Havana

RE: The Travel Ban: I agree with all that's been said about it. I think it's a ridiculous law only in place to please two Florida congresspersons. However, any defense on the grounds that it is unconstitutional will fail. While it might seem counterintuitive the ban is not unconstitutional. This has already been argued by constitutional scholars: There is no constitutional guarantee of the right to travel and nowhere in the constitution does it imply that.

DocBill449: You are correct in part. The travel ban has been held constitutional on a couple of occasions but on limited grounds. That is not to say some other challenge will pass muster.

Also, in America, everything is legal unless made illegal. True, there is no reference in the Constitution for the specific right to travel but there is no prhoibition in it either. And what about "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness?" That pursuit can be argued to include travel. To not allow Americans to travel is like keeping them in a prison, a nice one, but a prison none the less.

Some day (soon I think) the travel ban will be lifted and then god help the Cubans.

Spock

Ok Talosian, DocBill and Saint,

Here is my two cent on this subject: The Future of the Embargo

When the phrase Miami Cubans comes up, what images are put in your mind. The wild hysterical Cuban we all saw on TV dealing with the Elian Gonzales mess. Right? But let me tell you that image will be quickly changing about how Miami feels toward the Embargo. Bush and his advisers do not understand what is going on.

The Miami Herald conducted a study and ask if the Embargo should be remove and they broke down the data to Cubans that came before 1985 and Cubans who came after 1988. The Cubans who came after 1988 were either raise under Castro or at one time or another these Cubans sided with Castro. What they found in their Data was quite interesting to say the least. The Cuban who arrive to the United States before 1985, 88% said the Embargo should remain against Cuba as it stand. Now the Cubans that came after 1988, 92% of them said the Embargo should be lifted. The old guard wants the Embargo, the new Younger Generation wants the Emabrgo remove. If you examine things a little closer, there something very interesting happening in Miami. The old regime of Cubans, the one that came in the 1960's and 1970's are simply dying off and there kids have become Americanize and these kids do not give a rat a** as to what happens in Cuba. A perfect example of this Gorge Mas Casanova, son. Gorge Mas Casanova, header the Cuban National Foundation. When Gorge Mas Casanova die a couple of years ago, everybody in the foundation wanted his son to continue in his father footsteps. Junior simply told them, thank you, but no thank you. I am simply a real estate lawyer and I am very happy with what I am doing. He did not want to lead the Cuban American Foundation when his father die. He simply stated that it would take to much of his time and that he was simply a United State Lawyer and he had no interest in Cuba. Enough said. But the Cubans that came after 1990, they do care what happens because they have family and social ties to Cuba. Plus all of them or those that have been honest with me. They will tell you honestly when you get them talking that they DO NOT SEE Fidel as being Bad. They say that he has made alot fo mistake and he should give somebody else a turn at steering the car, but they do not fault him for what has happen to Cuba. On the contrary, they say he has liberated them, but that he is not a good economic policy maker. They see the Cubans of Miami as the one hurting the Cuban economy. So you see the Cuban people who are coming to the United State today are not coming to the United Sates beacuse they are against Castro Political belief. These Cubans are coming to the United States because they do not agree with Castros Economic Beleif. But as soon as they get a little bit of money they all go back home to help their families and their homes. Those of you in this board who have driven out of Havana have problably witness alot of construction going up. This construction is happening all over Cuba. Where do you think these people are getting the Money to build these homes. The Cuban Goeverment does not give anybody money to build these homes. These people are getting the money from people who are working here in the United States. You have to ask yourself how are these people getting the money to build all of these homes? A bag of cement cost $6.00 US DOllars. That is alot of money for people who live in Cuba. It take alot of money to build a house. Where are they getting it from? Do you know that Western Union states that over 1 billion dollar is being sent to Cuba since the US goverment let western Union open up shop. This is just wetern Union folks! This say nothing about Transcard, other Mexican or Canadian Money Agencies that sent Money to Cuba. So there is alot of money being sent home by the new Miami folks. The New folks guys! Because the old guard does not sent money to anybody in Cuba (a very small perecentage do, maybe about 5%). So waht will happen the new Cuban in Miami will one day very shortly replace the old guard. I am already seeing it when I go to Miami every year. Businesses that were own by the Old Cuban Guard are now own by the New Guard. Who do you think will have the money in a couple of years? That is right the new guys. Even Castro is getting into the act of helping these people. My Parenst have been visiting Cuba since 1988. Now for my folks to go to Cuba they would have to fill all kind of Paper work for the Cuban Goverment to go to Cuba. Fidel wanted to make sure any Cuban that he would let enter would not be a problem for him (terrorism, drugs, etc.).

