tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8704591367780778922024-03-13T22:53:55.347-04:00JennicaCubajennicacubahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01075251997962909202noreply@blogger.comBlogger134125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870459136778077892.post-30786479490824603032024-02-19T10:07:00.000-05:002024-02-19T10:07:25.423-05:00Marea del Portillo, here I come... again!<p> <img align="middle" alt="" class="m_-5537252325866775394mcnImage CToWUd a6T" data-bit="iit" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEhnDsbuglb4x6YLLZNkDvG5Yte5WHj9Tp5TPjjbfdZQNek-3JuLloTuDRrbZFf60ozhzis7nSWfRcQeOKXXW5Wck272GPfP1orRzgZTbmkSinCmhVf6jp2Yui8AD7-CqBqppHXn1YZx0s5DpMCAfxxCmXBd7ZLmZIwKSCpoopSbk-SHDl7fK3hYIaJG8f-odiOs9cmZlViIzApDKTAeNED7amGP=w640-h308" style="border: 0; display: inline!important; height: auto; max-width: 1200px; outline: none; padding-bottom: 0; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: bottom;" tabindex="0" width="640" /></p><p>Yes, I will soon be returning to Marea del Portillo, Cuba, again. I was there when the resort <strong><em>finally</em></strong> reopened on Dec. 6, after too many years, and I want to return before flights to/from Manzanillo end for the 2023-24 season.<br />
<br />
I thought I'd timed my visit to occur while this tourism season was
still going strong. When I planned my trip, flights were available to
the middle of April 2024. However, Sunwing abruptly decided to truncate
the season and end flights to/from Manzanillo de Cuba in mid March
instead. Dec. 6 to March 20 is a VERY short season!<br />
<br />
Without the Sunwing flights from Toronto and Montreal, the entire
Manzanillo airport will close. The next nearest Cuban airport is in
Holguin, which is about 4 hours away from the Marea/Pilón area. It is a
bit of a drive but there are a lot of interesting things to see along
the way! Sometimes, when I've flown via Holguin, I've stopped in
Manzanillo or Bayamo and, on occasion, stayed overnight in Holguin. All
three of those cities are interesting to visit.<br />
<br />
After Sunwing pulled the plug on the more convenient Manzanillo flights,
the resort management team began exploring other transportation
options. They had hoped to be able to provide a package that would
include the airport transfer without adding to the cost. That,
unfortunately, has not yet proven possible. At this point, they're still
awaiting answers following a recent meeting in Bayamo with Sunwing
representatives.<br />
<br />
Sunwing may not seem to care about this resort and the communities it
serves – I mean both the local community and the community of tourists –
but the resort managers definitely DO care. Abel Carcur, Yancel Pérez
and <span dir="auto"><span>Ñusta Arévalo want to keep this resort open beyond March 20, and they are trying very hard to find a viable solution. </span></span>Both Yancel and <span dir="auto"><span>Ñusta </span></span>live
in the area and have worked at the Marea del Portillo for quite some
time. Abel is new to the resort but not new to the tourism business, nor
to Cuba, although he's actually from Spain. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO1CiRlxw9Sk2p7b_nOXXCoHjhSn64YhoXh5latxYrsExBRqqZNu1cFMUfbMJWRzyOuS2tCxOxQBNtCOg48KuNVPV7I7St7WHsSQ2fUNi1Mn75OhFlfB806lzzWgmyXHTXRzitjt8kdKcyMxJwN7IjATcfY7dHrEDrycBn3EEE4R-B8JzJ3-XuddkZU1iZ/s960/Abel%20in%20restaurant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO1CiRlxw9Sk2p7b_nOXXCoHjhSn64YhoXh5latxYrsExBRqqZNu1cFMUfbMJWRzyOuS2tCxOxQBNtCOg48KuNVPV7I7St7WHsSQ2fUNi1Mn75OhFlfB806lzzWgmyXHTXRzitjt8kdKcyMxJwN7IjATcfY7dHrEDrycBn3EEE4R-B8JzJ3-XuddkZU1iZ/w640-h360/Abel%20in%20restaurant.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>As well as working in the tourism industry in different capacities
around the world, Abel Carcur also had a restaurant in his hometown of
Lugo, Spain. </em></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Last year, some of you may have heard that a Spanish company was taking
over the resort. I think that rumor may have arisen because Abel came
from Spain to tour the facility; it was really just one Spanish guy who
was hired by Blue Diamond to be the general manager. Rumors also
circulated that the resort was being sold. Well, it was sort of a shell
game because Sunwing owns Blue Diamond. They are rebranding it, not
selling it... at least, not yet.</p><p>Abel has apparently been given a year to turn things around financially
but I have not been able to find out if that "year" begins next season
(Winter 2024-25) or if has already started. If the clock is now ticking
for Abel, then Sunwing should not have cut him off at the knees by
stopping flights to Manzanillo earlier than originally scheduled.<br />
<br />
When I chatted with Abel in December, he explained that many changes
were pending, including the creation of two separate resorts on the same
property. Instead of the Marea del Portillo hotel and the Farallón del
Caribe hotel being under one big umbrella (Club Amigo Marea del
Portillo), each of the hotels would be marketed separately and would
cater to different clienteles. Then, if the Marea hotel's financial
picture did not improve, it would be sold and Sunwing would operate only
the Farallón.<br />
<br />
However, I found it quite interesting to learn that Sunwing was not
footing the bill for all the renovation work that has been and is being
done at the facility. Abel said that, in his experience, the amount of
money being pumped into the resort is unprecedented. Since the Cubanacan
group actually owns the place (Sunwing is essentially a property
manager), it would seem that they want to keep this entire resort alive –
at least two of three hotels, that is. I have no idea about the future
of the third hotel, Punta Piedra, which is located a few kms to the
west, but I hope it doesn't fall into disrepair.<br />
<br />
So, if Sunwing sells off the Marea hotel, would Cubanacan step in and
operate it? Perhaps. Could another international airline be found to fly
into Manzanillo. Maybe. At this point, I'm just speculating! Let's all
sing together: "Quizás, quizás, quizás...." </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDxPKangmyRchztOasysDuI3bODy5PqSfdEL2q4Z1T9JKSvc-cuB6eH_JghR9lsYld0FLEC_uGorjD85K72YCbou7NEJ-i2NzhyphenhyphenEnZuIgeU2B-EEN0bo3ZkV22MOGT-mLYIF7HOblWAZngVFs5eq0JPLpy2NubVLPstynDJiwHH8UaHaEDo0cn5NbsEIZX/s1174/Blue%20Diamond.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="592" data-original-width="1174" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDxPKangmyRchztOasysDuI3bODy5PqSfdEL2q4Z1T9JKSvc-cuB6eH_JghR9lsYld0FLEC_uGorjD85K72YCbou7NEJ-i2NzhyphenhyphenEnZuIgeU2B-EEN0bo3ZkV22MOGT-mLYIF7HOblWAZngVFs5eq0JPLpy2NubVLPstynDJiwHH8UaHaEDo0cn5NbsEIZX/w640-h322/Blue%20Diamond.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Blue Diamond has dual-personality, two-hotel resorts under the
"Resonance" banner, which is the current plan for Marea del
Portillo/Farallón del Caribe. </em></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p>Meanwhile,
let's talk about what could happen after March 20. The resort could
simply close. Or, it could be opened on weekends only for day use (no
overnight accommodation). OR, in a scenario I want to be optimistic
about, it could stay open and provide transportation from/to Holguin for
clients with air/hotel vacation packages (Sunwing or another company).
In this case, people could also book accommodation autonomously – no
matter where they were traveling from or what airline they might be
using. If a group arrived together, a Manzanillo-based company called <span dir="auto">Proyecto Guacanayabo could adeptly supply shuttle service.</span></p><div dir="ltr">
</div>
<div dir="ltr"><span dir="auto">Although other individuals can provide
transportation, Proyecto Guacanayabo seems to be the best option for
groups because they have access to numerous vans and other larger
vehicles. And, for those who like the classics, they have a big yellow
truck with bus-style seats at their disposal. It can comfortably carry
10-12 people and, since it has a large roof rack, luggage can go on top
instead of being crammed inside, which must be done with many vans.</span><br />
<br />
<span dir="auto">Also, because their business includes guided tours to
other parts of Cuba and event organization, they would have the chops to
put together a nice mini-tour from Holguin to Marea del Portillo. Since
Manzanillo is about halfway, it would be a great place to stop for a
break that could include a meal and music, as well as beverages and
baños, and, perhaps, a quick drive along the city's sculpture-studded
malecón.</span><br />
<br />
<span dir="auto">I realize that a 226-km drive from plane to bed is not
ideal or, for those with certain health issues, even possible.
