Pack your bags for Cuba!!!

Blueface · 03-31-2009, 04:28 PM

Just heard in the news in South Florida.
Found this article.
Seems two bills introduced to allow Americans to travel to Cuba.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/03/31/cuba.travel/

Let's see what happens.

Footbag · 03-31-2009, 04:32 PM

The VP made some interesting comments in the past few days as well. First he said the embargo will not be lifted soon, but then he implied they are willing to lift the embargo but want human/civil rights concessions from Cuba.

Either way, I expect to get a much clearer idea of whats going on during next months Latin America summit. This is where the real news will be made.

Jbailey · 03-31-2009, 04:34 PM

Very cool Carlos, maybe we can plan a Cuba herf sometime down the road.

GreekGodX · 03-31-2009, 04:34 PM

I don't need to travel to Cuba (they don't allow internet access which would be brutal on my time there) they just need to lift the trade embargo!

The Communist government is killing the citizens of Cuba. They have had some high praise from other countries on their contributions to other countries (ie Nelson Mandela). Now if they could just understand how to treat their own, the embargo would be lifted.

Footbag · 03-31-2009, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jbailey

Very cool Carlos, maybe we can plan a Cuba herf sometime down the road.

Cuba HERF! I'm so there!

karmaz00 · 03-31-2009, 04:35 PM

interesting to see

Blueface · 03-31-2009, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GreekGodX

they don't allow internet access which would be brutal on my time there

Just wait and see what happens with that the moment US travel is allowed.
Besides, Cubans have internet. Just not legally.

Blueface · 03-31-2009, 04:37 PM

For me, things changed recently allowing me to go once a year.
Problem is I have to go with a Cuban passport, not recognized as a US Citizen.
I have worked too hard my whole life and have my whole family near me to risk that.

Footbag · 03-31-2009, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GreekGodX

I don't need to travel to Cuba (they don't allow internet access which would be brutal on my time there) they just need to lift the trade embargo!

The Communist government is killing the citizens of Cuba. They have had some high praise from other countries on their contributions to other countries (ie Nelson Mandela). Now if they could just understand how to treat their own, the embargo would be lifted.

Hotel Nacional has Internet in Executive/business offices, but not in-room.

GreekGodX · 03-31-2009, 04:47 PM

The point is internet is not readily available like it is here. Cuba doesn't allow its citizens to have internet. Between my Blackberry/Ipod Touch/Laptop I'm always connected in some way. It was a sarcastic comment as I would definitely visit if I could. I have relatives from Canada who have been and love it.

I just don't see how they could lift the travel embargo and not lift the trade embargo. As I understand it is illegal for an American to buy any Cuban product. If you are traveling in Cuba and there is still a trade embargo, you would be breaking the law with any purchase.

Blueface · 03-31-2009, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GreekGodX

I just don't see how they could lift the travel embargo and not lift the trade embargo. As I understand it is illegal for an American to buy any Cuban product. If you are traveling in Cuba and there is still a trade embargo, you would be breaking the law with any purchase.

I would venture to safely say both are gone with this bill.
You cannot say you cannot spend money in Cuba or on Cuban products but you can travel there.
By virtue of travel there, you have to spend money on their economy.

I am ready.
Travel first week visiting where wife and I grew up (La Habana for me, Pinal del Rio/Vuelta Abajo area for her) and seeing family.
Second week? HERF!!!

GreekGodX · 03-31-2009, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blueface

For me, things changed recently allowing me to go once a year.
Problem is I have to go with a Cuban passport, not recognized as a US Citizen.
I have worked too hard my whole life and have my whole family near me to risk that.

By going back to Cuba once a year, what is the limit on length of stay? Also I'm unfamiliar with the military laws there, but if you are there for an extended time could they take you into the army? Are there other reasons they can keep you from coming back to the U.S?