Starting next year that will be changing. The Cuban goverment as of January 1, 2004 will allow Cubans who reside in the US to visit Cuba without having to pay $125.00 for their visas and wait 4 to 5 weeks before their visa would be process. Today, any other traveler who goes to Cuba only pays $20.00 for the visa and he or she gets the Visa at the Airport that the Travelers leaves from. Cubans Born travelers to Cuba pay $125 and have to wait 4 to 5 weeks. In order to combat the Embargo Fidel has drop this law. Why is Castro doing this you might be asking ? This is Castro way in fighting Bush with the Tightening of the Embargo or the possible removal of direct flights from Miami to Cuba.

I can go on and on but even this little info is quite long. If you guys want me to write more I can give you more info.

El Cubanito

Spock,

Good points, especially the last one ("God help the Cubans")! Reminds me of "Be careful what you ask for, you might get it!"

I think the argument would be that the president sets foreign policy and can prohibit us from going anywhere. The "pursuit of liberty, etc." hasn't and won't hold muster, nor would the idea that we are in a "prison." Too much of a stretch.

I heard that recently (yesterday?) an American who was caught travelling to Cuba (he admitted it at customs) is going to take it to court and challenge it. Has anyone heard any details? Should be very interesting. The courts would be the only way to circumvent the two Florida congressmen who are keeping this ridiculousness in place (travel ban, embargo).

I'll arrive in Habana on Tuesay, can't wait!

Doc,

Have a good trip. I was trying to see if I could meet you in Havana. But I have to much work and I could not get a cheap airfare. Everything is thru the roof. Enjoy your trip.

El Cubanito

DocBill;

That is exactly what I meant.

I truly believe the days are numbered for the travel ban. The purpose is long past, there are no positive results for either side and most importantly, I do believe there are constitutional issues which if properly raised, the Supreme Court will hear and decide in favour of travel.

Presidential poper foes have limits but can be effective until overruled. I think if there had been a challenge to Executive Order 9066, it would have fallen quickly (but maybe not uncer the circumstances).

I'm sending you a PM asking a favour when you are in Habana.

Enjoy.

Spock.

Glad to hear someone believes the travel ban days are numbered. I hope so. However the number of days calculate approximately to 365 times 5 as the present resident of the White House (and most likely the next term) plus his brother in Florida are not supporters of lifting the ban.

This forum is not a place for politics, but let’s be realistic on this subject. If you want to travel to Cuba legally asap, start petitioning in your area and/or write your congressman so this subject obtains the proper media coverage. There’ll be plenty of supporters in South Florida as starters. Only then with the right individuals with expertise in the constitutional laws as well as lobbying the supreme court justices (is that possible?) can a favorable decision benefit American travelers and the general Cuban population.

Many of you guys are incorrect.

It is not a travel ban. You have the right to travel there.

It is a ban on spending money in Cuba. Thats why your credit cards don't work there.

However if you go there it is presumed that you spent money there. You must prove you did not, which is hard to prove. Many of the guys who took boats to Hemingway marina and just got out to look around are being fined when they come back to Key West.

If you go you must take cash to spend.

Best approach is to bring nothing back in your suitcase and if questioned tell the immigration officer that you vacationed in the gateway country. They do not stamp your passport in Cuba so there is no evidence you went there.

Hope this clears things up.

Anyone can help with CIGARS information.
Where does one go to in Havana to get LEGITIMATE Cuban cigars, and not counterfeit.

What are the prices like?

Cigars are never to be bought on he street. Never ever. They are filled badly, and are not to be enjoyed. In the regular shops the Montecristo A (IMHO the very, very best Havannas) are priced 428 US $ a 25er box. These take you well through the best part of 2 hours, without tasting bad. I´ve heard stories of one of these babies costing 75 US$ in the states. Here in Europe, the prices vary, but they are never half as crazy as in the US of A. Reason for this being the embargo of course, therefore everything has to go through neighboring countries somehow.

Buy them in the Cigar shops in the hotels in Habana, the shops for expats (e.g. in Marina Hemingway) or when you leave in the "duty free" area. There is a Cigar shop in the old factory in Habana vieja, I think, but I´ve never been there.

Visit the factory in Viñales/Piñar del Rio if you must, and look at the tobacco fields and the Mogotes, too (strange hills). Take your chica there, most of them never left Habana, or only their hometown for Habana, and you might find yourself getting a BBBJ in a pond under a waterfall, like you always dreamed it would be in paradise. I did. Will be back January and definitely go there again. Some impressive caves (cuevas del indio) as well.

Ok, I got carried away, from the topic. Hope you don´t mind. Saludos a Clinton ;-) everybody knos you can get aids from sex, only he knows it can be the other way round.

Brethren,

As I plan my foray into Cuba I have read, and reread posts from the experienced amongst you. I am sure they will serve me well in Havana Heaven. Now I have some questions regarding the infamous police that maintain the separation of locals from the "valued" tourist:

Does the police wear recognizable uniforms, if not how would I recognize them? Are they typically on foot, in cars or horse back?

Assuming no obvious infraction, do they request to see one's passport when accompanied by a local chica (either her's or mine)?

Does the police request to see the passport of tourists when unaccompanied i.e. harass the tourist population that may venture into "local" areas?