Nonetheless, I would encourage you to keep an open mind about this idea
and not negate it out of hand. Certainly, having an <strong><em>unexpected</em></strong>
4-hour bus ride is not nice but this would be organized and announced
in advance. IF this mini-tour option can be worked out, I think it would
be fun!</span><br />
<br />
<span dir="auto">Let's stay positive and keep supporting Marea del
Portillo as much as we can! On Feb. 28, I will again be heading for my
favorite little resort, my second home and my Cuban cottage, as some
folks call it. I will try to post a trip report by Easter... if I make
it home and have time by then! While I'm there, I'll do my best to
provide what updates I can about the resort and its future. </span><br />
<br />
<span dir="auto">Keep smiling,</span><br />
<span dir="auto">Jenny</span></div>
<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizTOw8FYU5jTVb-BdAvHY7dETbQfhyphenhyphenQF8d-vccg4TVlD-ryWBmvdOIboNHux6pZJinXsXWP0EAKrx4NFFyvbfNufCqHywRJkh8ZCZa7Ix4V8eWtVyaM0vyrGzrsJp8AyNPmmNvrkA-OpVg39KlPV-6xntTZ4d09xBTOurkuwdvQLScWEiH8DFOfaTpj4aZ/s2048/423735842_742128674538319_3903350338573951550_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1153" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizTOw8FYU5jTVb-BdAvHY7dETbQfhyphenhyphenQF8d-vccg4TVlD-ryWBmvdOIboNHux6pZJinXsXWP0EAKrx4NFFyvbfNufCqHywRJkh8ZCZa7Ix4V8eWtVyaM0vyrGzrsJp8AyNPmmNvrkA-OpVg39KlPV-6xntTZ4d09xBTOurkuwdvQLScWEiH8DFOfaTpj4aZ/w640-h360/423735842_742128674538319_3903350338573951550_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><em>This awesome vintage vehicle, equipped with modern, padded bus seats, can carry 12 people.</em></div></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> </p>jennicacubahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01075251997962909202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870459136778077892.post-75968539155042049932024-01-06T12:05:00.000-05:002024-01-06T12:05:31.859-05:00MY DEC. 6 MAREA TRIP REPORT: Not perfect but perfectly fine!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWRRFDJsLEvJeY88tl6DuqGbVtETHJIgvWsQ0qUU_mZSrb1ri9ACOU5iYVDJ9nEKWAJBwkQpVvPPzZqy4NniS5bnSfZ1Dj6dNkmt73YXkQeQk512RrEB9dHz4yqt2PjwISoZ4MLh7vOZGeXFkBL5NadWIUHO3kRYWeQko42v_RPOZyEth0BKUKTXEDL9Y-/s579/morning%20coffee.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="434" data-original-width="579" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWRRFDJsLEvJeY88tl6DuqGbVtETHJIgvWsQ0qUU_mZSrb1ri9ACOU5iYVDJ9nEKWAJBwkQpVvPPzZqy4NniS5bnSfZ1Dj6dNkmt73YXkQeQk512RrEB9dHz4yqt2PjwISoZ4MLh7vOZGeXFkBL5NadWIUHO3kRYWeQko42v_RPOZyEth0BKUKTXEDL9Y-/w640-h480/morning%20coffee.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><h1 style="color: #202020; display: block; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 26px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 125%; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><strong><span style="font-size: 23px;"><span style="font-family: tahoma,verdana,segoe,sans-serif;">2023 MAREA DEL PORTILLO TRIP REPORT:<br />
It wasn't perfect but it was perfectly fine!</span></span></strong></h1>
<p style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 150%; margin: 10px 0; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><strong><em>TORONTO, DEC. 6, 2023, 6:15 A.M.</em></strong><br />
-------------------------------------------------<br />
The first flight from Canada to Manzanillo de Cuba was loaded and ready
to roll down the Pearson airport runway when the pilot introduced
himself on the intercom and informed us that we were overweight. Okay,
he didn't mean that we, the people, were overweight; he meant the plane
was overloaded.<br />
<br />
The solution was to unload everyone/thing and bring in a newer plane
with a larger payload capacity – a bigger belly, in other words. This
took about 4.5 hours and meant that the first flight to arrive in
Manzanillo came from Montreal. Because of the delay, however, the Dec. 6
Toronto passengers are entitled to compensation in the form of a $125
CAD monetary refund or a $225 voucher. <em>[To my Dec. 6 clients: Please check your email for instructions on how to submit a claim, if you haven't done so already.]</em><br />
<br />
Rumors and speculation circulated as to why the plane was overweight.
Was somebody just bad at math? Did a lot of people show up with extra
luggage that hadn't been booked in advance? Although Sunwing now seems
to be following the WestJet protocol of not weighing carry-on bags, in
my observation, I don't think that was the cause. The delay was annoying
but, in the end, it was a minor hiccup and, happily, I have a voucher
for my next trip!<br />
<br />
Upon our eventual arrival at the Manzanillo airport, we were greeted
with great hoopla! There were musicians, dancers, stilt walkers,
entertainers and TV crews – the return of Sunwing flights to the
province made the national news in Cuba. The reopening of Club Amigo
Marea del Portillo was truly a BIG deal. After a surprisingly fast and
smooth bus ride to the resort, the celebration continued, complete with
music, welcome cocktails, many hugs and face-splitting smiles!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYqN6-zk9goE8qVjxQa5JZi8pPdXXaWxQdaljD1KZ5A7vg7kXqDuOrh9_ZyIRKO509EbQVxz81NvoWrONeyf996m05Eq8rN_bJMbLE4okk7cmuZiBZ_J5UCehbkkSG-g1uKCTDVtz_1SE5bF-1mv1Dxwa7Lj_BfsRbY2VwwHAZhBlwSwfKYCDsq-hGOI70/s598/flight%20photos.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="569" data-original-width="598" height="608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYqN6-zk9goE8qVjxQa5JZi8pPdXXaWxQdaljD1KZ5A7vg7kXqDuOrh9_ZyIRKO509EbQVxz81NvoWrONeyf996m05Eq8rN_bJMbLE4okk7cmuZiBZ_J5UCehbkkSG-g1uKCTDVtz_1SE5bF-1mv1Dxwa7Lj_BfsRbY2VwwHAZhBlwSwfKYCDsq-hGOI70/w640-h608/flight%20photos.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 150%; margin: 10px 0; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 150%; margin: 10px 0; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; padding: 0; text-align: left;">The 2nd hiccup was due to the ongoing renovations. Part of the Marea
section is still under construction and that hotel was not quite ready
for occupancy on Dec. 6. Those who had been booked in the beach-level
hotel had their accommodation upgraded to cabañas or Superior rooms in
the Farallón hotel. Although the Farallón was absolutely gorgeous and
the view is incredible, not everyone was pleased; some people <em>really</em> wanted to be in the Marea section, no matter what.<br />
<br />
Those with mobility issues were given rooms on the Farallón's lobby
level (2nd floor). Food was available at the newly expanded snack bar
near the pool, as well as in the á la carte restaurant. If required,
meals could be brought down from the buffet for those who can't manage
stairs, I'd been assured in advance. Future plans for the resort include
the installation of a "scenic elevator," according to the incoming
manager, Abel Carcur. No timeline for this has been given but, judging
by how quickly he seems to get other things accomplished, I would guess
it will happen sooner rather than later. We'll see!<br />
<br />
Anyway, as the days clicked by, people were moved into the Marea hotel
just as soon as room renos were finished – if they wanted to move! One
couple in my group, who had booked a full month, ended up in the
Farallón instead of their usual Marea hotel room and, although they
could have moved down the hill, they opted to remain where they were. I
think more than a few people will choose the Farallón in the future!<br />
<br />
By the second week, the main Marea dining room was ready for use as the
venue for the Repeaters' Dinner. Work continues to be done in that
section as fast as possible, but there's a lot to do. One of the biggest
parts of the overall project is the construction of a floor atop the á
la carte restaurant, dwarfing the stage. This will be a disco! In fact,
another change that's afoot, once Blue Diamond fully takes over, is to
make the Marea section into a music and party zone. The Farallón will
become the more sedate and upscale hotel of the two. <em>[I hope to be able to provide more details about these pending changes later.] </em></p><p style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 150%; margin: 10px 0; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; padding: 0; text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1NBDS-FJ4zdV4mwM7sRyL-pHts3XCduZzUiPq48_CBh9rNb0Cj9nHRUTTTODmu2mUx0ZQ1BOe8ZXs1kpDMs9RfqtgbG1Wy6kiKyTgmT3pcqOqGjDbfQZzdj7gDezZQ7-cy3Q1Xaz1wYnD38tbwWLLDeGKDk2KnGlevO0-oD97hsSXc0HE_x8rA0DwiKDn/s589/hotel%20photos.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="570" data-original-width="589" height="620" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1NBDS-FJ4zdV4mwM7sRyL-pHts3XCduZzUiPq48_CBh9rNb0Cj9nHRUTTTODmu2mUx0ZQ1BOe8ZXs1kpDMs9RfqtgbG1Wy6kiKyTgmT3pcqOqGjDbfQZzdj7gDezZQ7-cy3Q1Xaz1wYnD38tbwWLLDeGKDk2KnGlevO0-oD97hsSXc0HE_x8rA0DwiKDn/w640-h620/hotel%20photos.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><em><br /></em><p></p><p style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 150%; margin: 10px 0; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; padding: 0; text-align: left;">Hiccup #3 pertained to WiFi. At first, people were told they would need
to pay for WiFi and different prices were given. The most commonly
quoted rate was $0.21 USD/hour, which needed to be paid with a Canadian
credit card. Seriously! However, Sunwing's website clearly stated that
WiFi was free throughout all their resorts in Cuba. Naturally, this was
brought to the attention of Elena, the onsite Sunwing rep., as well as
the management team. Abel quickly rectified the situation. In short
order, WiFi was free and refunds were being offered to people who had
already paid. <em>[NOTE: This service is provided in blocks of 3-5 hours
and, if you leave it "on," you will quickly burn through the allotment
and have to go back to the lobby desk to have another block of time
activated. I would recommend flipping your internet access "off" or
switching to airplane mode when not using it.] </em>
Food
is another thing people are always concerned about, of course. On the
first night, we were served an elegant meal by the Farallón pool,
complete with artfully arranged lobster and steak entrées. Throughout
the remainder of my two-week stay, I ate shrimp, fish, chicken, pork and
beef. And yes, I had some bacon for breakfast! Overall, I would say
they were not lacking in meat. There were sufficient vegetables and
fruit, too, but not as much variety as one may prefer. For example,
leafy greens were rarely available but, if you like beets, you'll be
pleased.<br />
<br />
Sometimes, when I arrived late to the buffet, I discovered sausage and
cabbage in several of the covered trays; I suspect they ran out of other
things and didn't want the trays to be empty. They temporarily ran out
of a few key items, such as butter, but there was certainly no shortage
of delectable desserts, pastries and bread. The person or team in charge
of baking is doing a top-notch job. And, for those who will want to
know, the toaster was working beautifully. All in all, I never left the
table hungry!<br />
<br />
What haven't I covered yet? Entertainment! The music is excellent, as
always, and most of the musicians will be familiar to anyone who's
visited this resort before. Quite a few members of the animation team
have returned and they've been joined by some new folks, all of whom are
working hard to keep everyone highly entertained. Most of dancers are
new to the resort, and they're very talented. Also new is an aquatic
ballet team from Bayamo instead of Santiago, as before. Since they don't
have so far to travel, they are able to present water shows every week,
which is delightful! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLtiG5tY_MVr6VPcd1uYv17uWwXvX3IDUKXoVmZbcAp4fTeoWegyfYkpY3AxU5r2caAIcRT6mMFMIARo9I88gIaxR9uNfRe8kRkkassgSqUlvyCOuHkQWX-N2GedJb5tedxd0FC4y3VcOz49badTEe7q0mB7_JzQdcPi80ydnRt0x590uTLmpLnTMdL1l8/s576/band.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="575" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLtiG5tY_MVr6VPcd1uYv17uWwXvX3IDUKXoVmZbcAp4fTeoWegyfYkpY3AxU5r2caAIcRT6mMFMIARo9I88gIaxR9uNfRe8kRkkassgSqUlvyCOuHkQWX-N2GedJb5tedxd0FC4y3VcOz49badTEe7q0mB7_JzQdcPi80ydnRt0x590uTLmpLnTMdL1l8/w399-h400/band.jpeg" width="399" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpl76GXlJJtc7aMLRtnaajmIfRFRxY9qPAfOwt4AQdlW8uil9a19GtzDru082T903Tkmhyphenhyphen6Z905dgUh5SghCDa1fpoFeh8XAPFmoVPwpnll1YJ-CgS44M8tksY7npDxBnw4a8unAqPI289NAWebzk5pEz6QclGorIEFJZXTW1AqW1SiZpPznRXD60Q0T9H/s580/show%20photos.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="564" data-original-width="580" height="622" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpl76GXlJJtc7aMLRtnaajmIfRFRxY9qPAfOwt4AQdlW8uil9a19GtzDru082T903Tkmhyphenhyphen6Z905dgUh5SghCDa1fpoFeh8XAPFmoVPwpnll1YJ-CgS44M8tksY7npDxBnw4a8unAqPI289NAWebzk5pEz6QclGorIEFJZXTW1AqW1SiZpPznRXD60Q0T9H/w640-h622/show%20photos.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 150%; margin: 10px 0; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; padding: 0; text-align: left;">I would be remiss if I didn't at least briefly mention the beach, Cayo
Blanco and other excursions. The beach in front of the hotels is being
rehabilitated. Mother Nature apparently decided to move most of the sand
to one big pile at the east end of the beach, effectively closing the
river's mouth. Workers are cleaning the beach daily and hauling loads of
sand back to where the humans would prefer to have it. More palapas and
other structures for shade are being built, as well as a new beach bar
below the Farallón.
