BajaNomad - Cuba, Cuba, Cuba

Cuba, Cuba, Cuba

CortezBlue - 4-19-2012 at 07:49 PM

I am excited to announce that my wife and I have been invited as cultural ambassadors to go to Cuba, legally, in October.

This is a great opportunity and the wife and I am very excited.

As a photographer I have always wanted to visit Cuba for some very colorful and interesting photos. We are attending a class in a week or so to learn the P's and Q's of travel to Cuba and what I can and can't take photos of.

Stay tuned

windgrrl - 4-19-2012 at 08:43 PM

I think Cuba is the most beautiful place I have ever been. Hope you have lots of time to travel around and see some of the country and soak up the hisotry from the layers of time - the photo ops are incredible. Have a wonderful visit.

LisaR. - 4-19-2012 at 08:51 PM

What a fantastic opportunity! I can't wait to hear about it--plus see lots of pictures (as many as you are allowed to take)!

Ateo - 4-19-2012 at 08:52 PM

Have fun. My next door neighbor is from Cuba, and he can't wait to take us there.

CortezBlue - 4-19-2012 at 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by windgrrl
I think Cuba is the most beautiful place I have ever been. Hope you have lots of time to travel around and see some of the country and soak up the hisotry from the layers of time - the photo ops are incredible. Have a wonderful visit.

I think we will be their 8 days. It appears we will be visiting may UNESCO sites. Also, the bay of pigs museum, that will be interesting.

lizard lips - 4-19-2012 at 09:24 PM

Loved my two trips there. ENJOY

toneart - 4-19-2012 at 09:37 PM

You are going to love Cuba. The people are the warmest, fun loving people you will ever meet. Be sure to find the music scene that operates off the tourist radar...where the local Habaneros go. A reliable guide can show you. I saw what must have been a 45 piece Salsa band. It had huge brass and reed sections; everything from the traditional trumpets, saxes, trombones to tubas and french horns. The rhythm section consisted of so many different percussion instruments; congas, bongos, timbales, everything that makes a sound if you shake or squeeze it. Of course there were traps (drums), piano, harps and guitars.

There was a step between the stage and the dance floor. Suddenly a group of four guys dressed in electric blue leisure suits appeared on the step. They looked like Gladys Knight's Pips. I thought they were going to break out in Do Wop. But instead, the started a perfectly choreographed Salsa step while singing. Wow!

And while you are there, you won't be able to take your eyes off of las chicas...the most beautiful in the world, doin' their moves.

You will probably be watched and monitored as "a Cultural Ambassador". So you will not be free like I was to wander anywhere and photograph anything you wish.

I bought a round trip ticket, including hotel for 10 days, from a travel agent in San Jose, Costa Rica. It was on Aero Cubana. The plane was an old Russian Aeroflot jet.

I photographed at will. When I got home and looked at what I had, I noticed at the base of the dome of The Capitolio, a man was crawling through a window to get inside. My heart jumped. Had I unwittingly witnessed some kind of foreign espionage scene, or maybe an assassin attempting to get to Castro? I had it on film and could have been imprisoned as part of the conspiracy (?) had I been caught.

Some of the building facades were being propped up by two x 6s, cantilevered and propped against wooden braces bolted into the middle of the streets. Most of the buildings had no glass. They couldn't afford to replace them as they broke.

The hotels are indeed Grand! Wonderful show places with huge lobbies, restaurants and bars with live music, open 24 hours. Beer was the equivalent of $1.00.

I could go on and on, but you will have your own stories to relate, so I look forward to your report.

Vie Bien!

Antonio La Trumpetista y que doble en Congas y Percussiones Latinas otras tambien.

CortezBlue - 4-19-2012 at 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by toneart
You are going to love Cuba. The people are the warmest, fun loving people you will ever meet. Be sure to find the music scene that operates off the tourist radar...where the local Habaneros go. A reliable guide can show you. I saw what must have been a 45 piece Salsa band. It had huge brass and reed sections; everything from the traditional trumpets, saxes, trombones to tubas and french horns. The rhythm section consisted of so many different percussion instruments; congas, bongos, timbales, everything that makes a sound if you shake or squeeze it. Of course there were traps (drums), piano, harps and guitars.

