Over the weekend, Obama set off on a trip that hasn't been made by a standing president in 88 years. And his visit did not go unnoticed: Cubans celebrated his arrival by rushing to the streets—despite it being a rainy Sunday night in Havana—for the change to catch a look at the President of the United States.
According to The New York Times, "shouts of 'U.S.A.!' and 'Obama!' echoed over the stone plazas," with one man notably exclaiming, “Welcome to Cuba! We like you!” A welcome ceremony was held at the Palace of the Revolution, complete with a band performance of "The Star-Spangled Banner."
This trip is an opportunity for Obama and Cuban leader Raul Castro to discuss new agreements and commercial deals leading up to the influx of tourism that's already occurring in the new hot spot. Both leaders shared that an agreement had been made to better cooperate when it comes to the spread of communicative diseases, such as the Zika virus.
Airlines, boat services, cruise liners, hotels, and travel brands have all been gearing up to find a home in Cuba. Airbnb is officially on the island, newly expanded cell service means travelers can Instagram photos of vintage cars to their heart's desire (at a steep cost), and you can even make the trip without a group thanks to the new "people-to-people" and educational excursions. You can now even get a taste of Cuba without leaving America.
So what exactly does a presidential visit to Cuba look like? For one, the White House Instagram is giving the rest of us a great look at Obama's trip. Ahead, get a taste of Cuba through the eyes of a world leader.