Regarding
excursions, in my view, the land-based tours are reasonably priced,
given the current cost of fuel in Cuba. In December, most people seemed
to be going on excursions by "Jeep" rather than bus and, in that
scenario, the driver serves as guide. On the sign you'll see five
different options but, if you're interested in going somewhere else, I
would encourage you to ask – it may be possible to customize a tour!<br />
<br />
I wasn't able to take a ride on the resort's fancy new boat during my
Dec. 6-20 stay but it looks nice. The general consensus seems to be that
the rates for a day at Cayo Blanco and the Sunset Cruise are a bit
high; keep in mind that all prices are in USD and must be paid with a
credit card. Interestingly, during the first week, Cayo Blanco cost $85
but, by the second week, it had gone up to $90. The Sunset Cruise
increased by $1 from one week to the next. Perhaps they'll lower the
rates later! </p><p style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 150%; margin: 10px 0; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; padding: 0; text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgHPd_UhxqylIFcB0-0d8MpUwoVbfbRyfzvHLtrWyIO5W7ZK8-6z1q2wb-UP7vMYtoUTWV5IPigBouvc74DT1MOTlrUlL4YGOnXhb-B71c1aZMD9Py05PZw7nOMNhPIsenal9OHCem3QBzaXvIqNL3sRukz7gMWtHzKAdmAv1cNL0AqZqZpag4HEaaeHWp/s587/beach%20&%20excursions.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="564" data-original-width="587" height="614" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgHPd_UhxqylIFcB0-0d8MpUwoVbfbRyfzvHLtrWyIO5W7ZK8-6z1q2wb-UP7vMYtoUTWV5IPigBouvc74DT1MOTlrUlL4YGOnXhb-B71c1aZMD9Py05PZw7nOMNhPIsenal9OHCem3QBzaXvIqNL3sRukz7gMWtHzKAdmAv1cNL0AqZqZpag4HEaaeHWp/w640-h614/beach%20&%20excursions.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> <br /><p></p><p style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 150%; margin: 10px 0; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; padding: 0; text-align: left;">On a related note, I found out during my second week that people can now
buy a pre-loaded Bandec credit card at the bank kiosk in the Manzanillo
de Cuba airport. That's important to know if you only have credit cards
linked to U.S. banks. So, American tourists who want to visit Cuba can
use their greenbacks to buy these Bandec cards, which can then be used
for excursions and shopping at government stores, including the resort's
little tienda.
</p><p style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 150%; margin: 10px 0; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; padding: 0; text-align: left;">Oh,
yes, that reminds me... you can pay with cash at the craft market that
has been set up near the round-about at the resort entrance. Most
vendors will accept either USD or CAD. In the future, a more permanent
craft market will be built along the road between the two hotels, Abel
has told me. As well, in that same stretch of road (west of the dive
shop), a new ranchon will soon be ready for use and, hot on it's heels, a
spa will be constructed next door. The spa will include massage and
aromatherapy services and, possibly, a tattoo studio. It will be fun to
see how all these excellent plans evolve!<br />
<br />
One final "hot tip" for those who want to book a special room at the
Marea hotel in the coming year: ask about room #127. It will have a
private Jacuzzi-style bath adjacent to the back door! Woohoo!<br />
<br />
Well, I think this has become a pretty comprehensive trip report! There
are a few rumors floating around about other pending changes at our
beloved second home and, when I have confirmation of the details, I'll
let you know.<br />
<br />
Bye for now!<br />
~ Jenny </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhArSTpgqRC3r0avYBjEbJf-JCqPTaU8pbTOLEZKT07C_X3WYVSKAZ7L-8E4Pk9NnNDwnWaZUyhF5kJFrAb8v5CHfy8sEhSnBiRKPY-C0styN3KoaIB54ydH51O20Ll2ysRUxSOjdvcBDObHrQe-9aYsNHAWUhZazNnvwOtzJQ1b-oiKm3dKCyKHgUykdrB/s583/construction.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="281" data-original-width="583" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhArSTpgqRC3r0avYBjEbJf-JCqPTaU8pbTOLEZKT07C_X3WYVSKAZ7L-8E4Pk9NnNDwnWaZUyhF5kJFrAb8v5CHfy8sEhSnBiRKPY-C0styN3KoaIB54ydH51O20Ll2ysRUxSOjdvcBDObHrQe-9aYsNHAWUhZazNnvwOtzJQ1b-oiKm3dKCyKHgUykdrB/w640-h308/construction.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 150%; margin: 10px 0; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 150%; margin: 10px 0; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 150%; margin: 10px 0; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><em><br /></em></p><p style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 150%; margin: 10px 0; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; padding: 0; text-align: left;"> </p><br />jennicacubahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01075251997962909202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870459136778077892.post-78343337863166285332024-01-05T11:51:00.000-05:002024-01-05T11:51:12.506-05:00MZO return made the national news!<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The return of flights from Canada to Manzanillo de Cuba on Dec. 6, 2023, made the national news in Cuba! </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Although the Sunwing flight from Toronto was supposed to arrive first, a delay in departure meant that the Montreal flight had that honor instead. Nonetheless, there was great fanfare for both planes at both the Sierra Maestra Airport and the Marea del Portillo resort complex. At the airport, we were greeted by numerous resort staff members and musicians, as well as dancers on stilts and otherwise. The return of tourists to the province was truly a joyful celebration!<br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Here are some Facebook posts by my friend Juanita Noryis Perdomo Larezada, a Cuban journalist, and a selection of the photos she shared. <i>[NOTE: She posted in Spanish but the following is the English translation provided by Facebook. Although the grammar may not be perfect in the translation, I'm confident that Juanita's Spanish is impeccable.] </i></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">----- <br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>FIRST POST: <br /></b></span></span>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #050505;">December 6th, 2023. A lot of excitement is hosted at
the </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/HMareaPortillo?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZWzyemx8e4-2HOKwWhn7WEamUD3eQbwEYOpvHqb0y26tIAsygQzoW3XQBdOM-au4_l1N6pmHtkUqKo_bedgNrjEEVnNOJDdu9k4dUYcsbWqxYEDgpstFFu5wPd25cScUsjC9omGJCyRuTwsnSGuyGZEG3QyhL4qL6xd3z2XPAuKcPro6_C7dbX_WzBYzbnZFD8&__tn"><span style="color: blue;">Marea del Portillo Hotels & Resorts CUBA</span></a></span><span style="color: #050505;"> resort - Farallón and it's not for less. After four years of being
"inactive," this charming tourist product from </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/CubanacanHoteles?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZWzyemx8e4-2HOKwWhn7WEamUD3eQbwEYOpvHqb0y26tIAsygQzoW3XQBdOM-au4_l1N6pmHtkUqKo_bedgNrjEEVnNOJDdu9k4dUYcsbWqxYEDgpstFFu5wPd25cScUsjC9omGJCyRuTwsnSGuyGZEG3QyhL4qL6xd3z2XPAuKcPro6_C7dbX_WzBYzbnZFD8&__"><span style="color: blue;">Cubanacan Hoteles</span></a></span><span style="color: #050505;"> is about to restart its operations.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #050505;">The flight from Toronto should land at Sierra Maestra
Airport in Manzanillo at about 2:35 pm, the passenger claimed on Facebook </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/jenny.cressman?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZWzyemx8e4-2HOKwWhn7WEamUD3eQbwEYOpvHqb0y26tIAsygQzoW3XQBdOM-au4_l1N6pmHtkUqKo_bedgNrjEEVnNOJDdu9k4dUYcsbWqxYEDgpstFFu5wPd25cScUsjC9omGJCyRuTwsnSGuyGZEG3QyhL4qL6xd3z2XPAuKcPro6_C7dbX_WzBYzbnZFD8&__tn"><span style="color: blue;">Jenny Cressman.</span></a></span><span style="color: #050505;"> According to her, the plane was delayed a bit, but they maintained the
same joy of arriving at the resort that many Canadians consider their second
home.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #050505;">The longing for that magical setting is about to end,
at least for the two flights out of Toronto and Montreal.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #050505;">Huge happiness is also enjoyed by the workers of the
complex, who return to their jobs, after a long wait. Congratulations also to
Manzanillo airport managers and employees. Thank you, in addition, to Canada,
for continuing to love Cuba, and especially to </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009438768677&__cft__%5B0%5D=AZWzyemx8e4-2HOKwWhn7WEamUD3eQbwEYOpvHqb0y26tIAsygQzoW3XQBdOM-au4_l1N6pmHtkUqKo_bedgNrjEEVnNOJDdu9k4dUYcsbWqxYEDgpstFFu5wPd25cScUsjC9omGJCyRuTwsnSGuyGZEG3QyhL4qL6xd3z2XPAuKcPro6_C7dbX_"><span style="color: blue;">Lessner Gomez</span></a></span><span style="color: #050505;"> Cuba Tourism Advisor in </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/toronto?__eep__=6&__cft__%5B0%5D=AZWzyemx8e4-2HOKwWhn7WEamUD3eQbwEYOpvHqb0y26tIAsygQzoW3XQBdOM-au4_l1N6pmHtkUqKo_bedgNrjEEVnNOJDdu9k4dUYcsbWqxYEDgpstFFu5wPd25cScUsjC9omGJCyRuTwsnSGuyGZEG3QyhL4qL6xd3z2XPAuKcPro6_C7dbX_WzBYz"><span style="color: blue;">Toronto</span></a></span><span style="color: #050505;">.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #050505;">Luck is thrown out. May this second half be better
than the success of before 2019. Let quality be the best host.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #050505;">If tourism wins, we all win, it's not mouth, it's
common sense. </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/MinturCuba?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZWzyemx8e4-2HOKwWhn7WEamUD3eQbwEYOpvHqb0y26tIAsygQzoW3XQBdOM-au4_l1N6pmHtkUqKo_bedgNrjEEVnNOJDdu9k4dUYcsbWqxYEDgpstFFu5wPd25cScUsjC9omGJCyRuTwsnSGuyGZEG3QyhL4qL6xd3z2XPAuKcPro6_C7dbX_WzBYzbnZFD8&__tn__=-"><span style="color: blue;">Ministerio de Turismo de Cuba</span></a></span><span style="color: #050505;"></span><span lang="EN-US">. <br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US">-----</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US"><b>SECOND POST: </b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US"><b><br /></b></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/tourism?__eep__=6&__cft__%5B0%5D=AZVYyqso0hjctXrB_gldFfyCSbSGpxQf4KLLEyX2I89nBnkmaTh2nDcYx6EEEvk9lGNp5gRCibF9pXWF4iTwEbYM10t9UPp1a_YhC7JWLBQR26m6ThE9FeoUffNOaf4vPaTlUmpNo0XYJBM19eyC_qZSTbTg4cj3VSaK_plhDrjY1VUBcVjjVFU9CeZbE"><span style="color: blue;">Tourism</span></a></span><span style="color: #050505;"> is back to </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/pilon?__eep__=6&__cft__%5B0%5D=AZVYyqso0hjctXrB_gldFfyCSbSGpxQf4KLLEyX2I89nBnkmaTh2nDcYx6EEEvk9lGNp5gRCibF9pXWF4iTwEbYM10t9UPp1a_YhC7JWLBQR26m6ThE9FeoUffNOaf4vPaTlUmpNo0XYJBM19eyC_qZSTbTg4cj3VSaK_plhDrjY1VUBcVjjVFU9CeZbEaQ"><span style="color: blue;">Pilon</span></a></span><span style="color: #050505;">. Canada arrived on the wings of </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/sunwing?__eep__=6&__cft__%5B0%5D=AZVYyqso0hjctXrB_gldFfyCSbSGpxQf4KLLEyX2I89nBnkmaTh2nDcYx6EEEvk9lGNp5gRCibF9pXWF4iTwEbYM10t9UPp1a_YhC7JWLBQR26m6ThE9FeoUffNOaf4vPaTlUmpNo0XYJBM19eyC_qZSTbTg4cj3VSaK_plhDrjY1VUBcVjjVFU9CeZbE"><span style="color: blue;">Sunwing</span></a></span><span style="color: #050505;">, the airline that brings the most vacationers to Cuba. This is a big