There was a step between the stage and the dance floor. Suddenly a group of four guys dressed in electric blue leisure suits appeared on the step. They looked like Gladys Knight's Pips. I thought they were going to break out in Do Wop. But instead, the started a perfectly choreographed Salsa step while singing. Wow!

And while you are there, you won't be able to take your eyes off of las chicas...the most beautiful in the world, doin' their moves.

You will probably be watched and monitored as "a Cultural Ambassador". So you will not be free like I was to wander anywhere and photograph anything you wish.

I remember listening to Dizzy Gillespe and the Afro Cuban Allstars back in the 70's and loving it. I was able to listen to some great salsa musica en Puerto Rico and wishing I could go to Cuba if to only take some color saturated photos of the cars of my childhood.

We both have our FM2's from Mexico and when in Cancun a few years ago we could have hopped a flight very cheaply. However, I learned there is a $250K fine if you get busted by uncle sam

There will be 30 if us in our group. We will staying at the Malia resorts while in the bigger cities, when we are in the countryside I'm not sure.

toneart - 4-20-2012 at 09:59 AM

Cortezblue,

If you can, pick up Dizzy Gillespie's last CD he ever made. It was recorded in London and is his United Nations Orchestra. Many of the musicians were Cuban; Danillo Perez, Paquito de Rivera, and the great, great trumpet player, Arturo Sandoval. Enjoy it! :light:

Tony

shari - 4-20-2012 at 10:14 AM

boy...I too have Cuba on my mind these days as that is where Juan & I want to go on our next vacation...instead of Agua Verde! It is the music we are most interested in but sure would appreciate any tips on where to stay and what to see....thanks tony for your ideas....viva cuba!

David K - 4-20-2012 at 02:24 PM

For a place that seems 'so wonderful' (what the traveler is permitted to view), why are its people kept like prisoners and prevented form leaving, and must risk their lives to get out? Such a 'paradise' would need no exit visa to keep the people there, right?

Just asking... :?:

DanO - 4-20-2012 at 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
For a place that seems 'so wonderful' (what the traveler is permitted to view), why are its people kept like prisoners and prevented form leaving, and must risk their lives to get out? Such a 'paradise' would need no exit visa to keep the people there, right?

Just asking... :?:

It sure didn't take long for that parade to get peeed on. Less than 24 hours and 10 comments. I'm sure the original poster appreciates such informative commentary. Sheesh.

DianaT - 4-20-2012 at 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by CortezBlue
I am excited to announce that my wife and I have been invited as cultural ambassadors to go to Cuba, legally, in October.

This is a great opportunity and the wife and I am very excited.

As a photographer I have always wanted to visit Cuba for some very colorful and interesting photos. We are attending a class in a week or so to learn the P's and Q's of travel to Cuba and what I can and can't take photos of.

Stay tuned

That is VERY exciting and I can't wait to see the photos and hear all about it. When we lived in Honduras, we also made it there. It was where many of the families who had money went for vacation and for medical care.

It is still on our bucket list----looking so forward to a current report!

Ateo - 4-20-2012 at 03:06 PM

David K, there is more to Cuba than what you hear from the right wing media. Sound familiar? Think of what they have to say about mexico......No disrespect.

I too thought Cuba was a hell hole until my neighbor educated me on his homeland. Of course were all bummed that it's a communist country and the people can't leave freely, but that doesn't mean the people aren't great, the food delicious, the beaches pristine, and the prices so very cheap! I bet you'd love Cuba since you love Baja.

We need to lift the travel restrictions.....

[Edited on 4-20-2012 by ateo]

DianaT - 4-20-2012 at 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
I only ASKED a question... note this ? at the end of it. How about answering my question and not try and read other things into it?

