| Pages:
1
2
3
4 |
wessongroup
Platinum Nomad
Posts: 21152
Registered: 8-9-2009
Location: Mission Viejo
Member Is Offline
Mood: Suicide Hot line ... please hold
|
|
Thanks Mr You Tube... 
|
|
|
toneart
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4901
Registered: 7-23-2006
Member Is Offline
Mood: Skeptical
|
|
"I don’t know that I have a lot of virtues, but one of them would be an intense curiosity about the world." -Anthony Bourdain
This is the line that motivates people like Bourdain and me. Those that don't have that "intense curiosity about the world" are
missing so much because they are blinded by their lack of imagination and/or their constipated and restricting ideology...or...a low IQ. Having a low
IQ is the only excusable excuse. They can't help themselves.
How could you not want to go there?
|
|
|
Bajahowodd
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9274
Registered: 12-15-2008
Location: Disneyland Adjacent and anywhere in Baja
Member Is Offline
|
|
Gawd!
Tony Bourdain is to me, who also is from New York, a rather typical example of New York abrasveness and swagger that has never played well in the
heartland of America.
But, in my opinion, he is incredibly smart and entertaining, as well as being honest.
The refererences to "commie" made on several posts here are merely a witness to arrested development on the part of the posters. It just does not fly.
Truth is that the Cuban-American community, much like the Vietnamese-American community continue to fight the "cold war" that has been long over.
Maybe the US should not have become so entangled in either of these historic battles, but I just checked a calendar, and it says we are in 2011.
Perhaps ther ought to be some form of therapy that could be given to these two immigrant groups so that the US government can stop considering their
insane rants in the present day.
Does anyone really believe that communism, despite the fact that a pure version of that concept never happened, is going to be resurgent?
The US has had an incredibly empty-headed policy toward Cuba for many decades merely because a bunch of Cuban refugees took over South Florida's
politics.
|
|
|
Gypsy Jan
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4275
Registered: 1-27-2004
Member Is Offline
Mood: Depends on which way the wind is blowing
|
|
Whatever You Feel About the Politics
Check out these images of Cuba: http://www.commiegirlcollective.com/
“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
|
|
|
toneart
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4901
Registered: 7-23-2006
Member Is Offline
Mood: Skeptical
|
|
Jan, I did check out this website. I liked her photos but found her comments too hard edged. They weren't all that complementary. Her attitude is very
Los Angeles; brash, young and trying too hard.
My experience there was much more positive and my conversations with people were delightful. It is true they are not allowed to speak openly on
politics. They did whisper though. Most of the population was born after Castro's revolution. They were indoctrinated and acculturated into the system
early in school. In spite of their politics and poverty, their schools are very good. They all wear uniforms too.
Almost everybody I talked to candidly whispered that they like the system but they don't like Castro. According to them, he is a despot and the
military are the elite. They hoard all the wealth and the people have nothing. The people are given laissee faire to try any business endeavor without
much regulation though. For example, if they want to have a small restaurant from their kitchen, or if they want to rent a room to you, they can.
If there is an interest I will write more on Cuba.
Jan, your Mark Twain quote fits right in with what I have been saying in this string. 
|
|
|
Gypsy Jan
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4275
Registered: 1-27-2004
Member Is Offline
Mood: Depends on which way the wind is blowing
|
|
Hi, toneart
Remember, I said to look at the striking images of this isolated and very misunderstood country.
I apologize if I sent the message that I agree with her comments.
She is a good writer that used to work for the OC Weekly, an alternative newspaper in Orange County, CA.
But, yes, she has an attitude and an aggressive way of expressing herself, but why not? It is her way and my point is that she could not do that in
Cuba, at this time.
And she was able to carry these messages and images back to a climate that won't arrest her and throw her in prison.
“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
|
|
|
toneart
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4901
Registered: 7-23-2006
Member Is Offline
Mood: Skeptical
|
|
| Quote: | Originally posted by Gypsy Jan
Remember, I said to look at the striking images of this isolated and very misunderstood country.
I apologize if I sent the message that I agree with her comments.
She is a good writer that used to work for the OC Weekly, an alternative newspaper in Orange County, CA.
