Americans to Cuba...

[Karyn]

So...I know Americans cant go to Cuba...but, a co-worker said she went to Cuba through Canada. She says you can go to Cuba if you fly our of Canada...anyone know the rules here.
Karyn

[Kuki]

Yes, you can indeed go to Cuba from Canada. Quite a number of Canadians vacation in Cuba, so flights are common.

[ParrotRob]

Bear in mind that it is against the law for an American citizen to spend money in Cuba. Technically, it's not illegal to GO there, just to spend money. You may get away with it, but you CAN be fined up to $5000, though, so caveat emptor...

[Luanne Russo]

I guess I learned to much growing up in the 60's when Communism was our enemy. I can't think of any place I would want to go that bad.

But, when things are finally different, I will be the first one there.

Luanne

[balabusta]

Luanne,
I am with you about visiting Cuba only when it is a free country. From what I have heard it is one of the most beautiful islands in the caribbean.
What a shame, that the people who live in Cuba, do not enjoy the freedoms that we have living in the United States. I often wonder what will happen to Cuba post Castro.

[Luanne Russo]

I have been told that it is very beautiful. I would love to know how it will be again, in my life time.

I would never support the economy of a country where the people are treated so badly.

It at one time was a very nice place. All the bling bling people went there.

It will one day return I hope to the glorious place it once was.

Luanne

[balabusta]

Luanne,
My father was a teacher in West New York, New Jersey. Around 1959 there was a huge influx of Cuban students in his high school. Of course, it was the students that came from the upper class that were the first to leave. They were so appreciative to be in the United States where they could live in freedom. They talked about their love for Cuba and said that they wanted to return there once Cuba became free. These students are now the parents and grandparents of children who are of Cuban descent that have never laid eyes on Cuba. Let's hope that Cuba becomes a free country. Not only has Cuba lost a lot of their citizens to the United States but also a lot of intellectuals, artists, writers, and musicians. Our gain was Cuba's loss.

[skymaster]

I was stationed at GitMo many years ago, and yes, Cuba is one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean. I have many Cuban friends here in the Tampa area who are anxiously awaiting the chance to return to a FREE Cuba. I hope someday before too long that happens.
I'll be the first to say "Ba-Ba-Lu"!

See you aboard,

Ken

[BobBeaSea]

Cuba is a beautiful country, the largest island in the Caribbean and is still the jewel of the Caribbean. In terms of societal rankings Cubans do very well in many areas including education, life longevity and many others. I do believe it is illegal for Americans to travel to Cuba without prior approval from the State Dept. As suggested above, many Americans do vacation in Cuba by buying their vacation packages from and flying from other countries. To help protect these Americans, Cuban immigration will not stamp their passports.

You know, it is somewhat ironic that the U.S. was one of the first nations to recognize the Castro regime following the overthrow of one of the most vicous dictators (Batista) to ever rule in the Western hemisphere. Castro, however, started nationalizing companies and industries and that was that.

It is obvious the fact that Cuba is a communist nation isn't the main reason why the U.S. does not have trade with Cuba, heck just look at the amount of trade going on with China and Vietnam, both of whom are Communist nations. This is where the rest of the world has difficulty understanding the U.S. stance on Cuba via the "Trading with the Enemy" which I believe happened around 1964.

Hopefully, the post Castro era will usher in a new understanding and perhaps normal relations between The U.S. and Cuba will come about. It was America's Caribbean playground in the 40s and 50s and it could be again.

Cuba would also be excellent as a cruise port(s).

[Fruitcake]

A lot of people from here get there via the Bahamas.

[Landlubber]

Balabusta,too bad all your freedoms don't allow you to travel where ever you want.

[Luanne Russo]

Please don't turn this into a political battle. You do, then it will be deleted, and all this good info that all of us have enjoyed reading will be lost. Let's continue talking about the island, and its people and it's future.

Thank You,

Luanne

[Landlubber]

Not what I intended Luanne. Sorry if I offended.

[Luanne Russo]

No offence to me, in fact I would love to argue the fact with you, but I love talking about the islands, and enjoying others experience, and memories. I know the rules about deletion better than anyone.


Does anyone else have any memories they could share?

Luanne