event for a small village in the province of </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/granma?__eep__=6&__cft__%5B0%5D=AZVYyqso0hjctXrB_gldFfyCSbSGpxQf4KLLEyX2I89nBnkmaTh2nDcYx6EEEvk9lGNp5gRCibF9pXWF4iTwEbYM10t9UPp1a_YhC7JWLBQR26m6ThE9FeoUffNOaf4vPaTlUmpNo0XYJBM19eyC_qZSTbTg4cj3VSaK_plhDrjY1VUBcVjjVFU9CeZbEa"><span style="color: blue;">Granma</span></a></span><span style="color: #050505;">. Tourism is life, livelihood, culture, tradition there. It's also the
return of tourists who love </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/HMareaPortillo?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZVYyqso0hjctXrB_gldFfyCSbSGpxQf4KLLEyX2I89nBnkmaTh2nDcYx6EEEvk9lGNp5gRCibF9pXWF4iTwEbYM10t9UPp1a_YhC7JWLBQR26m6ThE9FeoUffNOaf4vPaTlUmpNo0XYJBM19eyC_qZSTbTg4cj3VSaK_plhDrjY1VUBcVjjVFU9CeZbEaQvEM4&__tn"><span style="color: blue;">Marea del Portillo Hotels & Resorts CUBA</span></a></span><span style="color: #050505;"> like their own family.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #050505;">The joy is immense for workers, visitors and town.
Tourism is oxygen for Pilón, and it is, also, encounter, hug. I share the
happiness of the Tidal people... At last, tourism became a customer, hopefully
forever. </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/MinturCuba?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZVYyqso0hjctXrB_gldFfyCSbSGpxQf4KLLEyX2I89nBnkmaTh2nDcYx6EEEvk9lGNp5gRCibF9pXWF4iTwEbYM10t9UPp1a_YhC7JWLBQR26m6ThE9FeoUffNOaf4vPaTlUmpNo0XYJBM19eyC_qZSTbTg4cj3VSaK_plhDrjY1VUBcVjjVFU9CeZbEaQvEM4&__tn__=-"><span style="color: blue;">Ministerio de
Turismo de Cuba</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #050505;"> </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/CubanacanHoteles?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZVYyqso0hjctXrB_gldFfyCSbSGpxQf4KLLEyX2I89nBnkmaTh2nDcYx6EEEvk9lGNp5gRCibF9pXWF4iTwEbYM10t9UPp1a_YhC7JWLBQR26m6ThE9FeoUffNOaf4vPaTlUmpNo0XYJBM19eyC_qZSTbTg4cj3VSaK_plhDrjY1VUBcVjjVFU9CeZbEaQvEM4&__"><span style="color: blue;">Cubanacan Hoteles</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #050505;"> </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008553273052&__cft__%5B0%5D=AZVYyqso0hjctXrB_gldFfyCSbSGpxQf4KLLEyX2I89nBnkmaTh2nDcYx6EEEvk9lGNp5gRCibF9pXWF4iTwEbYM10t9UPp1a_YhC7JWLBQR26m6ThE9FeoUffNOaf4vPaTlUmpNo0XYJBM19eyC_qZSTbTg4cj3VSaK_plhDrjY1VUBcVjjVFU9"><span style="color: blue;">Nancy Virgen Estrada Milanes</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #050505;"> </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009438768677&__cft__%5B0%5D=AZVYyqso0hjctXrB_gldFfyCSbSGpxQf4KLLEyX2I89nBnkmaTh2nDcYx6EEEvk9lGNp5gRCibF9pXWF4iTwEbYM10t9UPp1a_YhC7JWLBQR26m6ThE9FeoUffNOaf4vPaTlUmpNo0XYJBM19eyC_qZSTbTg4cj3VSaK_plhDrjY1VUBcVjjVFU9"><span style="color: blue;">Lessner Gomez.</span></a></span><span style="color: #050505;"></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #050505;"><i> </i></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #050505;"><i>[Some photos were provided by Bayamo Radio.]</i></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #050505;"><i> </i></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US"> -----</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US">SELECTED PHOTOS FROM BOTH POSTS: </span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I recognize several people from the resort staff, even if only from the back! The tourists in these photos are probably from the Montreal flight. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Farallón del Caribe hotel looked glorious! Although I usually stay in the beach-level Marea section, it was nice to be so graciously accommodated in the Farallón for a change.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></span><b><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US"> <br /></span></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggA0v6zAtTTLH4fZf9TtV_DqZASeZT-OnnTWvSknLFP3woVSif2ZWg-zTbOn2R6eTGdwOCfEaA4oCfwboIh-ufjyC1YwwPrPkgPNNVCsEWonvZ7DmaUuAvcNVXSjKbbqhsU33oPo4VHw8wqn8ilNeYtBSDPLDLqrnxx2iNyRws113qLRVYjMtCPneBP7te/s1080/11.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="485" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggA0v6zAtTTLH4fZf9TtV_DqZASeZT-OnnTWvSknLFP3woVSif2ZWg-zTbOn2R6eTGdwOCfEaA4oCfwboIh-ufjyC1YwwPrPkgPNNVCsEWonvZ7DmaUuAvcNVXSjKbbqhsU33oPo4VHw8wqn8ilNeYtBSDPLDLqrnxx2iNyRws113qLRVYjMtCPneBP7te/w288-h640/11.jpeg" width="288" /></a></span></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg6g0tsb3rcKH0nnYmXfc05GDeERYZX_m9ApeH3-6vVFp0AFt378TH0Zr4-bI4yj_acAPgfBOomR4TB_076EMb-1Xbh3tQjLtuy5gj1BonPP2AHDqX6sz1jPMeg051dx6L8d359UIowDxbawX6tNNZXaSvF52VkFDdLlOgXkraY_MjQ7sp5BH-E4FbhqBX/s1020/7.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1020" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg6g0tsb3rcKH0nnYmXfc05GDeERYZX_m9ApeH3-6vVFp0AFt378TH0Zr4-bI4yj_acAPgfBOomR4TB_076EMb-1Xbh3tQjLtuy5gj1BonPP2AHDqX6sz1jPMeg051dx6L8d359UIowDxbawX6tNNZXaSvF52VkFDdLlOgXkraY_MjQ7sp5BH-E4FbhqBX/w400-h301/7.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p>
<p><style><font style="font-family: verdana;" size="3">@font-face
{font-family:Arial;
panose-1:2 11 6 4 2 2 2 2 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-parent:"";
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;
margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Arial;
mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Arial;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-ansi-language:EN-US;}div.Section1
{page:Section1;}</font</style></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhai4lmylEV-Ibz2HybcHyuyCa-Sq8mGNWQ1L7umTkWYlMPaXFU9-MXs7QhyphenhyphenTkXD7lXqTdHFuqTzeiU1QRAdDFUnziDlTjy-UAmtCH_T9A23EG2QXbM0z_1j0cZbzb7GEuClFSdVYj9sMlZ40RGMSCGF0zpOIq8zcXN4sHQkQyQttSeCwwsCDgIwqWe3Pn_/s1040/5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="1040" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhai4lmylEV-Ibz2HybcHyuyCa-Sq8mGNWQ1L7umTkWYlMPaXFU9-MXs7QhyphenhyphenTkXD7lXqTdHFuqTzeiU1QRAdDFUnziDlTjy-UAmtCH_T9A23EG2QXbM0z_1j0cZbzb7GEuClFSdVYj9sMlZ40RGMSCGF0zpOIq8zcXN4sHQkQyQttSeCwwsCDgIwqWe3Pn_/w400-h300/5.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghB0-O7vglpKljGUFLKM3szcvrxLa7XKhLdaIgTMolqMyptuJa4YXa8PIWhUN84VO1kazFHfa2FbfHFWHhT7IR8FMe_GFQUjtdbLvQQKfPIsxHWWPhQP2b6g4vbdLxcIhQt9I979ytj01uBPnQeI-tWJxU1SL455EOXrypssg3LDzitcqwHoXOSGw3EGX7/s1040/1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="1040" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghB0-O7vglpKljGUFLKM3szcvrxLa7XKhLdaIgTMolqMyptuJa4YXa8PIWhUN84VO1kazFHfa2FbfHFWHhT7IR8FMe_GFQUjtdbLvQQKfPIsxHWWPhQP2b6g4vbdLxcIhQt9I979ytj01uBPnQeI-tWJxU1SL455EOXrypssg3LDzitcqwHoXOSGw3EGX7/w400-h300/1.jpeg" width="400" /></a> <br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtlcrJuPCc1B-X-9a12AJV0jf4m5FsDX3W8x4NW4jJXZ04_rvj2qCT-f7BFD3gtd_JCHMamVaHPLFoH5gvFDdSM7VGJrdapeP0g8PXh3HvvjNXc1UPb1P0NioGnJzXXHg3IJGKeTprnEtXRFA8OyFA3nUgN9ZYUKsiGJl9RXE_-8h7t5Irt8kny8xzWm-M/s1040/3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="1040" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtlcrJuPCc1B-X-9a12AJV0jf4m5FsDX3W8x4NW4jJXZ04_rvj2qCT-f7BFD3gtd_JCHMamVaHPLFoH5gvFDdSM7VGJrdapeP0g8PXh3HvvjNXc1UPb1P0NioGnJzXXHg3IJGKeTprnEtXRFA8OyFA3nUgN9ZYUKsiGJl9RXE_-8h7t5Irt8kny8xzWm-M/w400-h300/3.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg46v6gLfwIHYFcBd01YizxYkxH0qSLBYqdY-k-X5_iPCpHMzhERX_W9ZBawz-6B_sYXYakqP8Lf_zToaI2cYRDtXFz089ctI3Lb2VPCdAZAyT8RDQF88xfiJj5gKkBN53pGBem6tSD4MzDubWqFw_AbpUh_35ImSEaTqQYlyCMVwmlPSSAd5rd4Fj94G-I/s1020/8.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1020" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg46v6gLfwIHYFcBd01YizxYkxH0qSLBYqdY-k-X5_iPCpHMzhERX_W9ZBawz-6B_sYXYakqP8Lf_zToaI2cYRDtXFz089ctI3Lb2VPCdAZAyT8RDQF88xfiJj5gKkBN53pGBem6tSD4MzDubWqFw_AbpUh_35ImSEaTqQYlyCMVwmlPSSAd5rd4Fj94G-I/w400-h301/8.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZsmRjWZxQ0WP7GItqPDXI22YApyXHWwq0okqlgoLrtnO7jhqqP9ACDVs2imAXPGnKcI6Tvd8aNVouEKQ1ny5Fuv2VC3aLpieBdA5tk8Oh6O3VGGr__b99boPMuN2NXGvP2twLIsm8SePSYMhnv6OfC7gTo9RG_dD46jQGYCxXAMfjstwf7xtLJujc3KFh/s1000/4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZsmRjWZxQ0WP7GItqPDXI22YApyXHWwq0okqlgoLrtnO7jhqqP9ACDVs2imAXPGnKcI6Tvd8aNVouEKQ1ny5Fuv2VC3aLpieBdA5tk8Oh6O3VGGr__b99boPMuN2NXGvP2twLIsm8SePSYMhnv6OfC7gTo9RG_dD46jQGYCxXAMfjstwf7xtLJujc3KFh/w400-h300/4.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwnxhFq6iA8QRGHom1OVUur7bThcQohD1AO2h4SS9OWzFKq7W9au0R8dBNJCYWObcuuoZsqzpBouSSjvNX8Ng8W729WwYPtqrco7zm5mUUEKdiENpsnKPsVf41Vao7M75XiB7Tg7iRprWEyw58Mj0FxqLhar5JVG3zLOReP_Ew_Mle7GAapYN7OymDcxPu/s960/22.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="522" data-original-width="960" height="347" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwnxhFq6iA8QRGHom1OVUur7bThcQohD1AO2h4SS9OWzFKq7W9au0R8dBNJCYWObcuuoZsqzpBouSSjvNX8Ng8W729WwYPtqrco7zm5mUUEKdiENpsnKPsVf41Vao7M75XiB7Tg7iRprWEyw58Mj0FxqLhar5JVG3zLOReP_Ew_Mle7GAapYN7OymDcxPu/w640-h347/22.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIN7B7SRWB2rg1gcbKTbcp1w_ccM1ewkYuSqk7fa2xkLubw-_ZFesXYmuebh-bIjjDxXJUzK_Z4alvojmfg1ssVWjke3dlM5GcqWxLFeQadj208NEFUVWYgrZUWtsseZj6Tb-Emc-r3WFHCBVGSL_7DAxlqE4iJGyZQKWDe5tpPduV5o6BDdR2-9IUr1jP/s2048/55.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIN7B7SRWB2rg1gcbKTbcp1w_ccM1ewkYuSqk7fa2xkLubw-_ZFesXYmuebh-bIjjDxXJUzK_Z4alvojmfg1ssVWjke3dlM5GcqWxLFeQadj208NEFUVWYgrZUWtsseZj6Tb-Emc-r3WFHCBVGSL_7DAxlqE4iJGyZQKWDe5tpPduV5o6BDdR2-9IUr1jP/w400-h300/55.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgulgFISckykBrwsePmUNGhWybmav9seuu6K-dhvlYmIAtvyHuzo7WMVZM7tONq51xLabwBHrUveiy3X0cbW_w2iE68aE7O5Di57bApeJ0LWSR9_Ix41Ine0k4cjI_ntNf1_8RVNsOmPfu3BVUIR_zYb51n2TT8-G8VuUL-xQeFhblgLLLUl11st9MEy6-u/s600/44.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgulgFISckykBrwsePmUNGhWybmav9seuu6K-dhvlYmIAtvyHuzo7WMVZM7tONq51xLabwBHrUveiy3X0cbW_w2iE68aE7O5Di57bApeJ0LWSR9_Ix41Ine0k4cjI_ntNf1_8RVNsOmPfu3BVUIR_zYb51n2TT8-G8VuUL-xQeFhblgLLLUl11st9MEy6-u/w640-h480/44.