I have friends in Mexico who traveled to Cuba and loved it, too...

Some people believe government is supposed to be a babysitter from cradle to grave... and don't hear of the blindness brought on by lack of food or medicine... and blame the U.S. embargo for it's ills (when other countries have trade with Cuba).

Again, why are people shot for wanting to leave it? Why does anyone want to leave a paradise? Why does one family (Castro) not allow free and open elections if theyb are doing so good a job?

Just questions... thank you.

But your questions have nothing to do with people visiting Cuba. Your questions want to turn this really nice thread about visiting Cuba into a political quagmire. :no:

Just do it...

windgrrl - 4-20-2012 at 03:42 PM

As usual a bit of history might give some perspective on the current situation in Cuba. The sugar cartels and embargo were/are social & economical "shackles", but Cuba achieved independence and was still able to foster art, music and advances in health care and agriculture. Early on, Cuba attended to core social programs, health, education and then increased it's literacy from nearly nil to at least 85% in the 1st decade, the highest rate in the Caribbean. The embargo really worked to choke off socialism and then Cuba got friendly with the Russians.

I think the Cuban perspective is not so much about being enslaved, but rather about not having opportunities and access to goods prohibited by the embargo. Despite their ingenuity, they needed to ramp up tourism in the 80s and showcase their best. Tourism opened up the beauty and historical treasures of Cuba to others. For example, it has been said that some of the culture of Africa are well-preserved as because of Cuba's isolation. Increased tourism has now produced it's own issues of course.

... pack an inquiring mind, be a good guest and check it out before the system changes, the beach front is privatized and all the good stuff gets commercialized! Kind of like Baja, eh?

Paula - 4-20-2012 at 03:46 PM

Dear David,

I am sorry that work is slow for you these days, and I would like to do something to help you pass the spare time you seem to have on your hands. So I am sending your email to REader Supported News, Truthout, and Moveon.org. I'm sure they will send you plenty of free reading material, and you will be able to educate yourself on how to improve your world. I think it would be better for your health than spewing irrelevant right wing babble into this friendly conversation about the attractions of Cuba.

Enjoy!

Your friend,
Paula

windgrrl - 4-20-2012 at 03:52 PM

Quote:

True - travel is restricted and Cubans do travel for a number of reasons, including personal travel. Of course, travel restrictions occur both ways for some, but not Canadians.

I went to Cuba 5 times between 1982 and 1990 and we were not restricted in any way. The only observer we noticed was a man who can racing down the beach to warn us not to touch a Man of War. You can travel independently throughout the country and it is really interesting to visit some of the places where soem significant history from the Spaniards to modern times occured.

Who isn't a prisoner of life's circumstances to some degree? So many are now slaves to consumerism and associated debtors.

Ateo - 4-20-2012 at 03:55 PM

Hey Cortez Blue, we eagerly await a trip report in the Fall.

Paula - 4-20-2012 at 03:55 PM

If you can get up into the high mountains in the central part of the island you will see such beautiful land. An ironic side effect of Cuba's poor economy is that the forests have been left intact. No industry transpires there, and species of plant and animal life long extinct in the rest of Latin America still thrive there. There is plenty of rain, it is green and fertile. The air is clear, and the flowers are beyond imagination. It may be the most beautiful place I've ever seen.

Cypress - 4-20-2012 at 04:06 PM

CortezBlue, Have a great vacation. :yes:

David K - 4-20-2012 at 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by windgrrl

Quote:

Thank you for this... all I was aking for some input from someone who might know a bit.

Cypress - 4-20-2012 at 04:17 PM

A paid vacation?

lizard lips - 4-20-2012 at 04:18 PM

My last trip to Havana I spoke with a Cuban National who educated me about what is currently happening with their socialism that at one time worked out just fine however this process is slowly being replaced by citizens owning there own businesses and providing an income that they actually have control of.

