Re: [Paddlewise] Cuba

Hi All, I am back on line. I sailed to Cuba last summer. Key West- Havana
(Marina Hemmingway) 18 mi +/- W of Havana. Under the auspices of the Havana
Yacht Club. We had to fax our passport data to the USCG for permission to
enter Cuba direct. We received a stamp of approval in about 15 minutes.
Everyone made us very welcome.

I have sailed all my life, I've kayaked about 8 years. There is NO WAY I
would want to kayak in the waters between Key West and Cuba. At night we had
good 10 ft. seas then we had a little squall. Not really uncomfortable but
we were in a 48 ft. sailboat with all the bells and whistles. Yes Bob, the
Gulfstream is a very big factor, to say nothing of the shipping lanes.

I met some locals in kayaks that I really wanted to try as they were very
strange looking, but the paddlers were not allowed to get out of the water
near the marina, the authorities are afraid they might try to stow away I
guess. So I took pictures.

I had been to Cuba a lot as a child but had a number of surprises during
this visit. I was prepared for the deteriorating buildings and poverty, but
what I hadn't expected was the change of the national personality. In the
old days the Cuban people didn't walk, they sort of danced, no, not dance
exactly, but they moved with such a happy rhythm you just had to smile. An
soon even the stiff Americans acquired that happy gait. Now the Cubans, even
with the Russians gone, seem to march. And don't look for the Buena Vista
Social Club either, ain't no such thing. The Cubans can't afford restaurants
and clubs. But with the severe life today's Cubans endure there is a certain
visual nobility to them.

It's a beautiful country, I would like to dive its shores but we weren't
allowed to due to customs regs. I could go on and on but I must say that
SANDY gave you the best advice: Go to Miami, food is better and cheaper,
music is better, and these Cubans still know how to smile and cha-cha.
Pat Moss



>
> http://www.esquire.com/features/2000/april/cuba/index.html
 .  Would the Gulf Stream be a big factor?
 >
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