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br />jennicacubahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01075251997962909202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870459136778077892.post-35352113261727478312023-12-31T14:34:00.000-05:002023-12-31T14:34:08.482-05:00Here's to a bright and beautiful 2024!<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhED50xrHB7DhsjpcHtULBoRvN_dzxFwODUIxsmje2g0YM8HQsYDxXadKa22D4sNIZHgcMkmxZ0DukN88SmnGzPgbcUKx7_KuE-JQluJwCvUHzm1xQvolEWTelc0KJrG46jeMPqCcygWjMte8K-XbjqMrJJYr9b9fayqWCBL14BUyyiqcFqxW9qMg974F3M/s1650/2023-24%20New%20Year's%20greeting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="1650" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhED50xrHB7DhsjpcHtULBoRvN_dzxFwODUIxsmje2g0YM8HQsYDxXadKa22D4sNIZHgcMkmxZ0DukN88SmnGzPgbcUKx7_KuE-JQluJwCvUHzm1xQvolEWTelc0KJrG46jeMPqCcygWjMte8K-XbjqMrJJYr9b9fayqWCBL14BUyyiqcFqxW9qMg974F3M/w640-h494/2023-24%20New%20Year's%20greeting.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Good morning <i>Cubita bella! </i>This is one of numerous lovely sunrises I saw from my room on the 4th floor of the Farallón del Caribe Hotel (part of the Marea del Portillo resort complex) when I was there Dec. 6-20, 2023. It was great to finally be back at my "second home," along with my 28-person group! </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I've been working on my trip report – sorting photos and thoughts – but I won't likely be able to send it out until next year! In other words, I hope to finish it tomorrow. Before posting it here, I will send it out to my JennicaCuba email list. If you want to have it delivered to your inbox when it's hot off the presses, so to speak, you can sign up under the "Contact" tab.<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Cheery cheers!<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">XO</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">J </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>jennicacubahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01075251997962909202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870459136778077892.post-66588311612356800142023-12-28T20:15:00.001-05:002023-12-28T20:15:44.308-05:00Please stand by for my trip report<p>FULL CUBA TRIP REPORT COMING SOON! Meanwhile, here's a teaser...<br /></p><div class="x1e56ztr" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "system-ui", ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 8px; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x6prxxf xvq8zen xo1l8bm xzsf02u" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">To everyone who signed my petition to reopen Club Amigo Marea del Portillo and booked trips beginning on Dec. 6:<span> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="font-weight: 600;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>WE DID IT!!!<span> </span></i></span></b></span>The resort opened with great fanfare and made the national news in Cuba. The legacy of Celia Sánchez continues; she's the one who advised Fidel Castro that a hotel should be located on the uniquely beautiful Marea del Portillo bay, where she loved to fish when she lived in Pilón. The resort quickly became a key employer in the region and, now, it is once again. Returning staff and new people are happy to be able to work, and that makes me happy too.</span></div><div class="x1e56ztr" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "system-ui", ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 8px; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x6prxxf xvq8zen xo1l8bm xzsf02u" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;"></span></div><div class="x1e56ztr" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "system-ui", ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 8px; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x6prxxf xvq8zen xo1l8bm xzsf02u" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">In my observation during my Dec. 6-20 stay, everyone at the resort worked very hard to provide a wonderful holiday experience for their guests. The Farallón hotel was absolutely gorgeous and the Marea section is coming along nicely. During the first week, Marea hotel rooms were being used as soon as they were ready for occupancy. Renovation and construction continues on some things but, most importantly, the resort is finally operating, for the first season since early 2020.</span></div><div class="x1e56ztr" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "system-ui", ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 8px; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x6prxxf xvq8zen xo1l8bm xzsf02u" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;"></span></div><div class="x1e56ztr" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "system-ui", ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 8px; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x6prxxf xvq8zen xo1l8bm xzsf02u" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">Yes, they had plenty of food but, also yes, they temporarily ran out of some things on occasion. There are supply chain issues all over Cuba. During my December visit, a few items came and went but I never left the table hungry. The baker and pastry chef at the Farallón must be particularly commended for all the excellent, tempting creations!</span></div><div class="x1e56ztr" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "system-ui", ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 8px; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x6prxxf xvq8zen xo1l8bm xzsf02u" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;"></span></div><div class="x1e56ztr" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "system-ui", ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 8px; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x6prxxf xvq8zen xo1l8bm xzsf02u" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">I will provide a more comprehensive trip report soon. This report will include information about what plans are afoot at the resort for the remainder of the season and beyond. First, as always, my JennicaCuba updates will go to only those on my email list. If you want to sign up for that, please visit my website's "Contact" page. http://www.jennicacuba.com/p/activities.html</span></div><div class="x1e56ztr" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "system-ui", ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 8px; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x6prxxf xvq8zen xo1l8bm xzsf02u" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">While you wait, please enjoy the sunrise from my bedroom window on the 4th floor of the Farallón hotel. </span></div><div class="x1e56ztr" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "system-ui", ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 8px; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">~ <span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x6prxxf xvq8zen xo1l8bm xzsf02u" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">Jenny<br /></span></div><div class="x1e56ztr" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "system-ui", ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 8px; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x6prxxf xvq8zen xo1l8bm xzsf02u" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;"><br /></span></div><div class="x1e56ztr" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "system-ui", ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 8px; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><img alt="May be an image of twilight and horizon" height="360" src="https://scontent-yyz1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/409928310_6924199917649417_4357115258721012973_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=3635dc&_nc_ohc=sBt6QxyMMWAAX939uaD&_nc_ht=scontent-yyz1-1.xx&oh=00_AfDwfT26KT9wdjuhFO0MPW5lDcG4--JYPWhLMhiSxL1bxg&oe=6592712C" width="640" /></div>jennicacubahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01075251997962909202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870459136778077892.post-45490063097794234562023-09-21T12:32:00.020-04:002023-10-04T12:12:56.455-04:00NEW prices for Dec. 13 Marea group!<p><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I now have new & improved prices!!! (see UPDATE below)</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span></b></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">It has been a bit of a challenge to get prices for my proposed Dec. 13 group trip to Marea del Portillo. Let's just say technology is not my friend these days – neither my own nor Sunwing's. They "upgraded" their website and there have been a few bumps in the road. Anyway, the prices are good, so let's go!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">NEW DEADLINE: <b>10 people need to sign up by Oct. 10 for this group to fly. </b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">If you've received an email from me about this trip, please respond a.s.a.p. to let me know if you want to go or not. If you haven't received my email but want to go, contact me immediately! [jennicacuba@gmail.com]</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">To book, I need a photo of your passport and your contact information (phone number, email and mailing address) and, of course, your credit card data for the payment. Since we are so close to the deadline, <b>FULL payment is required. </b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Please note that, if you have to cancel, you will receive a voucher for the full payment, as long as you have Sunwing's Worry Free cancellation insurance. For $50, you can cancel up to three days before the trip leaves. <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I will already be at Marea del Portillo, so this group will meet me there!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">~ Jenny </span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span></div><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>UPDATED PRICES:</b> This poster shows some of the revised prices, which are slightly better in most categories than the rates I had been quoted originally. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Scroll down for a list of more options, flying out of both Toronto and Montreal, for one week or two. If you want to stay longer, just ask & I'll get a rate!</span></div><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGvvWRKRneCCIcwGa_PwsixxQ_9943p6zgVsXlIzyrSkDq5ZThgh6b5-Xi7wLNYxdSO1UGyVfLYTsRJbJSKCXTUNpHga59eT7goKhaPSABMFO6RTy1GxG3ULg6FweuIBib4kOBAIPX2BIAVFZrbRIo3SDs6UxjKYvJaf7i1jy7kvEDIBugQWi4olg1tiRz/s1275/2023%20DEC%2013%20Marea%20trip%20promo%203.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="1275" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGvvWRKRneCCIcwGa_PwsixxQ_9943p6zgVsXlIzyrSkDq5ZThgh6b5-Xi7wLNYxdSO1UGyVfLYTsRJbJSKCXTUNpHga59eT7goKhaPSABMFO6RTy1GxG3ULg6FweuIBib4kOBAIPX2BIAVFZrbRIo3SDs6UxjKYvJaf7i1jy7kvEDIBugQWi4olg1tiRz/w640-h640/2023%20DEC%2013%20Marea%20trip%20promo%203.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><br /><br /></span></div><br /><p></p><br /><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> <br /></span></p><p></p><p></p>jennicacubahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01075251997962909202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870459136778077892.post-17854249165807246892023-09-10T21:49:00.003-04:002023-09-10T21:49:49.573-04:00