Right now the Cuban government provides food, power, medical, and schooling for all however the food provided only lasts two weeks at the most and the government power company provides power to residential areas only on certain days and only for a short period of time. I was told that most citizens need to work for themselves selling anything such as fruit and food and providing services to others for a fee in order to survive. The socialistic process is slowly becoming history.

I was trying to figure out why Toneart mentioned that he had "Free Rein" to travel anywhere he wanted to go and other tourists were not allowed. On my two trips there I went anywhere I wanted to go but I was also followed by the Cuban Secret Service. I was going in and out of the American Services Offices often and I guess they felt I needed to be watched. I was there for work to investigate a 7 million dollar life insurance claim where the insured was knifed by a Cuban in the southern part of the country for what I was told by the local cops eyeing the Cubans girlfriend. I knew I was being watched and these guys were not really good at surveillance. They went through my security box at my hotel and hid behind trees taking my photograph. It was fun to have these guys watching me. I was in the country legally with the permission of the State Department. I was told by them that it is "Legal" for Americans to travel to Cuba but it was illegal to spend any money there. Figure that one out!

I have stayed both times at Hotel Nacional in Havana but went to many secluded places in the country which are pristine untouched and beautiful. The Cuban people are fantastic and the woman are exceptionally beautiful and will chat with you and not be snobs. They smile a lot.......

When Castro finally leaves us, which may be another 50 years, (That man seems to lives forever) Havana will completely change from what is is right now so if you are going to visit-do it soon. The malecon downtown has many apartment buildings facing the ocean and what you see is laundry hanging out to dry and the occasional old Cuban man sitting in his chair smoking a stogie. This will all disappear replaced by Planet Hollywood's and Hardrock Cafes and the always present Starbucks.

GO NOW....

David K - 4-20-2012 at 04:22 PM

Thank you VERY much LL! Pretty much as I would guess... the reality is always hidden by socialists in power and then they 'allow' capitalism so the people don't starve... :light:

Cypress - 4-20-2012 at 05:28 PM

When Castro's gone Cuba will open the gates. It will be a major blow to the US and Mexican tourist industry. Half the tourists with any money to spend will be heading for Cuba.

CortezBlue - 4-20-2012 at 10:06 PM

Travel to Cuba is not restricted to anyone in the world, except for US Citizens and perhaps North Koreans.

And with my Mexican FM2 I can easily go to Cuba, without any issues.

However, if you have any issues or are "caught" entering or exiting Cuba as a US citizen, there is a $250K fine.

CortezBlue - 4-20-2012 at 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Cypress
When Castro's gone Cuba will open the gates. It will be a major blow to the US and Mexican tourist industry. Half the tourists with any money to spend will be heading for Cuba.

Yes, it is funny you mention that. We were at happy hour with some folks tonight and telling them about the trip. I mentioned that the minute Fidel goes to be with Che, the USA will suddenly decide it is time to open up relations with Cuba.

We were laghing that they could send all of the old cars to the Barrett-Jackson auction here in Phoenix and finance the entire country!! :bounce:

edm1 - 4-21-2012 at 05:02 AM

Can't we talk about both or all sides of the subject? After all this is a FORUM!!!

I myself would like to read about the negatives (as well as positives) or as you might say "outside of the norm".

Quote:

Originally posted by DanO

Quote:

It sure didn't take long for that parade to get peeed on. Less than 24 hours and 10 comments. I'm sure the original poster appreciates such informative commentary. Sheesh.

CortezBlue - 4-21-2012 at 06:31 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by edm1
Can't we talk about both or all sides of the subject? After all this is a FORUM!!!

I myself would like to read about the negatives (as well as positives) or as you might say "outside of the norm".

Quote:

Originally posted by DanO

Quote:

It sure didn't take long for that parade to get peeed on. Less than 24 hours and 10 comments. I'm sure the original poster appreciates such informative commentary. Sheesh.

Yes, it is to bad we can't have a section on the forum that would be restricted from the KIA's

KIA=know it all, you know the type of person that corrects, comments, self promotes and posts more posts per day than anyone else on the site. A person that if you name them by name and call them on any issue, your post is likely to be censored. :biggrin:

Udo - 4-21-2012 at 07:43 AM

We snuck into Cuba on a trip to Cancun, 9 years ago.
Gorgeous place!

