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CortezBlue
Super Nomad
Posts: 2213
Registered: 11-14-2006
Location: Fenix/San Phelipe
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Cuba, Cuba, Cuba
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
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windgrrl
Super Nomad
Posts: 1335
Registered: 9-2-2006
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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.
When the way comes to an end, then change. Having changed, you pass through.
~ I-Ching
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LisaR.
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Registered: 6-3-2009
Location: Chapala, Jalisco
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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)!
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Ateo
Elite Nomad
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Registered: 7-18-2011
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Have fun. My next door neighbor is from Cuba, and he can't wait to take us there.
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CortezBlue
Super Nomad
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Registered: 11-14-2006
Location: Fenix/San Phelipe
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| 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.
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lizard lips
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Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: EARTH
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Loved my two trips there. ENJOY
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toneart
Ultra Nomad
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Registered: 7-23-2006
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Mood: Skeptical
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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.
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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 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 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. |
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.
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toneart
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4901
Registered: 7-23-2006
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Mood: Skeptical
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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! 
Tony
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shari
Select Nomad
Posts: 13048
Registered: 3-10-2006
Location: bahia asuncion, baja sur
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Mood: there is no reality except the one contained within us "Herman Hesse"
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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!
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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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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... 
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DanO
Super Nomad
Posts: 1923
Registered: 8-26-2003
Location: Not far from the Pacific
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| 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.
\"Without deviation from the norm, progress is not possible.\" -- Frank Zappa
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DianaT
Select Nomad
Posts: 10020
Registered: 12-17-2004
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| 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!
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Ateo
Elite Nomad
Posts: 5901
Registered: 7-18-2011
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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]
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DianaT
Select Nomad
Posts: 10020
Registered: 12-17-2004
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| 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. 
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windgrrl
Super Nomad
Posts: 1335
Registered: 9-2-2006
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Just do it...
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?
When the way comes to an end, then change. Having changed, you pass through.
~ I-Ching
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Paula
Super Nomad
Posts: 2219
Registered: 1-5-2006
Location: Loreto
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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
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windgrrl
Super Nomad
Posts: 1335
Registered: 9-2-2006
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| 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.
When the way comes to an end, then change. Having changed, you pass through.
~ I-Ching
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Ateo
Elite Nomad
Posts: 5901
Registered: 7-18-2011
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Hey Cortez Blue, we eagerly await a trip report in the Fall.
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Paula
Super Nomad
Posts: 2219
Registered: 1-5-2006
Location: Loreto
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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.
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