At Home With – Barbara Villalon Machado
CASA LA CIENFUEGERA
“At Home With” is our new blog series that introduces you to the private homestays or “casa particular” owners who are a part of our community.
Casa Particulares are private residences where the owner can rent one or more rooms to other Cubans or international visitors. The Casa Particular was one of the many types of private businesses made available to Cuban citizens beginning in 2011 as part of its first major socioeconomic reform. Citizens can apply for licenses from their local governments to legally open their business. Owners must pass courses in hospitality and their homes are subject to regular inspections to meet the requirements set by the Ministry of Tourism.
The tightening of US sanctions against Cuba plus the COVID-19 pandemic had a devastating affect on the private economy in Cuba. We’re happy to give some exposure to those who managed to survive the double-disaster.
Our resident coordinators, Yadira and Dayana, will sit down for an exchange with one our favorite casa particular owners. Our hope is you gain a little familiarity with the members of our community.
Next time you’re in Cuba with us for student or conference, your host may be a familiar face.
¡Adelante!
Bárbara Villalon and her husband live just 20 meters from where the Promenade and El Malecon meet.
My name is Barbara Villalon Machado.
2. Who are the members of your family who live with you in your house?
We are only two in the house, my husband and me.
3. What is your educational background?
I am an accountant. Also I worked as a teacher in the mountains, in Topes de Collantes.
4. Did you have another profession before opening your Casa Particular?
I was working in a drug (medicine) factory.
5. Why did you decided to open a Casa Particular?
Because I was retired and in addition to the economic growth, it is true to highlight that I love having people at home.
I have been running my business for nine years
7. What do you enjoy most about running a Casa?
Well, I have to say that I love social life. When guests arrive, I welcome them, I take care of them. I prepare breakfast for them personally. I love making them feel like at home. I try to make them feel they are guests and not tourists.
8. What is unique about staying in your Casa Particular?
I think it is my character, the attention I give them, the hygiene in my house. The quality I try to provide in the service. I like them to feel good and comfortable here.
9. What do you enjoy most about welcoming international students?
I talk to them about their cultures, their customs, and traditions. The way they feel in Cuba and the challenges of travelling abroad as students. They remind me my daughter as student. Undoubtedly, it is a scenario where we all learn new things.
10. Is there anything you‘d like people to know about you or staying in your Casa Particular?
Well, this is the most popular area in Cienfuegos. To the right they have the sea wall (Malecon), to the left they have the promenade (prado). It is located in the residential area and in addition, you do not need transportation to visit places of interest.