My Father was born in Greece and left before he did his mandatory time in the Greek Army (so that he could attend an American college, not dodge the gov). In Greece all born, male citizens have to serve in the army for 3years (I'm pretty sure on the time). Is this similar in Cuba?

Blueface · 03-31-2009, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GreekGodX

By going back to Cuba once a year, what is the limit on length of stay? Also I'm unfamiliar with the military laws there, but if you are there for an extended time could they take you into the army? Are there other reasons they can keep you from coming back to the U.S?

Until recently, travel time there was limited to 10 days.
Now, unlimited, but you need to secure a permit for the time through the Treasury Department. As to what they could do with you, who knows? That is why I don't go. I don't know what it is they may end up choosing to do with me and won't have the US to back me.

My Father was born in Greece and left before he did his mandatory time in the Greek Army (so that he could attend an American college, not dodge the gov). In Greece all born, male citizens have to serve in the army for 3years (I'm pretty sure on the time). Is this similar in Cuba?

Until recently, travel time there was limited to 10 days.
Now, unlimited, but you need to secure a permit for the time through the Treasury Department. As to what they could do with you, who knows? That is why I don't go. I don't know what it is they may end up choosing to do with me and won't have the US to back me.

Cuba not only has mandatory military for all but also has mandatory sugar cane cutting for all. Young kids are taken to the sugar cane fields as part of a government program that all feel patriotic about doing. Or better yet, are told they are patriotic about doing.

Blueface · 03-31-2009, 04:59 PM

Holy Cow!!!

I figured it out.

The new tobacco tax?
Open relations with Cuba?
Cuban tobacco products legally imported?
Taxes on that tobacco?

WOW!!!

Get those Siglo VI and EL's before they cost more than a SMART car.

M1903A1 · 03-31-2009, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blueface

Holy Cow!!!

I figured it out.

The new tobacco tax?
Open relations with Cuba?
Cuban tobacco products legally imported?
Taxes on that tobacco?

WOW!!!

Get those Siglo VI and EL's before they cost more than a SMART car.

You mean somebody in Washington is finally THINKING?

MedicCook · 03-31-2009, 05:32 PM

Does anyone mind packing me in their checked luggage?

Blueface · 03-31-2009, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MedicCook

Does anyone mind packing me in their checked luggage?

No way.
I will need the room to sneak in some non-Cubans in case all I find there are plugged.

Footbag · 03-31-2009, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MedicCook

Does anyone mind packing me in their checked luggage?

I don't mind, I'll be bringing an extra empty suitcase. But it's gonna be full for the return trip!

MedicCook · 03-31-2009, 05:39 PM

I won't mind staying down there. Maybe meet me a beautiful Cuban woman.

03-31-2009, 05:47 PM

You know, if all these Americans start going to Cuba, its going to drive the prices up for my cigars!

Maybe you guys down south need to force another vote.

03-31-2009, 04:28 PM	#1
Blueface Gramps 4x's Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Horatio Seymore Hiny Location: Boca Raton - North of La Habana Posts: 8,774 Trading: (8)	Pack your bags for Cuba!!! Just heard in the news in South Florida. Found this article. Seems two bills introduced to allow Americans to travel to Cuba. http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/03/31/cuba.travel/ Let's see what happens. __________________ Little known fact: I am a former member of the Village People - The Indian

03-31-2009, 04:32 PM	#2
Footbag I Need My Space Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Adam Location: NEPA Posts: 1,216 Trading: (7)	Re: Pack your bags for Cuba!!! The VP made some interesting comments in the past few days as well. First he said the embargo will not be lifted soon, but then he implied they are willing to lift the embargo but want human/civil rights concessions from Cuba. Either way, I expect to get a much clearer idea of whats going on during next months Latin America summit. This is where the real news will be made.