But, yes, she has an attitude and an aggressive way of expressing herself, but why not? It is her way and my point is that she could not do that in
Cuba, at this time.
And she was able to carry these messages and images back to a climate that won't arrest her and throw her in prison. |
No, Jan. You did not send the message that you agree with her. I was just giving my revue of her Cuba piece. She probably is a good writer, as you
say.
...and I agree with your point.
|
|
|
Gypsy Jan
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4275
Registered: 1-27-2004
Member Is Offline
Mood: Depends on which way the wind is blowing
|
|
Mr. Toneart
You are a courteous and gracious gentleman.
GJ
“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
|
|
|
Roberto
Banned
Posts: 2162
Registered: 9-5-2003
Member Is Offline
|
|
With a superior IQ. 
|
|
|
Ken Cooke
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8947
Registered: 2-9-2004
Location: Riverside, CA
Member Is Offline
Mood: Pole Line Road postponed due to injury
|
|
| Quote: | Originally posted by Roberto
With a superior IQ. |
Robert - You sure hold grudges. 
|
|
|
Cypress
Elite Nomad
Posts: 7641
Registered: 3-12-2006
Location: on the bayou
Member Is Offline
Mood: undecided
|
|
After the Castro's are gone Cuba will probably be the #1 tourist destination for millions of Americans.
|
|
|
toneart
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4901
Registered: 7-23-2006
Member Is Offline
Mood: Skeptical
|
|
| Quote: | Originally posted by Roberto
With a superior IQ. |
Roberto,
In spite of your snipes at me, I have been told by a Nomad whom you have met, that you are a nice person. It is obvious that you disagree with some of
my posts due to opposing ideology, but I can (and do) overlook that. 
|
|
|
wessongroup
Platinum Nomad
Posts: 21152
Registered: 8-9-2009
Location: Mission Viejo
Member Is Offline
Mood: Suicide Hot line ... please hold
|
|
"If there is an interest I will write more on Cuba."
Please do Tone...
|
|
|
BajaBlanca
Select Nomad
Posts: 13197
Registered: 10-28-2008
Location: La Bocana, BCS
Member Is Offline
|
|
write on, Tony !!
|
|
|
Bajahowodd
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9274
Registered: 12-15-2008
Location: Disneyland Adjacent and anywhere in Baja
Member Is Offline
|
|
| Quote: | Originally posted by Cypress
After the Castro's are gone Cuba will probably be the #1 tourist destination for millions of Americans. |
Sorta like before the Castros? There was a time when Havana was among the world destinations to play, like the French Riviera and Acapulco.
Would be nice if that happened.
|
|
|
toneart
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4901
Registered: 7-23-2006
Member Is Offline
Mood: Skeptical
|
|
Wessonman, Blanca, thank you for your requests.
I was in Cuba seven years ago, just before traveling to Mulege and having my casita built. I had always wanted to go there, probably because we are
forbidden. Tell me I can't do something and I will find a way to do it. Cuba far exceeded my expectations as to it's beauty and its friendly people.
Being that I was already in San Jose, Costa Rica, I saw a poster in a travel agency window advertising a round trip to Havana, including a week in
Havana and two days in Veradero, a beach resort town. The cost, including RT air and a beautiful hotel, was around $425.00. Can you imagine such a
price?
The plane was an old Russian Aeroflot jet about the size of a Boeing 747. It now belonged to AeroCubana and was painted with the red and white colors
and logo of the company. Shortly after takeoff the cabin started to fill with fog. Condensation was filling the aisles, coming out from under the
seats. It became so dense I couldn't see. I got scared. I had never seen a plane do this before. My seatmate told me that it is common with this
aircraft, but I thought we were going to die.
After awhile, the fog subsided and I was taken by the frivolity of a Cuban tour group who were headed back home. They were all ages and very well
dressed; the men in suits and ties and the women in smart dresses or tailored suits...not high fashion, but smart. They appeared to be business and/or
government employees. Their tour guide, an attractive young woman, spent most of the time in the aisle exchanging questions and answers and lots of
laughter. Cuban is spoken very fast and there are many idioms that I didn't know. I got the gist of it though.
