On The Road

I love the idea of Cuba. I want to go there. It’s on the list. That list I have of many places and many countries and many regions that I want to explore with my own eyes while I’m walking around on my own two feet. I want to photograph it. I want to meet the people. I want to discover it, sweat it, feel it, dance with it, speak to it in its own language. Ah well …

I have not yet gone to Cuba because my cajones are not that big.

My not being allowed to go to Cuba is just one of those conundrummy things that makes me wonder about the definition of freedom.

The other day there was a Reuters article entitled Cuba not ready, but expecting U.S. tourists.

Some U.S. lawmakers are seeking to ease restrictions on travel and trade with Cuba, but even if Congress approves, their efforts are likely to face a veto by President George W. Bush who has tightened sanctions in an effort to undermine Fidel Castro’s government.

Cuba estimates 1 million Americans would visit in the first year after Washington ends a travel ban put in place more than four decades ago to isolate Castro’s communist government.

Americans are expected to flood to Cuba to enjoy its pristine beaches, sip daiquiris at Ernest Hemingway’s favorite bars and take a step back in time riding in vintage cars in a city that was once a Mafia playground.

By some estimates, there could be 3 million American tourists visiting Cuba within five years of an opening up of U.S. travel.

I hope that I will be in the wave of the first 100.

Sorry, I have no photos to add to this post.

Read the Reuter’s Article.