Lovely story,Bob, but I apologize but Ciao is the proper spelling. I speak French Spanish, Italian, German and English and lived in Switzerland for 10 years so I think I’m probably qualified to make this correction. I’m sorry if it offends you. I always like to be corrected in any of the languages that I speak because I like to speak them properly and I hope you feel that way too and I’d like to go to Cuba someday but maybe in the cooler months
"But I’ll not speak to the corruptness, oppressiveness and incompetence of the current U.S. regime. It speaks for itself, too loudly, every day." I think you just did, and you didn't need many words to do it either. OBTW..are my dues due?
Yeah that was some subversive double-speak. As for your subscription, it’s my understanding that Substack will notify you when it’s due, although there’s very little I truly understand about how it works. But thanks…
The photo is haunting, Bob. I sure hope he and his family survive this. We traveled to Cuba twice. Once, before American tourism was allowed (we went under an “education” visa) and then again when tourism was flourishing in 2018. The first visit included a lot of propaganda, the 2nd we experienced the hope and happiness of the Cuban people. Glad we saw both.
Right on. I went to Cuba last year and had a similar reaction. The people there were resilient and hopeful. And, to your point, very very weary. No matter what you think of their government, and I'm sure most people are aligned on that, the people who just want a decent life are stuck in the crosshairs. Here are the pictures I took, if you're interested...
Well, it sounded like “chow” or “ciao” although I’m told they spell it chao in Cuba and elsewhere. No matter. You’re right. It’s chaos out there. And ciao to that shit.
I too had the wonderful opportunity to stay in Cuba in 2018. Obama had just opened the ability to travel. This was my surprise 60th birthday present. Like you, we also stayed in an apartment / AirBnB in Havana. We befriended the guy with the pink ‘57 Chevy BelAir who toured us around. We hung out with he & his friends for 4 days, eating great food, listening to great music & enjoying the hospitality of a warm & welcoming people. Prior to going to Cuba, we learned through the Consulat’s website that the locals were unable to obtain even the most basic of items. We took a large suitcase full of toilet paper, toothpaste, soap, sunscreen & lots of toys, including a dozen Rawlings baseballs. We gave these away to kids on the street & the adults we met. We kept in touch with our Cuban friend for several years. It pains me to see the distress they are suffering (and have) for their whole lifetime due to their government. But especially now - no power? That affects everything. Medical care, fresh water, gas supply, home lights & food. Our so-called Stable Genius - he may take Cuba - will it be at the sacrifice of some of their peaceful civilians? Probably. Will it implement a regime change? Maybe. (Think Iran). I don’t know the future for these wonderful Cuban people, but my hope is life will be better for them - soon. Ciao
We must have been there about the same time. One of our friends -- he's a dentist -- brought along a bag of medical supplies, which he left with the folks who rented us the apartment. According to another friend who knows the owners of the apartment, they've been incommunicado the last few months. Yes, here's hoping ...
Lovely story,Bob, but I apologize but Ciao is the proper spelling. I speak French Spanish, Italian, German and English and lived in Switzerland for 10 years so I think I’m probably qualified to make this correction. I’m sorry if it offends you. I always like to be corrected in any of the languages that I speak because I like to speak them properly and I hope you feel that way too and I’d like to go to Cuba someday but maybe in the cooler months
He looks like the pre-revolution dictator, Fulgencio Batista.
Now that really is haunting …
Long dead
But a Florida resident for a bit …
"But I’ll not speak to the corruptness, oppressiveness and incompetence of the current U.S. regime. It speaks for itself, too loudly, every day." I think you just did, and you didn't need many words to do it either. OBTW..are my dues due?
***
Yeah that was some subversive double-speak. As for your subscription, it’s my understanding that Substack will notify you when it’s due, although there’s very little I truly understand about how it works. But thanks…
Beautifully written, Bob. Damn, I wish we could’ve made that trip!
Yeah, Cuba woulda been a different place back in 1975 when we applied for those visas through the Czech embassy.
I’m beginning to identify more and more with the cook on the Edmund Fitzgerald
The photo is haunting, Bob. I sure hope he and his family survive this. We traveled to Cuba twice. Once, before American tourism was allowed (we went under an “education” visa) and then again when tourism was flourishing in 2018. The first visit included a lot of propaganda, the 2nd we experienced the hope and happiness of the Cuban people. Glad we saw both.
Unforgettable, my friend. This may be the best of your always outstanding
letters.. the photos are pure love.
Right on. I went to Cuba last year and had a similar reaction. The people there were resilient and hopeful. And, to your point, very very weary. No matter what you think of their government, and I'm sure most people are aligned on that, the people who just want a decent life are stuck in the crosshairs. Here are the pictures I took, if you're interested...
https://richfeldmanphotography.com/cuba
Gorgeous images, Rich. I hope everyone who drops by here takes a look at them — and subscribes to A Muse Letter https://todaysmuse.substack.com/?utm_source=global-search
Thanks, Bob -- you're very kind.
Good column, Bob. I must ask you a question. Did you yell "chao" to him or did you yell "ciao" to him?
"Chao," in Spanish, means "chaos," I believe.
I guess either would have worked.
Well, it sounded like “chow” or “ciao” although I’m told they spell it chao in Cuba and elsewhere. No matter. You’re right. It’s chaos out there. And ciao to that shit.
Bob,
I too had the wonderful opportunity to stay in Cuba in 2018. Obama had just opened the ability to travel. This was my surprise 60th birthday present. Like you, we also stayed in an apartment / AirBnB in Havana. We befriended the guy with the pink ‘57 Chevy BelAir who toured us around. We hung out with he & his friends for 4 days, eating great food, listening to great music & enjoying the hospitality of a warm & welcoming people. Prior to going to Cuba, we learned through the Consulat’s website that the locals were unable to obtain even the most basic of items. We took a large suitcase full of toilet paper, toothpaste, soap, sunscreen & lots of toys, including a dozen Rawlings baseballs. We gave these away to kids on the street & the adults we met. We kept in touch with our Cuban friend for several years. It pains me to see the distress they are suffering (and have) for their whole lifetime due to their government. But especially now - no power? That affects everything. Medical care, fresh water, gas supply, home lights & food. Our so-called Stable Genius - he may take Cuba - will it be at the sacrifice of some of their peaceful civilians? Probably. Will it implement a regime change? Maybe. (Think Iran). I don’t know the future for these wonderful Cuban people, but my hope is life will be better for them - soon. Ciao
We must have been there about the same time. One of our friends -- he's a dentist -- brought along a bag of medical supplies, which he left with the folks who rented us the apartment. According to another friend who knows the owners of the apartment, they've been incommunicado the last few months. Yes, here's hoping ...
Also, Paula, thanks for becoming a paid subscriber. Appreciate it ...
A beautiful story. Let us pray that this horrible episode in U.S. history will soon be over.
Can't happen fast enoug.
It’s tough not to slip into depression after seeing the suffering that one man is gleefully causing in our names.
When depression raises its head, I try to get angry instead. Hence, I'm angry all the time.