Like stepping back in time.

Reminded me of Venezuela.

DianaT - 4-21-2012 at 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by CortezBlue
Travel to Cuba is not restricted to anyone in the world, except for US Citizens and perhaps North Koreans.

And with my Mexican FM2 I can easily go to Cuba, without any issues.

However, if you have any issues or are "caught" entering or exiting Cuba as a US citizen, there is a $250K fine.

Don't know if it is still what happens, but in past years friends who have visited Cuba via Mexico said the Cuban officials were very good about not stamping their US passports.

Pompano - 4-21-2012 at 08:23 AM

I have shown these photos before, but this thread takes me Back in Time to 1959 Havana...just days before Castro took over the country:

My family vacationed there every winter for many years. For me, Havana was full of the wonders of History..and the Fishing was fantastic.

I took this photo of a Batista soldier from our hotel room balconey. (my first camera..a Brownie Hawk-Eye)

My Dad in Havana...back the, folks dressed in suits and dresses for most occasions. We were on the way to the horse track when I snapped this one.

IT'S ABOUT TIME FOR ANOTHER TRIP TO CUBA!

Nice private apartment in Havana

Tommy A - 4-21-2012 at 09:21 AM

Stayed here on my two trips to Havana, great couple rent it out ( Norma & Miguel ) they live next door and help out with any questions you may have.

http://www.bedincuba.com/casa_particular_cuba_havana_center_...

You may get a better deal if you call them direct
PH # ( 537) 862-0572

[Edited on 4-21-2012 by Tommy A]

Report on A Recent Visit to Cuba

Gypsy Jan - 4-21-2012 at 01:53 PM

http://commiegirlcollective.com/read/long-reads/semper-fidel...

CortezBlue - 4-21-2012 at 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DianaT

Quote:

Don't know if it is still what happens, but in past years friends who have visited Cuba via Mexico said the Cuban officials were very good about not stamping their US passports.

I heard the same thing from several folks who have been to Cuba as well. I watched the Today show a few years ago and Matt Lauer (SP) was in Havana and had to make a statement provided by the State Department that was, kind of like, a don't try this at home statement. When he stated the $250K fine I couldn't believe it. I am looking forward to the trip. My wife asked me the other day, "do you think we will be safe?" I did some research and they have the lowest crime rate in the western hemisphere. And then I thought is that because they don't report the crime?

I'm not to worried.

A good site for Cuba travel info

Tommy A - 4-21-2012 at 02:47 PM

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/forum.jspa?forumID=14

DianaT - 4-21-2012 at 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by CortezBlue

Quote:

Originally posted by DianaT

Quote:

Don't know if it is still what happens, but in past years friends who have visited Cuba via Mexico said the Cuban officials were very good about not stamping their US passports.

Since Cuba is such a popular destination for so many Europeans, Canadians and the---you know, the ones who are supposed to NOT go, I would not worry about the safety issue. I would just follow the same rules of caution we follow when visiting other places --- like when a really nice Mexican lady gently smacked John as we were boarding the Metro in Mexico City and told him to get his wallet out of his back pocket and put it in a front pocket :biggrin:

--- but I am sure you know all the standard precautions.

BTW-- My son told me that some friends of his went there not too long ago and the officials stamped a blank piece of paper and stapled it into the US passports. When they left Cuba---the paper disappeared. I think that Cuba does not want to lose the US tourist trade so they know how to deal with the really outdated travel restriction.

I just can't wait to hear all about your experiences there!

Bajahowodd - 4-21-2012 at 04:35 PM

We did Havana from Cancun five years ago. The Cubans do not stamp American's passports, so there will be no repercussions.

It's really lovely. I agree with what others have said about the country and its people.

My father went there in the 50's when it was one of the great destinations for world-wide travelers.

