, artistic and sporting visits.
"People in the US feel that as soon as it opens up more ... there will be more an more tourists," said Larry, a visitor from California.
"It's wonderful, the climate is great, everything is fine," said Larry, admiring Havana's National Capitol, whose design took inspiration from the US Congress.
AFP
