Cuba - Feb 2018
Cuba - The Perfect Time to Visit
I had the usual anxiety and concern. Afterall Cuba is a communist country with an empty American Embassy due to diplomats who were suddenly stricken with mysterious neurological symptoms.
Travel.state.gov has issued a warning:
Cuba Travel Advisory: Reconsider travel to Cuba
In order to obtain a visa as an American citizen, you need a “reason” to be there. Going as a tourist doesn't cut it. No Benjamins or credit cards accepted.
After all those government warnings and bad press, I used good sound judgment and booked 6 days 5 nights.
Not only that, I took the two most important women in my life with me.
The results: My wife, daughter, and I had a blast. We felt safe, never threatened, and always cared for.
There’s hardly been a better time to visit Cuba. The country is still trapped in a time warp due to an economic embargo that has lasted for more than half a century. Big-name brands from the USA and elsewhere have yet to dilute the cultural magic. The internet is limited and people are out and about on the street and in the alleys talking and being with each other.
This so refreshing but unfortunately is also a vanishing occurrence around the globe. In fact, I cannot think of a locale that has no internet in people's homes restaurants stores and hotels. In Cuba, the world is still not flat!!!
We toured Havana with 30-year old female guides who gave us the straight dope on everything. They were happy to share all their hopes and all their fears. They announced that next month is big. In April there will be new elections where a Castro will not be in power for the first time in more than 60 years.
We learned that Cuba has been a political pawn in the cold war, including remnants which still exist today in Guantanamo. We relived the glory days of Mafia rule before a hasty exit after Castro and Che Guevara led a successful revolution. We visited Vinales the home great Cuban cigars and coffee. In the end, we chilled at the pristine Varadero beach, a 13-mile white sand beach considered by many to be one of the most beautiful in the world.
Universally we were welcomed as Americans. The natives cannot wait until free and open travel occurs between our countries. Perhaps this will be a good thing. However, it will also result in all the trappings that come with Westernization and the loss of one of the last unspoiled countries on this earth.
Go now if you can and ride the wave.......
Read MoreI had the usual anxiety and concern. Afterall Cuba is a communist country with an empty American Embassy due to diplomats who were suddenly stricken with mysterious neurological symptoms.
Travel.state.gov has issued a warning:
Cuba Travel Advisory: Reconsider travel to Cuba
In order to obtain a visa as an American citizen, you need a “reason” to be there. Going as a tourist doesn't cut it. No Benjamins or credit cards accepted.
After all those government warnings and bad press, I used good sound judgment and booked 6 days 5 nights.
Not only that, I took the two most important women in my life with me.
The results: My wife, daughter, and I had a blast. We felt safe, never threatened, and always cared for.
There’s hardly been a better time to visit Cuba. The country is still trapped in a time warp due to an economic embargo that has lasted for more than half a century. Big-name brands from the USA and elsewhere have yet to dilute the cultural magic. The internet is limited and people are out and about on the street and in the alleys talking and being with each other.
This so refreshing but unfortunately is also a vanishing occurrence around the globe. In fact, I cannot think of a locale that has no internet in people's homes restaurants stores and hotels. In Cuba, the world is still not flat!!!
We toured Havana with 30-year old female guides who gave us the straight dope on everything. They were happy to share all their hopes and all their fears. They announced that next month is big. In April there will be new elections where a Castro will not be in power for the first time in more than 60 years.
We learned that Cuba has been a political pawn in the cold war, including remnants which still exist today in Guantanamo. We relived the glory days of Mafia rule before a hasty exit after Castro and Che Guevara led a successful revolution. We visited Vinales the home great Cuban cigars and coffee. In the end, we chilled at the pristine Varadero beach, a 13-mile white sand beach considered by many to be one of the most beautiful in the world.
Universally we were welcomed as Americans. The natives cannot wait until free and open travel occurs between our countries. Perhaps this will be a good thing. However, it will also result in all the trappings that come with Westernization and the loss of one of the last unspoiled countries on this earth.
Go now if you can and ride the wave.......
