Sheesh.....some of you guys have really drank kool aid.:rolleyes:

Gee, I wonder why the REST OF THE PLANET utterly ignored the United State ass backwards policies towards Cuba. Could it be because.....oh I don't know.....they were WRONG and based on McCarthy flavored baloney?

If you haven't been there, kindly but out......

Its just incredible that some people would let the US's foreign policy toward a country affect their desire to experience what that country has to offer. Amazing.

well, some people will not buy Nike shoes or shop at Sprawl-mart b/c of their policies, so...

Going in January with a group of people who have been going there for 10+ years. As mentioned take Canadian money as the greenback isn't wanted (they have no need for it as they can't trade with it). Take "trade goods" with you..... pens, pencils, baseballs, toothpaste, disposable razors, soap....Use them to TIP with. My buddy takes two suitcases. One with clothes to wear and the other loaded with gifts. Hand them out when you get there and you will have a better vacation. My buddy has been staying at the same hotel for years. Knows the staff/managers and has been invited to their homes for dinners.

You get it.

History has repeatedly shown that embargoes only embolden and strengthen rogue regimes. Constructive engagement is a much more effective policy.

I loved my one brief visit to Cuba. There is something indescribably compelling about a place where time has stood still, and where people have learned that life is all about human interaction and friendship and loyalties. That is the sad charm of failed totalitarian states everywhere. East Germany, Vietnam, the former Soviet Union, Burma.

Cuba is still a time capsule, although it is changing rapidly. Greed is a powerful instinct.

I remember a long afternoon in a sea-side bar near Matanzas. Incredible music, women and food—and the complete absence of all the mendacity and hype that usually accompanies these things in our world.

By all means go. It will be a life changer for you. It's worth it to see all the old cars still going strong. I don't base my vacation decisions on who the US govt. is pissed-off at. Although I'm NOT going hiking on the Iraq-Iran border!!!

HD - Thanks for sharing your experience. I agree with you 100%...Been close to Cuba on a cruise ship, could see the buildings. Always wanted to go to sample the culture you speak of.

I researched this a bit when in Merdia, Mexico last year...I could fly out of Merdia and pre-pay a vacation "package"...So, no need to pay for my hotel when I get there...Just take a pocket full of Peco's.....Spoke to several from Mexico and Canada that had been....All said they would go again, just don't expect good food.

Has to be a better experience than my 2 trips to Venice..(U find your way around with a GPS, just find an open area and see where you are)...

My daughter and her SO went to Cuba two years ago for one week. Last year they went for two weeks-and wished they had stayed longer. They found it mesmerizing-the food, drinks, hospitality, tourist opportunities, swimming with dolphins, cataraman sailing, windsurfing, etc., to be fantastic, especially for the nominal prices required for entry into those activities. The accommodations weren't five star but certainly acceptable. I would guess that as US trade sanctions lift, which will undoubtebly occur, expenditures for accommodations, and those activities will increase.

If one decides to go, regardless of country for origin, it is easy to convert Euro's or US to $CDN, which is accepted without hesitation.

As I have posted before in past Cuba threads, Debbie's is the best online resource for Cuban information. Hotel/resort reviews etc. Trip Advisor didn't even list Cuba until recently.

The forum on her site is active with expert Cuban travelers for more specific questions. Debbie's Cuba Forum

Some 'buses' in Holguin:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1322743504.jpg

Ian

thanks for the enlightenment
 

Thanks to all those telling me to Buck Up n Go! I have decided to let them go without me! As a Canadian I am free to travel to Cuba if I wish, same with all parties involved in this story.
You see, I work for a provincial (think state my US friends) party, and my ideals just will not let me get past the fact that its OK to turn a blind eye on oppression just for a cheap Holiday! I work my butt off so that I can enjoy the good life provided by me within a country of democratic persuasion. I can't in any good conscience hand my hard earned "capitalistic" money over to a communist. They must just be laughing at us when we work our asses off to help support their regime!!
Its not that I wouldn't like to visit places like Egypt or Cuba....I just think its morally wrong for ME to spend my money to support a political system I despise. These are my morals...I and I alone must live within them.
Thanks guys you have actually made this decision easier and I feel very very good about my stance here!
Mike.

(plus this will leave me some extra holiday time and cash for a quick road trip this summer thru Washington to visit some friends....in the 911!!)

Wow. Warped morals IMO.

It's contact with democratic countries and their citizens that promotes democratic ideals in totalitarian states. Think Glasnost...and then Perestroika.

Isolating rogue regimes just allows the rogues to stay in place and continue to oppress. History has shown us this time and time again.

That said I have some sympathy with the notion of staying away from odious places.

It's the reason I don't visit Alberta. ;)

So no more good from China for you as well? Take away stuff made in communist countries and we wouldn't have much to buy these days.


Aww come on, no love for Alberta? Just for that, the new frac tool our company is making is going to be called the 'Dottore-1' ;)

AM

Mike, things to consider.

Most of your money will be going to the common people... not the commie government.

Cuba is a time capsule... when the dictator dies things could rapidly change and you will have missed out on a chance to see "old Cuba"

Sending you lady alone, not only are the women beautiful... and the rum flows freely. ;)

from what little I know, just dont get in trouble.

The American embassy is not taking calls.

If i just sailed into port....what would happen? (on a 30 foot sail boat)

You work for a political party AND you have morals, ideals plus a good conscience? :rolleyes:
That's pretty hard to believe!

From the WikiTravel page:

There are no regular ferries or boats to Cuba from foreign ports, although some cruise liners do visit. Yachters are expected to anchor at the public marinas. Most ports are closed and tourists are not permitted to walk around them. Private vessels may enter at Marina Hemingway in Havana or Marina Acua in Varadero. There are no visa requirements. Expect to hand out several $10 bills to facilitate your entry.

So I would come under the term Yachter? LOL
I guess that means they would put up with me?

did you mean to say odiferous?

Watch it Webb or the next design will be the 'Webb-1' !

AM