If anything, they have been impeded by US policy. That's why you will encounter mostly Canadian and European tourists there.

OK. A political comment. If it wasn't for the huge ex-pat Cuban community, mostly in Florida, who vote almost 100% Republican, just maybe this silly embargo would have already ended. Geez. The Soviet Union dissolved a long time ago. Cuba has posed no threat to the US since then. We need to get over it.

[Edited on 4-21-2012 by Bajahowodd]

Cypress - 4-21-2012 at 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
OK. A political comment. If it wasn't for the huge ex-pat Cuban community, mostly in Florida, who vote almost 100% Republican, just maybe this silly embargo would have already ended. Geez. The Soviet Union dissolved a long time ago. Cuba has posed no threat to the US since then. We need to get over it.
[Edited on 4-21-2012 by Bajahowodd]

Agree with you on this. :yes:

toneart - 4-21-2012 at 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by lizard lips

I was trying to figure out why Toneart mentioned that he had "Free Rein" to travel anywhere he wanted to go and other tourists were not allowed. On my two trips there I went anywhere I wanted to go but I was also followed by the Cuban Secret Service. I was going in and out of the American Services Offices often and I guess they felt I needed to be watched. I was there for work to investigate a 7 million dollar life insurance claim where the insured was knifed by a Cuban in the southern part of the country for what I was told by the local cops eyeing the Cubans girlfriend. I knew I was being watched and these guys were not really good at surveillance. They went through my security box at my hotel and hid behind trees taking my photograph. It was fun to have these guys watching me. I was in the country legally with the permission of the State Department. I was told by them that it is "Legal" for Americans to travel to Cuba but it was illegal to spend any money there. Figure that one out!

I have stayed both times at Hotel Nacional in Havana but went to many secluded places in the country which are pristine untouched and beautiful. The Cuban people are fantastic and the woman are exceptionally beautiful and will chat with you and not be snobs. They smile a lot.......

When Castro finally leaves us, which may be another 50 years, (That man seems to lives forever) Havana will completely change from what is is right now so if you are going to visit-do it soon. The malecon downtown has many apartment buildings facing the ocean and what you see is laundry hanging out to dry and the occasional old Cuban man sitting in his chair smoking a stogie. This will all disappear replaced by Planet Hollywood's and Hardrock Cafes and the always present Starbucks.

GO NOW....

Lizard Lips. Your post is very interesting. Lots of good information. That thing about it not being illegal to be there, but yet, illegal to spend money there does seem paradoxical, and illogical. I had heard that too. The odd thing is, when I was there about 10 years ago, the currency of exchange was the U.S. dollar. The Cuban Peso also existed but you didn't see any. Also, the exchange rate was 1 Cuban Peso=1 U.S. Dollar.

The reason I said I had "free rein" to go anywhere is because I was not part of a tour, a sanctioned athletic, educational or cultural organization, or any kind of business. Lizard Lips, you were there on business, with a mission, and they knew in advance you were coming.

I may have been tailed, but I was not aware of it. I stayed at the Hotel Presidente and loved it. The hotel concierge was a nice looking woman, dressed in business attire; skirt and tailored jacket. She did notice me and probably on around the second day, she approached me. (Maybe she was ordered to, but I didn't get that feeling). She asked me what I was doing there, and what interests me about Cuba. I told her that I was interested in the culture, the architecture, art, music, especially Afro-Cubano Jazz, and athletics. That evening there was a bag at my door containing official looking, government produced magazines and pamphlets. The graphics and photography looked like it was produced in the 1970's by Russians. They covered all the subject matter I told here I was interested in.

I think that if I were being tailed, they would lose interest pretty quickly as I was not snooping around any sights that may have high security. The only possible exception might be the photos I mentioned earlier that I took of the Capitol building' exterior. I was aghast when I arrived home and one of the photos showed a man crawling through a window at the base of the dome.

Lizard Lips. I too would not like to see the inevitable changes in the street scenes and the innocent-like joy of the people in the streets, after Castro dies. I fear that you described accurately what would replace it. This is by no means a political statement.