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #050505; display: inline !important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: pre-wrap; word-spacing: 0px;">Hey there! </span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #050505; display: inline !important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: pre-wrap; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #050505; display: inline !important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: pre-wrap; word-spacing: 0px;">I'm working on getting good prices for a trip going to Marea del Portillo, Cuba, on Dec. 13. I'll be there already with another group! </span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #050505; display: inline !important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: pre-wrap; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #050505; display: inline !important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: pre-wrap; word-spacing: 0px;">I will need 10 people to make this group fly. </span>Send me an <span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #050505; display: inline !important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: pre-wrap; word-spacing: 0px;">email (jennicacuba@gmail.com), if you're interested. </span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #050505; display: inline !important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: pre-wrap; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #050505; display: inline !important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: pre-wrap; word-spacing: 0px;">~ </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: pre-wrap; word-spacing: 0px;"><a class="x1i10hfl xjbqb8w x6umtig x1b1mbwd xaqea5y xav7gou x9f619 x1ypdohk xt0psk2 xe8uvvx xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r xexx8yu x4uap5 x18d9i69 xkhd6sd x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1a2a7pz xt0b8zv x1qq9wsj xo1l8bm" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1385624991766351/user/100001784328936/?__cft__[0]=AZW8BNKH7AfWD5KowCEogRLNzf4bC6fYFZPF90jFbIo90OVY41CyAQVgHdw6c62ohsSXYCodLBQZSan8Ty0kATsq329TgaT9oUiossDwYqVYCN4aCnlKVPVJgVOCZk6ns4djyB6s7flttvqnVXIPaEar0mdun3nLuhDP4bq7zoihqn9TGgIThPLC9NhrXExtVR0&__tn__=-]K-R" role="link" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--accent); cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-weight: 400; list-style: outside none none; margin: 0px; outline: currentcolor none medium; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration: none; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0"><span class="xt0psk2" style="display: inline;">Jenny</span></a></span></span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAlQweb6M44TB2n4mpBPPVDE-HUw14AYqK0zK31xayW_JvJh4NQLzw5rbcQbxT2GxU0AYa1gvITpbgFpnClVBtciVYjL_qCE_IShzwWUw7ffMONqWKaYi7Xf5FSX7u3ZH4EM6YKY4aQplD6W3CAqGUKSEIL8i5Na_qgYZxY35412w6sawSSavTFA0i2N-O/s1275/2023%20DEC%2013%20Marea%20trip%20promo%201.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="1275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAlQweb6M44TB2n4mpBPPVDE-HUw14AYqK0zK31xayW_JvJh4NQLzw5rbcQbxT2GxU0AYa1gvITpbgFpnClVBtciVYjL_qCE_IShzwWUw7ffMONqWKaYi7Xf5FSX7u3ZH4EM6YKY4aQplD6W3CAqGUKSEIL8i5Na_qgYZxY35412w6sawSSavTFA0i2N-O/s600/2023%20DEC%2013%20Marea%20trip%20promo%201.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>jennicacubahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01075251997962909202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870459136778077892.post-29393240045826227172023-07-08T10:09:00.003-04:002023-07-16T13:05:27.566-04:00I'm ready to book a Dec. 6 group trip!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju_DHA1hwUTcsXuMlMCCBNen7ecbX7ZO5wBWtGzfwiSUagxLr9Dflw8G0iQta62wd8R0PB84_4rWIX5pkM1GyaK7TUjxw4nkvS8z9DRzMTIPQPaDMazsXYlsd2W9qR_LHZ5o2j3khk-wIpunnMqF8IX8fDUfjamtQ7oGRhx4F0C88Ua8Mzkh31tgGPBQQX/s1275/2023%20DEC%206%20Marea%20trip%20promo%203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="1275" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju_DHA1hwUTcsXuMlMCCBNen7ecbX7ZO5wBWtGzfwiSUagxLr9Dflw8G0iQta62wd8R0PB84_4rWIX5pkM1GyaK7TUjxw4nkvS8z9DRzMTIPQPaDMazsXYlsd2W9qR_LHZ5o2j3khk-wIpunnMqF8IX8fDUfjamtQ7oGRhx4F0C88Ua8Mzkh31tgGPBQQX/w640-h640/2023%20DEC%206%20Marea%20trip%20promo%203.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div style="color: #202020; font-size: 16px; line-height: 150%; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span>I
finally have the prices for a group trip to Marea del Portillo,
departing from Toronto on Dec. 6 – let's go! They're a bit better than
what is now showing on the Sunwing website. Here's a summary of my
rates:</span></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">
</span><p style="color: #202020; font-size: 16px; line-height: 150%; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span><span style="font-size: 18px;"><b>Dec. 6-13 (7 nights) </b></span><br />
<b>MAREA HOTEL </b><br />
Single = $988 (not shared)<br />
Double = $938/person<br />
Triple = $918/person<br />
<b>CABAÑA</b><br />
Single = $1038 (not shared)<br />
Double = $978/person<br />
Triple = $948/person<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 18px;"><b>Dec. 6-20 (14 nights) <i>- Please call for current prices!</i></b></span></span><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: verdana;"><span><b>MAREA HOTEL </b><br />
Single = $<strike>1328</strike> (not shared)<br />
Double = $<strike>1218</strike>/person<br />
Triple = $<strike>1168</strike>/person<br />
<b>CABAÑA</b><br />
Single = $<strike>1418</strike> (not shared)<br />
Double = $<strike>1288</strike>/person<br />
Triple = $<strike>1248</strike>/person</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">
<br />
These prices
include all taxes/fees, one free checked bag (23 kg/50 lbs.) per person,
one personal item aboard the plane and transfers (transportation
to/from the resort and the Manzanillo de Cuba airport). I also have
prices for children and Jr. Suites in the Marea Hotel but, keep in mind,
there are only a few suites! The Farallón Hotel is not yet open.<br />
<br />
I can add Sunwing insurance for the first 10 people requesting it; if
you want this, let me know when you book. Please note that Sunwing's
"Worry Free" insurance allows you to cancel up to 3 days prior to the
flight but the current policy is this: if YOU cancel, you will receive a
voucher; if THEY cancel, you will receive a refund in the same form as
your original payment (i.e., the refund would be applied to your credit
card, if that's what you paid with). <br />
<br />
I am eager to stay at "our second home" once again! I visited in March,
when it was open for day use, and I was very impressed with the
renovations. I'm sure you'll agree that it looks incredible! It will be
wonderful to see many of the same smiling faces at Marea del Portillo –
both staff and guests. I think it's safe to say that hugs will abound.<br />
<br />
If/when you're ready to book or have any questions, the best way to contact me is by email: <b><a href="mailto:jennicacuba@gmail.com" target="_blank">jennicacuba@gmail.com</a></b>.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">_______</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: verdana;">July 16 UPDATE:</span></b></span></p><p><b><span style="font-family: verdana;">Sunwing says I've sold all the seats I was allocated for 2 weeks at the originally advertised prices. Now, I have to contact them and request additional seats for anyone wishing to stay longer than 1 week. So far, my 1-week prices remain the same as what I was quoted! </span></b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFUXO1dhlclQnvkDRw3EHG2pe153Bx6XLCe508k3A21fenMKYO8R3xFV_vq8OOEsyJXWGWujm-YZLbtt7SuEqmGKkjjt8F72E6iS5qbJUg8n2eFB9KdkCfxDFQXtLpPLD9EPk5KDCEVTG352sehqrfHiXahFnSgTmWJdXeIuBIzsAOjtC_BqEu5Cv3-meo/s1275/2023%20DEC%206%20Marea%20trip%20promo%204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="1275" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFUXO1dhlclQnvkDRw3EHG2pe153Bx6XLCe508k3A21fenMKYO8R3xFV_vq8OOEsyJXWGWujm-YZLbtt7SuEqmGKkjjt8F72E6iS5qbJUg8n2eFB9KdkCfxDFQXtLpPLD9EPk5KDCEVTG352sehqrfHiXahFnSgTmWJdXeIuBIzsAOjtC_BqEu5Cv3-meo/w640-h640/2023%20DEC%206%20Marea%20trip%20promo%204.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p>jennicacubahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01075251997962909202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870459136778077892.post-61945728193602932002023-07-02T16:20:00.003-04:002023-07-02T21:29:22.429-04:00We need to be committed on Dec. 6<div style="text-align: left;"><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Now that we've entered July, the heat of summer seems to be upon us. Happy Canada Day or Independence Day, depending on which celebratory date you may feel an affinity for, if either. Perhaps I should just say Happy July!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Does the heat of July remind you of anything? If you said "Cuba," we're on the same wavelength! My mind has been full of Cuba more than usual of late because I've been talking to some Sunwing executives about Club Amigo Marea del Portillo, which is serviced solely by Sunwing via the Manzanillo de Cuba airport (MZO). As you may know, both the resort and airport have not been opened since early 2020, at the onset of the COVID pandemic. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">A few months ago, a long-time repeat guest of Marea del Portillo spurred me to launch a petition pushing Sunwing (and others) to open this resort. We received a reasonable number of signatures but I didn't feel that was enough. So, when I had the opportunity, I tracked down a few people in person.