Veradero Beach was not typical. It is a glossy showcase for tourists with Euros running around in Speedos. (Anthony Weiner must have been inspired by
that...ugh!) I did not like it and was glad to get back to funky, soulful
Havana.
As I walked around the city streets and malecons, and took in the sights, many people walked up and lock stepped with me to talk. They thought I was
Spanish or Canadian. They hadn't seen or met many Americans. Most countries, except for the U.S., are there getting a foothold in business for when
the U.S. embargo breaks. Too bad we aren't! In a way, I really don't want to see it change, but it would be better for the people when it does.
When they found out I am American, they really got interested and were very friendly and curious. Almost everybody wanted to be my guide. I gave that
job to one of the bartenders at my hotel.
He asked me what I wanted to see. I told him to take me to a place where Cuban Jazz was featured; not The Copa Cabana! I wanted to go where the people
go. Like all poor latinos, they will spend their last peso on having a good time. The currency, by the way, is officially a Cuban Peso, but the actual
money that circulates is the U.S. dollar. One peso=one dollar.
I already knew about the music but to be there in an outdoor, tropical, balmy night, to see a live band perform, it was mind blowing! I will talk
about this in a subsequent episode.
Later!
Tony 
|
|
|
Roberto
Banned
Posts: 2162
Registered: 9-5-2003
Member Is Offline
|
|
Tone - yes, it's true. I am a nice guy (but keep it to yourself, ok? I have been working on my image on this board for a long time). And, whatever you
do, don't tell DENNIS.
For the record, the first was a snipe (I really did find your comment intolerably arrogant), the last was a joke. Sarcasm, humor, all mixed in.
[Edited on 7-13-2011 by Roberto]
|
|
|
Paula
Super Nomad
Posts: 2219
Registered: 1-5-2006
Location: Loreto
Member Is Offline
|
|
Tony thank you for writing about your Cuba experience! All trips to Cuba are unique, and all are amazing! I'm looking forward to hearing more about
your evening of jazz there, it must have been something wonderful-- I can only imagine!
I've been twice to Cuba. I'm not so much of a traveler, though I would like to be, and these visits are always bright and clear in my mind. My
first trip was in July 1959. I was just 14, and traveling with a friend of my mother's-- a good old University of Chicago liberal (socialist)
professor of ethnic studies, or some such, and her 17 year old daughter. We flew from Miami, and we were among the last US tourists in that era. We
spent the first two nights at the Havana Riviera, glitzy, elegant, modern and mafia connected. It was booked to capacity, and the other tourists were
all Cuban-- from all over-- campesinos who had fought for Fidel and had been brought in for the celebration that was to happen on 26 Julio, the
anniversary of the beginning of the revolution. Professor Sophie wanted a more authentic experience, so we moved to a small downtown walk-up hotel--
walk up the stairs and down the corridor to your room. Both places were fascinating, and very different one from the other. Both felt safe and
friendly, though we were occasionally spit at on the streets of Havana. We walked all over the city-- Havana en flor de su piel-- so beautiful-- and
so very different than the photos by Commie Girl! It was clean refined, elegant, cosmopolitan, and a paradise with orange trees drooping with fruit
for the picking on the clean, wide boulevards of Habana centro. I also remember our visit to Morro castle where we were told in graphic detail of the
tortures administered to the revolutionary prisoners by the Batista regime. We went out of the city one day by bus, saw a sugar plantation I think,
and a c-ck fight in a very small arena. The high point of the trip was of course the 26th. Fidel spoke for hours from a third floor balcony of a
tall building, while people danced in huge cirles in th espace below. We were pulled along-- Que fiesta! I knew I would come again to this exotic
place, and I waited many years to do so.
Teh second trip was in 2002. It was a legal educational tour, the focus being on social systems-- education, child care, health care, etc. It was
bittersweet to see this tortured place again. It really was a sad shadow of all that it had been, or at least had appeared to be. Under Batista life
was good-- for those who lived the good life. Not so good for the underclasses. Now things are tough for everyone. The Cuban people don't complain,
and the are joyful and resilient. And they have amazing style-- putting together great looks from the bags of used clothes sent from Miami relatives.