I wanted to address some other things that posters here brought up:

The immigration officials at the airport know that they are not supposed to stamp our passports. They Do want us to be there (and spend money). They issue a tourist card instead. I was sweating it though. The windows were up high so that I could only see the officials face. His desk was not visible. This guy decided to have fun with me. I could hear, stamp, stamp, stamp, stamp. I thought, "Oh oh, I'm screwed." Then he handed my passport and tourist card up to me, stared at me like he had just tasted a sour lemon, and then broke out in a big smile. I nervously looked through my passport and there were NO stamps. Whew!

I went round trip from Costa Rica. Someone mentioned that the fine for going to Cuba is $250.00, if you were caught "entering or leaving". The only place I think we would be caught is, while reentering the United States you may be carrying Cuban things, such as the magazines I told you the hotel concierge gave me, or maybe, Cohiba Cigars. If $250.00 is the penalty, and no jail time, I think taking the chance is worth that risk. Oh well! Chalk it up to the added price for an adventure of a life time.

This is also something that I was sweating: I had those magazines and a T shirt from Cuba, kinda packed in with some other innocuous stuff, and the airline from Costa Rica lost my luggage. They told me that when it is found they would clear it through customs for me and then deliver it to my home. Gulp! Well they got delivered the next day and nothing was said about it.

I had many encounters on the street with people who just wanted to talk to an American. One was actually a failed boat escapee. The all talked in low volume voices and kept a keen eye out for eavesdroppers.

Nobody I talked to liked Castro. They say he and the government hold all the power and wealth. But they did like the Communist System. Remember, most of them were born since the revolution and were indoctrinated into the System from the earliest school years. That propaganda is all they know.

CortezBlue - 4-21-2012 at 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
We did Havana from Cancun five years ago. The Cubans do not stamp American's passports, so there will be no repercussions.

It's really lovely. I agree with what others have said about the country and its people.

My father went there in the 50's when it was one of the great destinations for world-wide travelers.

If anything, they have been impeded by US policy. That's why you will encounter mostly Canadian and European tourists there.

OK. A political comment. If it wasn't for the huge ex-pat Cuban community, mostly in Florida, who vote almost 100% Republican, just maybe this silly embargo would have already ended. Geez. The Soviet Union dissolved a long time ago. Cuba has posed no threat to the US since then. We need to get over it.

[Edited on 4-21-2012 by Bajahowodd]

So if I read your comment correctly, are you saying that if we had a Democrat Prez we could get Cuba opened up?

Honestly I think once Fidel is gone it will open up very soon. BTW I am a fiscally conservative republican and I also wish they would just push everything behind them and move forward. I also think pot and prostitution should be legitimized. That being said, enough of the deficit spending.

Stickers - 4-22-2012 at 12:02 AM

I highly recommend a brilliant book written about Cuba about ten years ago. The author took his motorcycle to Cuba and rode the island (every nook and cranny).

Stayed with the rural peasants, sampled the ladies, dealt with the government.

The best insight of what is really Cuba today. He loves the place and finds the heart of its people, although it's quite damaged.

"MiMoto Fidel"
by Christopher P. Baker

Fantastic book -

Marc - 4-22-2012 at 05:59 PM

When you are in the old town square (cathedral) say hi to my girlfriends! (December 2001)

[Edited on 4-24-2012 by Marc]

Went there on a cruise ship

thebajarunner - 4-22-2012 at 06:38 PM

Uh...... in 1959 and the ship was big, gray and had a big flat top with lots of planes with bombs.
And Castro came aboard and told our Captain to leave and our Capt told him the same thing, and Castro left and we did not.
Yep, it is beautiful, the women are beautiful, the folks are friendly
and I am on a board that supports seminaries there and it is about as oppressive as you can possibly imagine.
Sad, such great folks, such a bleak economy,
I too hope the man gets on, and soon,
love to have it open up for everyone.

durrelllrobert - 4-22-2012 at 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
the reality is always hidden by socialists in power and then they 'allow' capitalism so the people don't starve... :light:

Same as China and maybe N. Korea to a certain extent.

durrelllrobert - 4-22-2012 at 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by lizard lips

GO NOW....