03-31-2009, 04:34 PM	#3
Jbailey Brewcifer Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Dave Location: Madison, WI Posts: 5,212 Trading: (17)	Re: Pack your bags for Cuba!!! Very cool Carlos, maybe we can plan a Cuba herf sometime down the road. __________________ "Sent to spy on a Cuban talent show first stop- Havana au go-go." Field Marshall Douche Bag.

03-31-2009, 04:34 PM	#4
GreekGodX Opa!! Join Date: Mar 2009 First Name: Christos Location: 7 Line Posts: 4,894 Trading: (82)	Re: Pack your bags for Cuba!!! I don't need to travel to Cuba (they don't allow internet access which would be brutal on my time there) they just need to lift the trade embargo! The Communist government is killing the citizens of Cuba. They have had some high praise from other countries on their contributions to other countries (ie Nelson Mandela). Now if they could just understand how to treat their own, the embargo would be lifted. __________________ "If I give a businessman 10,000 francs, what is that to him, he is rich. But if I give him a Cohiba cigar, that is style."-Hotel Rwanda

03-31-2009, 04:35 PM	#6
karmaz00 Habanos Join Date: Dec 2008 First Name: Jason Location: victoria Posts: 1,855 Trading: (1)	Re: Pack your bags for Cuba!!! interesting to see __________________ Habanos Collector Since 2003

03-31-2009, 04:37 PM	#8
Blueface Gramps 4x's Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Horatio Seymore Hiny Location: Boca Raton - North of La Habana Posts: 8,774 Trading: (8)	Re: Pack your bags for Cuba!!! For me, things changed recently allowing me to go once a year. Problem is I have to go with a Cuban passport, not recognized as a US Citizen. I have worked too hard my whole life and have my whole family near me to risk that. __________________ Little known fact: I am a former member of the Village People - The Indian

03-31-2009, 04:47 PM	#10
GreekGodX Opa!! Join Date: Mar 2009 First Name: Christos Location: 7 Line Posts: 4,894 Trading: (82)	Re: Pack your bags for Cuba!!! The point is internet is not readily available like it is here. Cuba doesn't allow its citizens to have internet. Between my Blackberry/Ipod Touch/Laptop I'm always connected in some way. It was a sarcastic comment as I would definitely visit if I could. I have relatives from Canada who have been and love it. I just don't see how they could lift the travel embargo and not lift the trade embargo. As I understand it is illegal for an American to buy any Cuban product. If you are traveling in Cuba and there is still a trade embargo, you would be breaking the law with any purchase. __________________ "If I give a businessman 10,000 francs, what is that to him, he is rich. But if I give him a Cohiba cigar, that is style."-Hotel Rwanda

03-31-2009, 04:59 PM	#14
Blueface Gramps 4x's Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Horatio Seymore Hiny Location: Boca Raton - North of La Habana Posts: 8,774 Trading: (8)	Re: Pack your bags for Cuba!!! Holy Cow!!! I figured it out. The new tobacco tax? Open relations with Cuba? Cuban tobacco products legally imported? Taxes on that tobacco? WOW!!! Get those Siglo VI and EL's before they cost more than a SMART car. __________________ Little known fact: I am a former member of the Village People - The Indian

03-31-2009, 05:32 PM	#16
MedicCook Mila smoked my cigar Join Date: Jan 2009 First Name: Ryan Location: Schaghticoke, NY Posts: 10,946 Trading: (7)	Re: Pack your bags for Cuba!!! Does anyone mind packing me in their checked luggage?

03-31-2009, 05:39 PM	#19
MedicCook Mila smoked my cigar Join Date: Jan 2009 First Name: Ryan Location: Schaghticoke, NY Posts: 10,946 Trading: (7)	Re: Pack your bags for Cuba!!! I won't mind staying down there. Maybe meet me a beautiful Cuban woman.

03-31-2009, 05:47 PM	#20
Cyanide Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Pack your bags for Cuba!!! You know, if all these Americans start going to Cuba, its going to drive the prices up for my cigars! Maybe you guys down south need to force another vote.