Can anyone give me an overview of the attitude of the policia in Havana and perhaps some do's and don'ts while taking the chica into the "casa" for action?

Separately, I have read in earlier post where many have suggest the best way to get the chicas is by "looking like a tourist", yet the local woman -- I am told, get harassed by the policia if it is expected that she is "entertaining" a tourist -- what gives?

Does anyone know how prevalent the telephone is, cell or land? Note: its not obvious to me how one would rendezvous with a chica; perhaps its either sex now or never!

Damn, I was always told I had analysis paralysis!

Thanks

Macgoo

The policia in Cuba is very noticiable and in the Tourist area you will find a policia about every block. If you to Calle 23 by Havana Libre, every block has a policia in the corner.

As far as getting stop by the policia, They will ask for your passport if you are a foreigner. As soon as they see a American Passport the policia will leave you alone. Now, the chica who might be with you her info will be retrieve and her info run against the computer. If she has been busted before for jinetera (Prosititute), she will be in big trouble once she leaves your side. They will not bust her there in front of you, the policia will come to her house later and bust her then. This I have experience first hand. I help a chica out by going down to the police station and telling them she was giving me directions to my casa because I did not know how to get to my casa from Santa maria Beach in Havana. Aparently she had goten busted before and when they stop my car they took her info ran it against the compute and up she came. She wnated to treat me later on when they release her, but I told her no and I took her to her house.

Macgoo, I hope this helps.

El Cubanito

for snark hunter & man,

i think this is an entirely appropriate forum to discuss cigars. after all if you are going to napa you are going to sample some of the wine. cuba is simply an awesome place to smoke cigars.

the best place that i have found to buy legitimate cigars is the store in the hotel nacional. it has a great selection and a very nice lounge to smoke them. it is usually not crowded and the staff are quite knowledgeable. i have visited the cigar factory in habana viejo and i think nacional has a better selection. that store is usually crowded with tourists and touts swarm around it.

at the beginning of my trip i usually buy a number of singles and try them out. my favorite are romeos but it is all a matter of personal preferenece. the size and shape of a cigar will affect its taste. generally the longer and larger have a stronger taste especially as it burns down.

there have been a number of reports warning not to buy cigars that are hustled on the street. they all mention that they have some kind of relative working at the factory. some may in fact be legitimate but even if they are you could be searched at the airport and required to produce a receipt. if not they will be confirep001ed. i have heard that some are just dried banana leaves wrapped in tobacco.

prices are about 25-30% of canadian prices

for macgoo

the cops have cheap grey baseball caps and grey shirts and pants and are everywhere in the tourist areas. no horses, some have cars.

one suggestion about passports. if you are staying at a decent hotel leave it in your safe and carry around a photocopy. police will not hassle you if you are just walking around. the only time i had even a warning was when i walked too close to the us embassy.

if you are just picking up a girl to bang her then they will generally know where to go. sometimes it can be quite funny. i was out with a chica and the older couple she was living with. it was very late at night and we spent about an hour banging on doors in an apartment building. finally a middle aged woman answers the door and kicked her husband out of bed. he plopped himself down in front of the tv. his wife changed the sheet, the couple left and then we went at it. in my experiences police have never a problem.

for longer term i think that you will have to explore. someone could recommend a place and when you arrive in cuba you find that it has been closed. people will offer to show you a casa particular (for a cut) and you will have to negotiate what you are looking for up front.

i have not had an encounter with the police there but from my understanding the police are not after you. they do not want to be a problem for tourists (crucial to the economy), unless you [url=http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord140][CodeWord140][/url] them off or are doing drugs. be careful of bribes - it could be taken the wrong way as some of these guys are real communists. the majority of the times you will be let go - some times you may have to go down to the station. be careful though that you are not with a minor - that could be a problem. most likely they will go after the girl and it will be severe. she has much more to lose than you do - so she will naturally be careful.

with regard to phones, they are not everywhere so sometimes when the girl gives you a number it could be a neighbour. your spanish will have to be quite good to make them understand.

all the best boys - great to see so much activity on this board.

Macgoo,

Most cops will not hassle a girl for talking to you. Public displays of affection may be something different, though.

In any case, you are asking questions that can easily be figured out once you land on the ground.

Just go, dude!

Yos.

I'm in Trinidad now. I've been keeping a daily diary. I don't have much time to post. Internet is very slow and expensive. I've been in Cuba a few days. It's totally different than anywhere I've been. Not mongering much. Funny I don't have too much desire here and I thought I would. It's a nice vacation though. I went Scuba diving this morning. Spending a few days in Trinidad then heading back to Havana. I saw 2 girls from Johnny's Rio Club. One was a 10. I'll post about her later. She was bad in bed though. A trophy score though. So far I'm not too impressed with Cuba. It's a good place to relax but I won't be running back to come back.

I'm still here over two more weeks. The food is horrible! Whatever low expectations you have multiple it by 100. It truly sucks. More later when I get back.

Saint