In a remarkable twist of fate, Cuba’s forbiddenness is unfolding for Americans for the first time in more than fifty years against the backdrop of a penetrating reality that the once innocent juggling of words in our election industry hides a darker reality, an inner poverty conjoined with the Cuban people’s outward scarcity of material … Read more
U.S. President Obama made a significant statement today about the U.S. government’s approach to Cuba as well a further loosening of Embargo restrictions. Here is the President’s statement: Today, I approved a Presidential Policy Directive that takes another major step forward in our efforts to normalize relations with Cuba. This Directive takes a comprehensive and … Read more
Southwest Airlines announced Thursday it will begin scheduled flights to Cuba on November 13th from Ft. Lauderdale and Tampa. Southwest is promoting the new flights with $59 fares each way if purchased at least two weeks in advance. Flights from Fort Lauderdale to Varadero will begin November 13th. Southwest will also fly from Fort Lauderdale … Read more
U.S. President Obama took further steps today to loosen U.S. embargo rules against Cuba. The Obama administration announced a new round of executive actions designed to increase trade and travel with the communist island. And this is the one many Americans have been waiting for — no more Cuba-specific restrictions on the island’s famed rum and cigars … Read more
In 1990, when the USSR collapsed, Cuba endured a severe curtailment of investment, trade and general political support from a partner that had invested about $100 billion (in 2016 $US) in the preceding 30 years. The so called “Special Period” was defined primarily by the severe shortages of hydrocarbon energy resources in the form of … Read more
Cuba’s relative isolation as a travel destination is one of the many reasons the island nation is today the most interesting place in the world to travel, yet that same isolation means accessing Cuba’s many wonders is best experienced with a capable tour operator. Havana – and its surrounding places of cultural and artistic interest … Read more
The U.S. embassy in Havana re-opened July 20, 2015 following decades of use as a limited special interest section. Between 1977 and 2015, the embassy building housed the U.S. Interests Section in Havana – operated under the auspices of the Swiss Embassy (acting as protecting power). Since Cuba is a relatively new travel destination, it … Read more
The Xanadú Mansion, located on the San Bernardino crags of Varadero, Cuba, was designed by architects Covarrocas and Govantes in July 1927 for Irenee DuPont. Today, the majestic estate is a small hotel, restaurant and golf club house on the sea. The six colonial-style rooms have antique decor much like the mansion appeared in its … Read more
For Americans (persons of U.S. jurisdiction), travel to Cuba for “tourist” activities remains prohibited by statute, but there is a lot of flexibility to enjoy Cuba within the boundaries of U.S. rules. You do not have to fly to Cuba through Canada or Mexico as some people did years before the rules changed. There are … Read more
Cuba’s Varadero Golf Club hosted the 8th annual Cuba Golf Grand Tournament earlier this week, and attending this time was Greg Norman, a famous former professional golfer, previously ranked number one for 331 consecutive weeks. Norman officiated the opening remarks and offered photography and filming sessions along with special guests, players and the public. Since … Read more