Wish I could. My Canadian wife can go without me but I might never see her again.

durrelllrobert - 4-22-2012 at 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by CortezBlue

However, if you have any issues or are "caught" entering or exiting Cuba as a US citizen, there is a $250K fine.

...and it's worse than that when you have had access to DoD and DN secrets.

durrelllrobert - 4-22-2012 at 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by toneart

If $250.00 is the penalty, and no jail time, I think taking the chance is worth that risk.

Duh, thats $250,000 not $250

toneart - 4-23-2012 at 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by durrelllrobert

Quote:

Originally posted by toneart

If $250.00 is the penalty, and no jail time, I think taking the chance is worth that risk.

Duh, thats $250,000 not $250

Oops! I missed the K after the 250. That does make my assumption incorrect. A constructive correction would have been gladly accepted. It would also have informed readers of my oversight, as it definitely changes the assumption. As it stands now, $250,000 does NOT make the risk worthwhile.

Thanks for the "Duh", Sourpuss. Sorry that's all you got out of my reports.

Too bad there isn't a middle finger smilie.

By the way, Einstein, "thats" (sic) should be that's. For the uneducated, that's is a contraction of that and is. An apostrophe (') is used between the t and s. It replaces the missing letter, i.

Oh, and one more thing: You need a period (.) at the end of a sentence. If you require any more tutoring, that will cost you more than embarrassment. I charge $250.00, a figure I seem to have stuck in my head. :yes:

It would appear that I gleaned a lot more out of your poorly constructed and incomplete sentence that you got out of my three joyful, descriptive narratives. :lol:

Aren't you glad you chose to make your "Duh" the highlight of your constructive message?

Peace, Love and Fish Tacos :light:

Pompano - 4-23-2012 at 04:13 PM

At age 14, I was fortunate to fish Cuba's Treasure Lake with my father. He always thought the next world record largemouth bass would come from that lake...and maybe it will?

Anybody else ever fish that lake? Kind of special...had trout, too.

To date, a dozen bass larger than the world record have been caught in Cuba, but not one was caught legally.

The old Record stands: 22lb 4oz. 1932 Buck Perry,Montgomery Lake, Georgia.....now tied in 2009 by Japan's Manabu Kurita, Lake Biwa, Japan.

Treasure Lake, anyone?

[Edited on 4-23-2012 by Pompano]

You made me smile

thebajarunner - 4-23-2012 at 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by toneart

Quote:

Originally posted by durrelllrobert

Quote:

Originally posted by toneart

If $250.00 is the penalty, and no jail time, I think taking the chance is worth that risk.

Duh, thats $250,000 not $250

It would appear that I gleaned a lot more out of your poorly constructed and incomplete sentence that you got out of my three joyful, descriptive narratives. :lol:

Aren't you glad you chose to make your "Duh" the highlight of your constructive message?

Peace, Love and Fish Tacos :light:

Every time I have attempted to help out some of our folks with English 101 I get sniped and sneered at. (somehow I just could not end that sentence with anything other than a preposition, alas.)

When I edited Bernie's last book, by the time we were at the halfway point he was no longer addressing me by name but simply as "The School Marm."

durrelllrobert - 4-24-2012 at 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by toneart

Thanks for the "Duh", Sourpuss. Sorry that's all you got out of my reports.

It would appear that I gleaned a lot more out of your poorly constructed and incomplete sentence that you got out of my three joyful, descriptive narratives. :lol:

Aren't you glad you chose to make your "Duh" the highlight of your constructive message?

Peace, Love and Fish Tacos :light:

You're too kind. You could have really slaughtered me for the errors of my way. Here are the missing apostrophe and period: ' . from my post but what's up with this grammer "that you got" in your response?