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Old 04-27-2005, 09:57 AM   #1
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So I'm thinking of what the heck to do for spring break next year (Yes I know...I start thinking about this stuff to soon) and I come up with the idea to go to Cuba.

I was watching this old b/w movie for one of my classes and just totally want to go to Cuba. I mean all the stories CD tells who wouldn't...right?

So I figure the only way for me (an American who looks kinda European) to ge tto Cuba is via plane in Canada or Mexico. Someone on another message board posted a link to her blog where she caught a flight on a crappy little company out of Cancun.

So I know some of you (cough*CD) have gone to Cuba many a time. So how much do tickets range? I'll probably be there a week (Thurs to Thurs). I don't act like the sterotypical American in anyway (I hate tv, think Bush is a butthead and think we should personally become a communist country - in the Marx sense not in the Castro's Cuba or Republic of China sense). So I think I can pass as a Candian other than the whole passport/spending money issue. I haven't really looked into it much (just crossed my mind a little bit ago). I'd also be traveling with my soon to be roomie (and travel buddy) who's from St Criox.

Anyone? Thanks in advance!
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Old 04-27-2005, 10:21 AM   #2
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It can be done (as you mentioned, by going through Mexico or any small Caribbean country) but be warned that the State Dept has decided to become über-harsh with Americans that they find out have gone to Cuba... Generally, the Cubans are cool about it and won't stamp your passport, knowing your tourist $$$ are worth more than respecting any silly travel ban. But take Bobby Fischer as an extreme example of what happens when you violate a US travel restriction. (Lame, I know.)

Interesting tangent: Last year, the US came down on this guy who was sending busted down old pianos to Cuban schools so that they could have rudimentary music programs, yet it's perfectly OK for US entrepreneurs and business leaders to go to the annual business trade show that's MADE for US investors in Havana. W.. T.. F..!?

Other tangent: For more inspiration, read Hunter S. Thompson's first novel, The Rum Diary. There's a part in there about sneaking off to Cuba from Puerto Rico.
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Old 04-27-2005, 05:10 PM   #3
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Hey Blink,

here was at least one American on my flight on my last trip. I chatted with him for a bit. And on oher trips I have come across Americans.


This time of year you should be able to get a flight out of Toronto for about 600$CDN.

I have heard if you ask the Cubans at the customs check point, they will avoid stamping your passport, so the American customs will not know that you were there.

Cubans have no problem with Americans, they are hosppitable no matter what. Its funny that when I watch American news, Cuba is portrait as an American hating nation, but in reality, that is just propaganda to keep the support for the embargo going.

You will have a fantastic time I am sure. Are you looking to stay at a resort, or travel around the country??
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Old 04-28-2005, 10:00 AM   #4
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Just make DAMN sure you do not lose your passport while there (like CD did... ) because you will be in DEEP shit...no nice friendly embassy to go to to get another one............maybe consider having it surgically attached to your body!
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Old 04-28-2005, 10:07 AM   #5
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I'm really want to see the mountains near the center of the island (sorry I don't know the specific names).

It's more of going somewhere that is kinda of forbidden. Not so much that but kind of like a culture I know nothing truly about, since everything I've learned is American and thus anti-Castro. I think my travel buddy has friends in Havana but I can't be certain (her family is very spread out - which makes her my fav travel buddy).

I'll a ton of research after I get back from California and wrap up my finals.

Thanks all! Amber
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Old 04-29-2005, 08:46 AM   #6
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Go for it, Amber! Just don't expect everyone to have rosie ideas of communism in Cuba. You'll likely find those who are pro-Castro and those who hate him. I was very tempted to do a Cuba jaunt when in Jamaica, but the trip was getting expensive already...

Good luck!

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Old 05-02-2005, 04:27 PM   #7
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omi good call on the book i have read some of his other stuff i like his writing a lot.
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