Cruising to Cuba.

[36GoudeyMan]

We went to Cuba on Fathom (now out of business) last year, when it was more "open" than it is now. As it was, we were very limited in where we could go. I asked a lot about baseball,m but our official tour guides knew very little. There was NO chance to wander side streets or small towns to look for older Cuban stuff. I found some 1960s-1970s Cuban items in the area near the Havana pier, but it was bad shape and bad content; nothing historic or important from a quick look.

Now, with the island much more closed off and supervised, I would extremely careful about wandering off from any organized or escorted tours you are on. If you can, though, be very careful of tourist offering that look legit but are manufactured to look vintage. Entrepreneurs know what some tourists are looking for.

Also, be very careful because 100% certainty you are being watched or followed. It isn't nefarious, but the government is very conscious of influx of potential sources of outside influence and anti-government sentiment. When we were there, everyone was VERY Excited to see real Americans. Shaking hands everywhere, etc. It was also very sad: as we walked down one street to a cathedral, a baker (through his storefront window) offered to trade a loaf of bread for a pen. These are generally decent, caring people who are badly oppressed and economically stunted, and policy shifts only play with their emotions and expectation. I wish I could have wandered Cienfuego or Santiago de Cuba to look for old clippings, cards, whatever, but there was noway we could do it, and I doubt there is any better chance now, sad to say.

Nevertheless, its still an amazing place to visit, and I hope you do have a great time!!!!