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Cypress
Elite Nomad
Posts: 7641
Registered: 3-12-2006
Location: on the bayou
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Mood: undecided
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CortezBlue, Have a great vacation. 
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64852
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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Mood: Have Baja Fever
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| Quote: | Originally posted by windgrrl
| 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...  |
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. |
Thank you for this... all I was aking for some input from someone who might know a bit.
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Cypress
Elite Nomad
Posts: 7641
Registered: 3-12-2006
Location: on the bayou
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Mood: undecided
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A paid vacation?
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lizard lips
Super Nomad
Posts: 1468
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: EARTH
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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....
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64852
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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Mood: Have Baja Fever
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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... 
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Cypress
Elite Nomad
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Location: on the bayou
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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.
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CortezBlue
Super Nomad
Posts: 2213
Registered: 11-14-2006
Location: Fenix/San Phelipe
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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.
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CortezBlue
Super Nomad
Posts: 2213
Registered: 11-14-2006
Location: Fenix/San Phelipe
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| 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!!
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edm1
Senior Nomad
Posts: 568
Registered: 8-23-2006
Location: Oak Hills, Ca
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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: | 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. |
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CortezBlue
Super Nomad
Posts: 2213
Registered: 11-14-2006
Location: Fenix/San Phelipe
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| 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: | 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. |
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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.
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Udo
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6346
Registered: 4-26-2008
Location: Black Hills, SD/Ensenada/San Felipe
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Mood: TEQUILA!
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We snuck into Cuba on a trip to Cancun, 9 years ago.
Gorgeous place!
Like stepping back in time.
Reminded me of Venezuela.
Udo
Youth is wasted on the young!
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DianaT
Select Nomad
Posts: 10020
Registered: 12-17-2004
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| 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.
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Pompano
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8194
Registered: 11-14-2004
Location: Bay of Conception and Up North
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Mood: Optimistic
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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!
I do what the voices in my tackle box tell me.
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Tommy A
Nomad
Posts: 221
Registered: 5-19-2004
Location: Manhattan Beach, Ca
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Mood: Relaxed
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Nice private apartment in Havana
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]
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Gypsy Jan
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4275
Registered: 1-27-2004
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Mood: Depends on which way the wind is blowing
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Report on A Recent Visit to Cuba
http://commiegirlcollective.com/read/long-reads/semper-fidel...
“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow mindedness.”
—Mark Twain
\"La vida es dura, el corazon es puro, y cantamos hasta la madrugada.” (Life is hard, the heart is pure and we sing until dawn.)
—Kirsty MacColl, Mambo de la Luna
\"Alea iacta est.\"
—Julius Caesar
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CortezBlue
Super Nomad
Posts: 2213
Registered: 11-14-2006
Location: Fenix/San Phelipe
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| Quote: | Originally posted by DianaT
| 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. |
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.
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Tommy A
Nomad
Posts: 221
Registered: 5-19-2004
Location: Manhattan Beach, Ca
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Mood: Relaxed
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A good site for Cuba travel info
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/forum.jspa?forumID=14
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DianaT
Select Nomad
Posts: 10020
Registered: 12-17-2004
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| Quote: | Originally posted by CortezBlue
| Quote: | Originally posted by DianaT
| 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. |
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. |
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
--- 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!
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Bajahowodd
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9274
Registered: 12-15-2008
Location: Disneyland Adjacent and anywhere in Baja
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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]
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Cypress
Elite Nomad
Posts: 7641
Registered: 3-12-2006
Location: on the bayou
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Mood: undecided
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| 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.
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