CUBA with Lindblad National Geographic Expeditions
Ceilin' fan stirs the air
Cigar smoke did swirl,
Sailin' on a midnight boat,
There were no questions asked,
Water's so green and the air was so clean
That he stuck right to his task, Havana daydreamin',
Oh he's just schemin', his life away.
I was 10 - 11 years old during the Cuban Missile Crisis and remember having drills in school where we would dive under our desks and cover our heads. Later in life I would meet and get to know a few people who fled Cuba during the revolution, their stories always intrigued me. Hearing stories of the boat people and their desperate efforts to sail to Florida on make shift vessels. As a Deputy Sheriff in Wyoming having to deal with a couple of individuals from the Mariel Boat Life. I later had a chance to chat with a Navy Veteran who was a radio operator who listened as the Bay of Pigs invasion took place. I had read stories of the pristine diving in Cuban Waters, and the old US vehicles and the ingenuity in keeping them running for many years. Then there was the reading of Hemingway’s “Old Man and the Sea” and knowing of his time in Cuba. A fascination with Cuba has always existed.
With the easing of restrictions on US citizens traveling to Cuba this vail of mystique has been lifted. A few friends have recently traveled to Cuba and we have been encouraged to get there as I say before there is a Starbucks on every corner. This trip came together rather quickly, compared to how we normally plan.
The November 2016 issue of National Geographic has a very interesting article about the first US cruise ship arriving in Havana. The key thoughts I took away were the Cuban People while welcoming the Tsunami of US tourist there is a feeling things will change in time. The article talks of the verb “resolver” meaning to manage with creative dexterity the challenges of modern Cuba, with improvisando as you go. I sense there is a great respect for the natural wonders of Cuba, with a desire to protect these treasures.
We will be traveling with Lindblad/National Geographic Expeditions on their first visit as a people to people visit. Having traveled with Lindblad/ Nat Geo before we know we will have an in-depth experience as we explore the cultural , the natural history, and the endemic bird and plant life. We will start our expedition in Havana with a three night stay at The Nacional a Havana Landmark. Not 5 star but what a classic institution of Cuban History, the playground of the rich and famous and “The Mob” during the 1930’s and 1940’s.
After three days in Havana we travel to the South side of the Island to Cienfuegos where we board the Sailing Vessel Panorama II. The next seven (7) days we will sail to the Bay of Pigs, Cayo Largo, Trinidad, and the Jardines de la Reina (Gardens of the Queen).
We enjoy traveling with Lindblad/ Nat Geo for the depth of the experience they offer. This will be their very first expedition to Cuba so we may have to roll a bit with the flow, but that can bring about some very unique experiences. Yes these are expeditions as the itinerary is not set in stone and more of a suggestion. Our group size will be no more than 44 fellow travelers. At this time some plans are in flux due to the slow permitting system. Roll with the Flow will be the theme, but that is a good thing.
As internet connections may be rather limited and slow, I have no Idea as to when we will be able to post blog entries. So, I hope you enjoy sharing this journey with us.
More Photos will be posted to http://soggymoosephoto.smugmug.com ,
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