And they are rightfully proud of all that they achieve, all that they wring from nothing. A friend who is an oncologist shadowed a Cuban doctor
through a day at work. This man went home at night to fabricate the tools he needed for surgery the next day, as the hospital has nothing, and he
performed life saving miracles. Wooden drying racks line the hospital halls, hung with washed disposable latex gloves. Many of the doctors drive
cabs on the weekends to get those American dollars, which were worth much more than Cuban pesos at that time. Doctors earn the same as all Cubans--
nowhere near enough to get by. There were peso stores and dollar stores-- nothing to buy with pesos, but dollars bought soap, toothpaste, food,
lightbulbs, etc. I think that has changed now.
So on the tour we stayed in hotels, ate terrible food in hotel restaurants, ate at two paladares (home restaurants) that were slightly better. Cuban
cuisine is best experienced in Miami and New York where the ingredients can be found. And every morning we got on the bus, visited a school or a
social service office or a day care center, and the incredible psychiatric hospital, and heard about how great things are. And in their way they
were. But they could have been so much better if things had just unfolded differently. I could go on and on, but it is late, and I am not so good at
writing or typing.
But there is more to say. My Uncle, Ray Brennan, a reporter for the Chicago Sun Times in the 50's and 60's, was among a group of American journalists
who spent time by invitation in the Sierra Madre with Fidel and Che early on in the struggle. They had hoped to win the support of the US government.
My uncle was impressed with what he saw and learned, and wrote a very idealistic book called "Castro, Cuba and Justice". He told me many stories
about his time there. So it is almost genetic that I believe to this day in the revolution, and I think even now that our country took a wrong and
tragic turn back then. We have done unspeakable damage. It was heartbreaking to see the results of the course taken by both governments. I feel
very deeply for this little tragic, magical place, and it has been hard to process my experiences. I want to go back, but yet I haven't. My daughter
wanted me to go with her, and I almost took her up on it. But I said let's go to Oaxaca instead, it's such a happy place, and Cuba is so hard. I
think I'm ready now to go again, as it is a place that pulls at you. It just doesn't let go.
One more thing. For many years in Montana we lived across the street from Juan and Betty. After years of not knowing them I learned that Juan was
Cuban, maybe in 2001. Betty was a native of the Fathead Valley. Although Juan was in his 60's and had come to the US in 1959, his English was
heavily accented, and he always said pero, never but. He was sent to Montana to work in the logging industry, and he did that for many years. Betty
told me that he had an altar in the basement, and he spent time down there everyday. He never discussed it with her, and she never asked.
|
|
|
capt. mike
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8085
Registered: 11-26-2002
Location: Bat Cave
Member Is Offline
Mood: Sling time!
|
|
have 2 friends going this fall.
i can't wait to go, it won't be long - cuban markets will open and it will be a boom for a while with USA interest.
as soon as it becomes viable the BBPBPI will do a group trip and we all can hop to Cuba from FL in our planes. Way big fun. Diving is said to be
pristeen from lack of over use by tourists.
formerly Ordained in Rev. Ewing\'s Church by Mail - busted on tax fraud.......
Now joined L. Ron Hoover\'s church of Appliantology
\"Remember there is a big difference between kneeling down and bending over....\"
www.facebook.com/michael.l.goering |
|
|
windgrrl
Super Nomad
Posts: 1335
Registered: 9-2-2006
Member Is Offline
|
|
Travelled in Cuba in the 80s while occupied by Russians. Dined at the Dupont mansion, Al Capone's villa before the invention of "Cuban cuisine".
Windsurfed in Cayo Largo with the best beaches in the entire planet. Got lost (literally) in Havana after the International Jazz Festival. Followed
the mountain trail of the revolutionaries in a troop carrier. Purified by a Santeria ceremony ritual. It was a wonderful place with a population proud
of it's achievements and heritage. Too bad some of the great stuff will change but change it will.
When the way comes to an end, then change. Having changed, you pass through.
~ I-Ching
|
|
|
| Pages:
1
2
3
4 |
![[*]](images/xmbforum/default_icon.gif){kind=icon}