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">As a travel agent, I was the recipient of a mass invitation to an event in late May called "Sunwing Loves Cuba." I jumped on it. And, it was worth the drive to Toronto. I wantonly introduced myself to a woman I'd had an email chat with a couple of years ago about my novel <i>Cuban Kisses</i>, which is set in a fictionalized version of Marea del Portillo. She'd been intrigued and was quite pleased to receive a signed copy of the book, as well as a copy of my petition. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Okay, she may not have been pleased about receiving the petition but I think it's safe to say she wasn't <i>dis</i>pleased because, later in the evening, she introduced me to an executive from the Cuban Tourist Board. This woman also received a copy of the petition and my "elevator pitch" about the importance of opening the resort. That led to an unexpected turn of events!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMZrPOghBzzu24Cv6jy0AivnBysCpeqqhTXCSsLCPt-8fSmiwoKyS2BU0wmyHtQYZ4bve6I3fZW9oIyX13uSWFW591DK4VFNNGVGOiHV7oDPnrYPFAV-4ZnpLigjUhuMj5iynCTS4ZeK07zY36QrKhI7ahcjWFBkKFrKI_Uln7zdv8dgO1z2FtfqsmoABl/s1200/Sunwing%20May%2024%20event.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="781" data-original-width="1200" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMZrPOghBzzu24Cv6jy0AivnBysCpeqqhTXCSsLCPt-8fSmiwoKyS2BU0wmyHtQYZ4bve6I3fZW9oIyX13uSWFW591DK4VFNNGVGOiHV7oDPnrYPFAV-4ZnpLigjUhuMj5iynCTS4ZeK07zY36QrKhI7ahcjWFBkKFrKI_Uln7zdv8dgO1z2FtfqsmoABl/w640-h416/Sunwing%20May%2024%20event.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>I'm somewhere in that illustrious crowd! (Two points for anyone who can find me.)</i></span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Cuban woman apparently passed my petition on to her boss and he, in turn, gave it to a Sunwing executive who was higher on the ladder than the one I'd given my book to. And, to my everlasting surprise, that dude called me a few days later. We had a nice chat.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">We subsequently exchanged a small volley of emails and he called me a second time but, in the end, I was graciously redirected to a couple of other Sunwingers. The upshot is this: Sunwing is committed to flying to MZO this winter BUT there must be enough bookings to make it viable. In other words, if people don't take the requisite leap of faith and book trips to Marea del Portillo, it won't open. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The first Sunwing guy quite candidly told me that, when this destination was made available after travel to Cuba was re-opened, only about six people booked. Yikes! That's plenty for some Cessnas but nowhere near what you'd need to make it feasible for a Boeing 737 to land at MZO. I get it. People are apprehensive, so they don't want to book until the resort is open but, if there aren't enough bookings, the resort will NOT open. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">It's sort of a <i>Catch-22</i> situation. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">During my conversations with the Sunwing executives, we discussed ways to encourage bookings and promote the resort more effectively, including the need to change some photos on their website. That should happen soon – perhaps by the time you're reading this! To check, click here – <a href="https://www.sunwing.ca/en/destinations/cuba/manzanillo-de-cuba/#hotels">https://www.sunwing.ca/en/destinations/cuba/manzanillo-de-cuba/#hotels</a>. (They have already removed the link to a video promoting Manzanillo de Mexico!) <br /></span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju5rn1Pw4TlqBLtGUHQQp4LMBaxkSAWzaOQwiggXohy3dl63m4thhL_eKlcOI-pLRlywa8LYMhONQ3kSDf3UlUdB5zMtkgmmG7PwAgEyEjzCcy5yz_4evAzoD4n_AY7MhWUqs_jwfWrMrXAXUIyNNUjgjglwmgyOL4sObmkJSXtoQ58k9bCz8IlVKUc1Zx/s1200/Sunwingers%20-%20Eric,%20Deana%20&%20Dave.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="798" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju5rn1Pw4TlqBLtGUHQQp4LMBaxkSAWzaOQwiggXohy3dl63m4thhL_eKlcOI-pLRlywa8LYMhONQ3kSDf3UlUdB5zMtkgmmG7PwAgEyEjzCcy5yz_4evAzoD4n_AY7MhWUqs_jwfWrMrXAXUIyNNUjgjglwmgyOL4sObmkJSXtoQ58k9bCz8IlVKUc1Zx/w640-h426/Sunwingers%20-%20Eric,%20Deana%20&%20Dave.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Sunwing executives Eric, Deana and Dave at the May 24 event in Toronto. </i></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i> </i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">As well, I proposed offering </span>"humanitarian groups" that would transport suitcases of medical supplies provided by an organization called "Not Just Tourists" (NJT). This concept didn't fly with Sunwing, so I will try to put together my own flock of "suitcase shepherds," much as I once did with suitcases full of clothing. This time, I will work with NJT to supply suitcases packed with vital medical items (bandages, antiseptics, scalpels, wound care kits, IV kits, needles, etc.). For more information about them, please visit their website – </span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://njt.net/">https://njt.net/</a>. </span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">FYI – anyone can take an NJT suitcase! Although humanitarian suitcases are no longer free on Sunwing, when you book a flight/hotel package, you <i>are</i> entitled to a free checked bag. Therefore, I would suggest that, if you book "double accommodation," you and your roommate can pack together, sharing one free suitcase; then, the second free checked bag you two are entitled to could be the NJT suitcase. Keep that in mind as you think about booking! <br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I'm thinking about booking, so I've been working on getting a group quote. It should have happened by the end of the past week but it seems that my request got caught in the crush leading up to the July holiday weekend. I received some of the prices but not all of them. I'm waiting impatiently for the rest. When I have them all, I'll announce my rates for a <b>group</b> <b>going to Marea del Portillo on Dec. 6 for one or two weeks, </b>departing from Toronto. (It may also be possible to fly out of Montreal, or stay longer than two weeks.)</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Meanwhile, if you prefer, you can put your own group together! You can do that by calling the Sunwing groups department or contacting your favorite travel agent. (Don't worry, I won't be upset if it's not me.) In reviewing my conversations with my new friends at Sunwing, it would seem that promoting group bookings may be part of the solution. To get a group rate, you need to have a minimum of 10 people booked. If we have 10 groups of 10, I think we'll be flying! Why not plan a family reunion or a getaway with your pals? <br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I'm targeting Dec. 6 because, once the resort opens, it will remain open in the new year – hopefully, into April. <b>Sunwing is committed to flying there this winter; let's show them we're committed to going there! </b><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>Please note: I fully understand that some people are committed to Marea del Portillo but are simply not be able to book a trip at this time. Don't stress about it! Just do what you can to promote the resort and encourage others. There is power in positive thinking and optimism. The MZO runway is being resurfaced and the road to the resort is next. Let's go home!</i><br /></span></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">~ Keep smiling, Jenny<br /></span></span></div><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span></p></div>jennicacubahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01075251997962909202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870459136778077892.post-64282916034703709132023-05-04T16:43:00.000-04:002023-05-04T16:43:28.237-04:00Summary of March 2023 Cuba trip<div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCALXjAjuG07hF9e_v7m2GXu_5D3evJ3oL0jtzTtebrKaUGAkITXupUw8sVIT0DrKwXn3yMiN65TJjlZAUiEJcZ8Mhked6ZGkAR6ahV-l4g4u9KTAyW6QfVnzw_7eJZe4huM7uibb7H4jqRbyVbsL2K1lCFtA8l3m60lVnAJw884hCTEseYW3s7LJaZQ/s2920/20230327_092115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2920" data-original-width="2920" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCALXjAjuG07hF9e_v7m2GXu_5D3evJ3oL0jtzTtebrKaUGAkITXupUw8sVIT0DrKwXn3yMiN65TJjlZAUiEJcZ8Mhked6ZGkAR6ahV-l4g4u9KTAyW6QfVnzw_7eJZe4huM7uibb7H4jqRbyVbsL2K1lCFtA8l3m60lVnAJw884hCTEseYW3s7LJaZQ/w640-h640/20230327_092115.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>A CUBAN SYMBOL: Both the cars and the country require a lot of work. </i></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i> </i></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i> </i></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i> </i></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i> </i></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i> </i></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i> </i></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i> </i></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i> </i></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i> </i></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i> </i></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i> </i></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i> </i></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i> </i></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i> </i></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i> </i><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><h1 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia;">TRIP REPORT: Cuba in March 2023</span></b><br /></span></h1></div><div style="text-align: left;"><h1 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></h1></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><em>WARNING: this is long and rambling! You may want to stop in the middle to make a snack, have something to drink or just rest a little while. Take your time; this report isn’t going anywhere! [You'll find more photos at the end, as a reward for reading that far.]</em><br /> <br />As I begin to write this, I’m still in Cuba, spending a quiet morning at the <em>casa de renta</em> where I’ve been staying in Pilón, awaiting the arrival of a friend for “one last visit” before I leave. I’m not sure if he’s coming by bicycle or hitching a ride from his home in a village about 15 km away. Public transportation is negligible these days, so it’s not a reliable option.<br /> <br />Presumably, he’ll call me when he gets to town, since he couldn’t provide an ETA. Sometimes, however, people just show up. Calls can be expensive when you’re on a tight budget. As well, both cellular and internet services can be erratic. I’ve often had messages fail to fly for no discernable reason. It can be maddening.