DISQUS

Julie · 10 months ago

Love it! And so glad you went to Jardin del Oriente-- it's seriously my favorite (minus all the crazed cats, which kind of kill the atmosphere). When you get back to the States, check out the documentary "Yank Tanks," which is a fantastic film about all of Cuba's old cars and what it takes to keep them running. There's nothing like that film (or visiting my in-laws) to make me want to save a rubber band and think of its thousand uses.

<abbr>Julie´s last blog post..Gung Hay Fat Choy! (or Happy Chinese New Year!)</abbr>

Eva · 10 months ago

Great pics!

One of my friends had the opposite problem, language-wise! She learned much of her Spanish in Cuba, on study abroad, and now has to adapt when she goes elsewhere in Latin America. :D But she says it's helped her connect with Cuban ex-pats, who still immediately recognize her style of speech.

<abbr>Eva´s last blog post..7 Reasons to Learn Spanish in Chile</abbr>

Keith · 10 months ago

Are Americans actually forbidden to go there, or is it they're just 'not supposed to'? An American couple I know said that (several years ago) they had to go to Canada first.

<abbr>Keith´s last blog post..A Look Around Gredos</abbr>

Christine · 10 months ago

@Keith:

There are heavy travel restrictions right now. No Americans are allowed. There are some exceptions: you can get a journalist visa. I went around the system and just flew in from Mexico instead. They don't stamp your passport and from the Cuban side, the more Americans that come the better. There is a chance of getting in trouble for this, but with close to 60K Americans going there every year, almost no one gets busted. You'd have to be extremely stupid (like telling customs on the way back into the States).

So basically what Uncle Sam doesn't know, can't hurt him. And Cuba is happy to oblige.

Heather Ahrens · 10 months ago

Cuba is on my list of places that I want to travel to. It seems so fascinating. Thank you for sharing the story of the art gallery showing that you went to in someone's house.

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Sara · 10 months ago

But you weren't "anywhere," you were in Cuba. Sounds fascinating -- especially that subversive art.

<abbr>Sara´s last blog post..What Foolish Travelers We Once Were</abbr>

Fly Girl · 10 months ago

I have longed to go to Cuba for years and the anniversary celebrations make it feel even more urgent. You can also get to Cuba by boat from Jamaica or through college tours, I've considered both but never got around to it. This makes me step up my plans!

<abbr>Fly Girl´s last blog post..Gullah Speech and Spirit</abbr>

Anthony · 10 months ago

Boldly going where few gringos go. Fantastic. And to think that I'm only 90 miles away when I'm in Key West.

<abbr>Anthony´s last blog post..Don't Call It a Comeback</abbr>

Daniel · 10 months ago

wow - everything looks much nicer and cleaner on your pictures. was there in 2002, and just compared the pictures, seems like a lot of buildings got some new paint recently.
you should stay in the "hotel presidente" (corner calz 7ma/Calle G) for a day or so - totally retro :)

Lanora · 10 months ago

Oh my, you really *are* fearless, no almost about it. I'm not so courageous, will be waiting until the travel restrictions loosen up.

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Gennaro · 10 months ago

Beautiful images. I, too, love the old-school cars. They reflect a country that has a foot (maybe both) in the past. It makes one wonder: Didn't the Cold War end 17 years ago? It seems that Cuba is the last remaining reminder of it. If the issue is still "communism," no better way to bring in capitalism than to let Americans travel there without restrictions.

<abbr>Gennaro´s last blog post..Travelers Must Help Free Rice And Kiva</abbr>

@brianhthomas · 8 months ago

Before clicking on this post, I was hoping to see some 1950s cars. You didn't disappoint.

Great article and photos.