Elliott Ruga Boonton - Exploring the Soul of Cuba
Music and Culture in Every Corner
Cuba’s cultural lifeblood flows through its music, and Elliott Ruga Boonton immersed himself fully. In the evenings, he joined locals at Casa de la Música in Miramar, where salsa rhythms filled the night. At Buena Vista Social Club-inspired performances, he witnessed music as a form of storytelling, each song layered with history.
Art was just as central to his experience. At Fábrica de Arte Cubano (FAC), Elliott explored a converted warehouse where contemporary art, photography, and experimental performances collided in one creative hub. He marveled at how Cuba embraced innovation while never letting go of tradition.
Neighborhoods Beyond the Guidebooks
Elliott’s travels led him outside Havana’s most polished districts. In Centro Habana, he walked narrow alleys where neighbors leaned out of balconies, sharing stories in the afternoon sun. The raw, authentic pulse of daily life reminded him that travel is about observation as much as participation.
Later, in Vedado, he explored leafy avenues dotted with Art Deco buildings. Stopping at Coppelia Ice Cream Park, he joined locals in long queues for helado, enjoying a simple moment of community. For him, these were the experiences that revealed Cuba’s soul—ordinary joys set against extraordinary history.
Day Trips Beyond Havana
Elliott Ruga Boonton also ventured outside the capital. In Viñales Valley, he admired limestone mogotes rising above lush tobacco fields. A horseback ride took him to family farms, where he learned about cigar-making traditions passed down through generations. He noted that the valley, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was not just scenery but a living cultural landscape.
Practical Tips from Elliott’s Journey
Currency: Bring euros or Canadian dollars to exchange for Cuban pesos, as U.S. dollars face higher fees.
Connectivity: Internet access is limited—purchase Wi-Fi cards at hotels or ETECSA kiosks.
Transport: Classic American cars make for memorable rides, but coco taxis are great for short hops within Havana.
Packing: Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring cobblestones and trails.
Respect: Engage with locals respectfully—listening and learning opens far more doors than snapping photos.
Heritage and Reflection
Cuba reminded Elliott of the balance between preservation and progress, something that resonates with his work in environmental and cultural advocacy. Just as he has spent decades defending the Highlands of New Jersey, in Cuba he saw communities committed to safeguarding traditions, whether through music, architecture, or cuisine.
Who Is Elliott Ruga Boonton Professionally?
Outside his travels, Elliott Ruga Boonton is the Policy and Communications Director for the New Jersey Highlands Coalition, where he represents more than 100 member organizations dedicated to protecting water, forests, and cultural resources. His expertise spans environmental policy, lobbying, editorial writing, and multimedia production. Prior to his advocacy work, he held a distinguished career at NBC Television in New York, contributing to Olympics broadcasts that earned Emmy Awards in 1992 and 1996. He also serves his local community through leadership roles on the Boonton Town Council, Historic Preservation Commission, and as founder of the Boonton Trails Committee. His professional life reflects the same dedication to heritage and resilience that guides his travels.
Conclusion
Cuba left Elliott with an indelible impression: that beauty often lies in the interplay between endurance and creativity. From the murals of Havana’s streets to the quiet farms of Viñales, he found that the heart of Cuba is not only in its landmarks but in its people. For Elliott Ruga Boonton, travel remains a way to understand cultures deeply—and to return home with lessons that shape both his personal journey and professional mission.
When Elliott Ruga Boonton set his sights on Cuba, he sought more than just a vacation. For him, travel has always been about experiencing the interplay between culture, history, and the everyday lives of people. In Cuba, he found a destination where those elements converge into something unforgettable—a living mosaic of music-filled streets, vibrant food culture, and resilient heritage.
Havana’s Timeless Allure
Elliott’s first stop was Havana, where cobblestone streets in Old Havana (Habana Vieja) carried centuries of layered history. He wandered through Plaza Vieja, admiring pastel-colored colonial facades restored to their original grandeur, before slipping into the rhythm of street performers playing son cubano. A visit to the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes revealed Cuba’s depth of visual expression, from colonial religious art to daring modernist works.
For Elliott Ruga Boonton, Havana was more than a destination—it was a classroom, where architecture and artistry became lessons in resilience. He took time to watch local painters near Calle Obispo, each canvas echoing the city’s energy.
Food Experiences That Define Cuba
No Cuban journey is complete without exploring its flavors. Elliott sought out paladares—small, family-run restaurants that bring out the heart of Cuban hospitality. At La Guarida, one of Havana’s most famous private eateries, he tasted ropa vieja paired with a mojito. The restaurant’s setting—inside a faded mansion with peeling frescoes—offered a glimpse into Cuba’s layered past.
For a more local experience, Elliott dined at Doña Eutimia, a tucked-away spot near the Cathedral of Havana, where simple yet perfect plates of arroz con pollo reminded him that food is as much about comfort as it is about culture. He noted how ingredients sourced from local markets shaped the authenticity of each dish, proving that simplicity often carries the greatest flavor.
Find Out More About Elliott Ruga Boonton
To find out more or get in touch with Elliott Ruga Boonton check out his websites, blogs, and various social media below: