Cuba, and when I think of Cuba I think of Havana, has long been on my list of places to see. There have only been a couple of times in my adult life when US tourist visits were allowed by the US Government. Back in the 1980's an entrepreneur took advantage of a liberal definition of cultural exchange and flew plane loads of tourists from Orlando, to Havana, with dinner and a show at the CopaCabana, then back home the same night. The State department shut that down before I had a chance to go (a banker friend of mine was arranging a group to go.) Then in the waning years of the Obama administration, cruise ships from US ports were visiting Cuba, things changed and that option closed before I could work a cruise into my schedule. I can separate the government from the people, and the culture, and the art, and the music, and the food. Maybe someday. Or maybe I can go learn and teach.
It is a rather absurd restriction these days, although if it was a place US citizens could visit, I expect Cuba might put some restrictions in place as I think there would be a flood. A former neighbour visited and she loved it.
ReplyDeleteWhen the island opened to cruise ships from the US, there was a flurry of people saying go now before we change it.
DeleteI would love to visit Cuba. The US restrictions are ridiculous given US relationships with other Communist countries, as well as even more oppressive governments.
ReplyDeletePolitical power of a vocal group.
DeleteExactly what Mitchell said. I can only think the restrictions are in place because Cuba is so close to America while these other countries are not.
ReplyDeleteAnd there a very vocal expat community, that exerts a lot of political pressure thinking they can set the world back to 1955.
DeleteBecause Canada refused to follow the US blockade and embargo of Cuba, Canadians have been going to Cuba as a winter sunshine destination for decades. It's very popular!
ReplyDeleteA guy I knew in Florida, was changing planes in Mexico City, and his flight was cancelled, the next flight was to Havana, so he went for the night. When he security clearance came up for renewal he was denied.
DeleteI have a friend who went on one of those cruises before it was shut down and loved it.
ReplyDeleteSomeday
DeleteI have mixed feelings: I would like to see it to be sure, but I worry this supports a nasty government.
ReplyDeleteThere is a debate if it hurts the people or the government more.
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