Joey

Ronald: As is the problem with so many people, the time is not taken to read thoroughl what is being said. No one, as far as I can see was villiying a county. I was reacting, maybe overly so, to seeing the US bashed periodically on this board. Canada is a great country, but, like ours, some of its people do not have the brains they were born with. There is no need to respond to a message about Cuba with a swipe at American crime. In fact, I disagree with the American policy vis a vis Cuba and think that we should court their business. It is probably the best way to get rid of Cuba. Nowhere in my messaage did I see the inference that anyone should not be allowed to travel where he wishes. Incidentally, I would check my facts about the queeen. I am well aware of the fact that shs is not the CEO of Canada, but, much to the idsmay of the French, she is still their symbol of the old ties to the English Canadians.
As for contributions, I don't know about youRonald, but I did not just take the fruits left by someone else, I made more than most contributions having served during WW 2. I gave 4 yrs. of my youth to that cause, so I don't feel like a taker.
but I don't feel like a taker.
You for enlightening this benighted soul. I never realized how little I have learned in my 72 years until you enriched me.

Nils

My view is as follows: Let us have respect for each others different views on this theme. Travelling is a way of facilitating international communication and mutual understanding! I do no visit countries that have a regime which actively suppress/occupate other countries or suppress internal miniorities in a destructive and discriminating way. That is why I don't visit Turkey and Indonesia. Cuba does not occupate any other countries as far as I know. The regime, though, is not democratic and Fidel Castro should arrange free elections. But this is the situation in about 100 countries in the world, so therefore I do not understand why americans are boycotting Cuba and not many of the other dictatorship states. Go to Cuba, enjoy the beatiful landscape and beaches, talk with people and try to convince them by being friendly that democracy (which may incluce socialism) is a better system than the "command economy" of the communism.

Ronald

Joey: looks like this site has a few old geezers trading insults: Tom, I believe is in his '60's and I'm 65. I donated two years to the Army in Korea so I take my hat off to my seniors in WWII. Anyhow, the Cuban thing will be largely over once the Great Beard bites the dust and how far off can that be? He might even outlast us, God forbid.

joey

Amen, Ronald

John Suarez

Dear Nils,

You stated above that you don't visit countries that, "suppress internal miniorities in a destructive and discriminating way." In Cuba under Fidel Castro for decades religion was crushed: Catholicism, Judaism, and Jehovah's Witness's were especially repressed - suffering beatings, imprisonment, and in some cases worse.

If you look to the period of the 1970's when Cuba was on top of the world, and (not dependent on Western Currency) tens (if not hundreds of thousands) were serving long sentences as political prisoners and/or prisoners of conscience.

No one has been able to engage in a study for the disappeared because they either disappear or are sentenced to lengthy prison terms as in the case of Francisco Chaviano.

Learn more about this tragic history at:

http://www.fiu.edu/~fcf/humrts.html


Cordially,

Ronald

Tom: thanks for your kind invitation if we ever visit Cullen Gardens again. Allow me to reciprocate if you are in the Washington, DC area - we live in the Maryland suburbs to the north of DC. You might be interested to know there is a Scottish Heritage Day festival in Alexandria, VA each year in January if I recall. Even a parade of Scotch terriers by their owners who have a club in the area.

Nils

With suppressing minorities I especially thought of racism. But I agree that suppressing religious minorities is quite unacceptable. I really do not undestand why Castro is suppressing minorities, because he is a popular leader of the cuban people. I talked with many cubans in september this year, and most of them admire Fidel Castro. His brother, Raol, though, is feared. The best Fidel Castro could do would be to hold free elections. My opinion is that at democracy will emerge faster if we visit Cuba, than if we boycott them in a destructive way. Let us stop the political discussion here and concentrate on travel issues. Best regards from Nils

Tom

A mans A man for a' that! In the words of the immortal bard. John,most of my friends in Cuba are Jehova witness's!!!(I'm not!)Let me say this,the Cuban people are VERY intelligent and it's only a matter of time for things resolve themselves.I feel bad if I have upset people like Joey,but Ihave to say my piece.Roland sees through what I'M saying(he will have to put up with me and my wife for a week!!)It's just a short time away when things will change,hopefully,for the common people,I call my friends in Cuba.

Paul

I would like to hear about anyone's stay in old Havana. I have been told that it is a most enjoyable experience.

Tom

Paul,Ithink that Nils is the guy with the most experience in this part of Cuba.Regards,Tom.

Nils

Hello Paul. My wife and I have stayed some days in Old Havana. It has still its beauty, but the quality of maintenance of the old buildings usually is low. Some important buildings, though, have been restored with high quality. Parts of Old Havana are still slum-like. Stay at Hotel Inglaterra, which has friendly staff, excellent service and give you value for money. This hotel has a street terrace and a roof terrace with excellent view over the city. The food is acceptable. There you also will get the information about what to see. Just walking around in the old city, or going by bike-taxi, is an event. There is no violence in the streets, as far as I could see.I have heard rumours that passengers with private taxis have been robbed, but I cannot confirm if it is true. Theft and begging, unfortunately, are widespread. And so is You can not trust the police. Be "firm, but polite" as we say in Norwegian, and you will get no problems. Have a nice trip! Best regards from Nils

Paul

Thanks Nils, Will do!