Exploring Cuba

[ccriders]

Now that limited and very structured forms of travel to Cuba can be approved by the State Department, has anyone organized any "flotilla explorations of littoral Cuba, its biodiversity, impact on economic development and contributions to societal development"?

It would seem there would be considerable interest in such flotilla explorations and that the flotillas could be made up of owner operated as well as chartered boats of an appropriate configuration to support on board habitation and provided necessary equipment for observing, measuring, and recording the physical aspects of the intertidal/littoral range. Additional equipment would be provided to allow interpersonal activities with the local population and political and economic leaders.

Any takers?

[sawingknots]

why?theres plenty of banana republics that have as much or more to offer,often americans in these countries are robbed,killed and exploited and not necessarily by the natives but by entry/imigration/police,i'll take my chances in countries where the u.s. embassy has some degree of influence

[JonEisberg]

Originally Posted by sawingknots

why?theres plenty of banana republics that have as much or more to offer,often americans in these countries are robbed,killed and exploited and not necessarily by the natives but by entry/imigration/police,i'll take my chances in countries where the u.s. embassy has some degree of influence

Hmmm, in my experience, I'd suggest such a thing would be far less likely to occur in Cuba, than any other "banana republic" I can think of... got any cites for such occurrences in Cuba? Frankly, I've never felt safer traveling anywhere else in the world - other that some place like Socialist Norway, or Newfoundland... (grin)

And, you don't think that the USINT Section Havana, housed in the newest and biggest building in that city, doesn't have any "influence" within that country?

Trust me, we have an embassy there... We just don't call it an embassy...

[Slayer]

Can't speak from personal experience, but I have heard from friends who have been there that it is very safe and friendly. Crime gets dealt with swiftly and harshly and the populace is tourist friendly. They tell me that Cuba was one of the most enjoyable trips they have taken.

[efhughes3]

I'd agree with this 100%. I'm trying to talk my wife into going before it gets opened up again. And when cigars from there are legal, I'm going to be bummed, as I'm sure the quality will end up in the gutter.

Originally Posted by JonEisberg

Hmmm, in my experience, I'd suggest such a thing would be far less likely to occur in Cuba, than any other "banana republic" I can think of... got any cites for such occurrences in Cuba? Frankly, I've never felt safer traveling anywhere else in the world - other that some place like Socialist Norway, or Newfoundland... (grin)

And, you don't think that the USINT Section Havana, housed in the newest and biggest building in that city, doesn't have any "influence" within that country?

Trust me, we have an embassy there... We just don't call it an embassy...

[delite]

I've been to Cuba 3 times. The people are very friendly, educated and helpful. I've never felt unsafe walking around Havana or any other city in Cuba day or night. Its very safe for tourists. No drugs and no guns.
There is a lot of incredible architecture and with all the old American built cars its like stepping back in time. Its nice to get out into the countryside as well although English is not widely spoken outside of tourist areas. Go soon if you have the chance. I plan on taking my 11 year old son this coming Christmas.

[gtod25]

I want to be first off the blocks when it opens up fully to US boats. If you tell too many people it will be standing room only. Please reinforce stereotypical beliefs that "often americans in these countries are robbed,killed and exploited and not necessarily by the natives but by entry/imigration/police"

Its all true, you have been warned....

[PorFin]

I gotta chime in here as well, since I lived in Havana for a while.

The folks are friendly, violent crime is rare, and it's got a great deal of charm. I never felt in danger, even though I am clearly an American. I expected harassment from both the Government and resentment from the locals, but was surprised to experience very little of either.

Say, Jon -- Is that a recent pic of the US Interests Section? The reason I ask is that the electronic banner isn't there; and that banner was the reason for a real PITA "diplomatic disagreement" several years back.

[JonEisberg]

Originally Posted by PorFin

Say, Jon -- Is that a recent pic of the US Interests Section? The reason I ask is that the electronic banner isn't there; and that banner was the reason for a real PITA "diplomatic disagreement" several years back.

Sorry, I don't know, that's not my photo...

When I was there, all I had to do was display my camera in the vicinity of that building, and I attracted the attention of the numerous police surrounding it VERY quickly... So, I thought it best to just keep on walking, and directing my gaze out to sea... (grin)

[PorFin]

Originally Posted by JonEisberg

Sorry, I don't know, that's not my photo...

When I was there, all I had to do was display my camera in the vicinity of that building, and I attracted the attention of the numerous police surrounding it VERY quickly... So, I thought it best to just keep on walking, and directing my gaze out to sea... (grin)

Yeah, we had many, MANY Interior Ministry folks standing guard around the perimeter of the Section... Had absolutely EVERYTHING to do with our security, and absolutely NOTHING to do with keeping an eye on which locals were hobnobbing with the Gringos (if the Interior Ministry folks were to be believed )