<br /> <br />Cuba itself can be maddening. I used to say “Cuba is teaching me patience.” In the last few years, the lessons have gone far beyond patience. Every time I visit, I learn something new.<br /> <br />Sometimes I learn practical things. For example, I’ve known for a long time that it’s important to take T.P. with me wherever I go but, now, I perpetually carry water purification tablets and plastic bags too. Bottled water is no longer readily available, and it’s expensive, if you can find it. The tap water is safe for locals, who are used to it, but it can be problematic for us foreigners, especially when trying to drink enough to stay properly hydrated in the irrepressible heat! And the plastic bags? Well, one never knows when one will be given a piece of fruit, for example, that one doesn’t want to have smooshed inside one’s backpack or purse!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Other lessons are less tangible, and some are difficult to accept. “Cuba is sad,” one friend commented as we discussed the current situation in the country and in rural Granma, which is particularly hard hit. She has been out of work for three years, along with many other people in this area, if they worked at the region’s one and only resort, Club Amigo Marea del Portillo. It closed at the onset of COVID but, just this month (March 2023), finally began opening for day use on weekends (Friday/Saturday/Sunday). That’s an important start.</span></span><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">In December, full all-inclusive accommodation is scheduled to begin, if the stars align properly. Tourists who have been visiting this resort for decades are eager to return but are skeptical that it will really and truly open this winter because, for the last two years, Sunwing has sold flights and packages, only to cancel them later. Thus, people are distrustful. It’s hard to plan a trip, if you can’t be certain that your destination will actually be available. And, it’s hard to plan your life, if you think you’ll be able to return to work, then you can’t.<br /> <br />The realization that hope is fading from people’s eyes is hard to accept, but that’s what I’m seeing on this trip. Change is desperately needed on many levels but there is no viable way to reach the top of that cloud-shrouded mountain. So, people are leaving in droves – leaving the area and leaving the country.<br /> <br />They may not really want to go to abroad but many Cubans see it as the only way to provide a better future for their children. They want to be able to work and live without constantly looking over their shoulders for coming trouble while, at the same time, navigating around obstacles and roadblocks as they try to move forward with their lives. They want the chance to be as productive as they could be, if things were different. The grass looks greener in the land of greenbacks and perceived opportunity.<br /> <br />Opportunity is an important word here. Very few doors open easily in Cuba these days. Financial support from off-shore family or friends is key, if you want to create opportunity here. A new bar and paladar (private restaurant) is on the cusp of opening in Pilón, thanks to the determination of a young man who made his way to the U.S. five years ago. He told me that he wants to show his family they can make money here but, without his injection of cash, it wouldn’t be possible. Seed money is vital for starting up a business anywhere but, in Cuba, support won’t be coming from banks or government programs.<br /> <br />The government is struggling to provide basic services and supplies in many areas. Frozen meat (chicken, hamburger or hotdogs), dry goods and other necessities one would normally expect to be available in stores seem to come and go. Sometimes, there’s no toilet paper. Other times, there’s no cooking oil or vinegar. This week, in Pilón, boxes of chicken legs didn’t appear when expected, although they did arrive belatedly. For some communities, the legs were unavailable for several months in a row, even though they’re supposed to be part of a monthly allotment, supplemental to the “libreta” or ration book program that provides a limited assortment of necessities at reduced prices.<br /> <br />The erratic arrival of supplies makes it hard for individuals and families to cope. People have become experts at “inventing” solutions. For business owners, it’s an even bigger challenge, and it’s vital to have good connections, as well as to be creative. When there are no rolls of toilet paper, give your B&B clients paper napkins instead, assuming availability of course! Many households have stashes of paper in their baños – the ubiquitous <em>Granma</em> newspaper and old school notebooks are most common – or scraps of cloth. In one outhouse, I saw a paperback book being gradually consumed; that’s a harsh review. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">One writer and artist I talked with on this trip had just opened a tattoo studio. His path to this business endeavor is quite interesting. I first met Gilmar Naranjo close to a decade ago, when he was, essentially, a talented kid who was part of an art show/sale I arranged for one of my travel groups. Although he’s a gifted artist, he was not able to seek formal university-level training. So, he studied on his own and received some coaching from local art mentors.<br /> <br />He’s very skilled and he learned fast. However, materials were often in short supply. That led him to pick up wine and rum bottles as alternatives to canvas. He found a magnificent niche! He now paints incredibly vibrant and textured scenes on the entirety of these empty bottles. Gilmar’s unique art creations are available for sale in a gallery in Bayamo or in Pilón, directly from him (you can find him on Facebook). Eventually, he plans to have some on display at his tattoo studio, along with some of his paintings.<br /> <br />How did he make the jump from bottles to tattoos? Well, he saw an opportunity and seized it. He continues to work as a part-time art teacher, along with juggling the bottles and tattooing. Gilmar enjoys blending art with social interaction, since he’s a gregarious guy, and there’s decent money to be made in the tattoo business. He’s not the only Pilón artist to shift into tattooing. Yes, even though food is expensive, people seem to find the money for body art! That gives me hope.<br /><br />Where do people get extra cash for things that are not necessities? It’s hard to say. I can only guess that they might have a generous friend or relative, but it’s also quite possible they have a business in the shade, shall we say. In my informal observation, capitalism seems to be thriving in the shadows in Cuba and, it would appear, the government just winks. But, it can be challenging and frustrating to navigate a system that is in flux. What new problem will arise in the morning?<br /><br />There are many reasons for frustration in Cuba these days, and many unfulfilled needs. The country is in rough shape in most areas. Are things as bad as they were during the “Special Period” of the 1990s? Maybe not, or not yet. Tourism has been restarted in some places but not in Granma, although it’s desperately needed. There just aren’t many work options beyond tourism in the Pilón and Marea del Portillo region. Even if you’re able to start a business, it won’t do as well as it will once the local resort reopens and tourists roll into town once again. People are waiting for that to happen, hanging on by nails and teeth. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">During this trip, I often thought about the Samuel Beckett play, <em>Waiting for Godot.</em> The characters in that classic piece of absurdist fiction keep waiting and waiting, expecting the mysterious Godot to come and something to happen. Cuba is waiting and waiting, expecting change to come and good things to finally begin happening. I sincerely hope Cuba is not waiting for a Godot who never arrives.<br /> <br />I always strive to remain optimistic. Tattoos give me hope, as do the other new businesses that have popped up in Pilón in recent months. There are several new restaurants and bars. I ate at as many different places as I could, but I discovered that they sometimes run out of food. Nonetheless, they are making a go of it. Any food I ate at the local paladars was prepared well and, to a foreigner, the prices were reasonable.<br /> <br />I also had a very nice lunch at the Club Amigo Marea del Portillo resort when I was finally able to visit there near the end of my stay. They offered two entrée options for lunch: lobster or pork. I chose lobster and it was both substantial and delicious! As part of the day-use package, one also receives sandwiches before and after lunch, and a beer or other beverage at lunch. Although there weren’t many guests that day, there was a full complement of staff. It was nice to see some familiar faces back at work, finally.<br /> <br />Having the resort open again, even though it’s only in a limited way at this point, is the biggest reason for optimism. It will survive. The people will survive. The resort will be ready for tourists in December and our Cuban friends will be ready to give us huge hugs! I’m already mentally packing.<br /><br /><em>Thanks for reading my report!<br />~ Jenny</em></span></span></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9_2Yi6AeiLgzuCVHGaytInmAmEbTVgUnhwhCcYAM6fBfrl5JELeHLHZUb9-poCpBwOutGat2_nysxYw8aPKspCUHn9MsJ5r0DyTAAtqMVNbmEL4jh3G1wGqkWXiPIC4Z9VwIRRed9-eeyrP6u7_dIFME00FdZYG53TXzepZ2-ujlBBVJjiaF633_0ew/s1275/2023%20March%20trip%20collage%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="1275" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9_2Yi6AeiLgzuCVHGaytInmAmEbTVgUnhwhCcYAM6fBfrl5JELeHLHZUb9-poCpBwOutGat2_nysxYw8aPKspCUHn9MsJ5r0DyTAAtqMVNbmEL4jh3G1wGqkWXiPIC4Z9VwIRRed9-eeyrP6u7_dIFME00FdZYG53TXzepZ2-ujlBBVJjiaF633_0ew/w640-h640/2023%20March%20trip%20collage%201.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg1v8oqT-toKDvzjpP_03vovnm3qd6N80DkJ8l_HWP3CNy4OFYR7LV9vTeV_nmtjdNztxOAbTOgFQaUVM2v_TBWJGVbo9tXseB2aYJGhFaiOsH8TIgXAhrPEhVWnJfIFKo4LutlmriR5guZKGD-BVKdMapgWgQ-EpM82G7AXGTWmsgnVb9XvRMpjy7EQ/s1275/2023%20March%20trip%20collage%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="1275" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg1v8oqT-toKDvzjpP_03vovnm3qd6N80DkJ8l_HWP3CNy4OFYR7LV9vTeV_nmtjdNztxOAbTOgFQaUVM2v_TBWJGVbo9tXseB2aYJGhFaiOsH8TIgXAhrPEhVWnJfIFKo4LutlmriR5guZKGD-BVKdMapgWgQ-EpM82G7AXGTWmsgnVb9XvRMpjy7EQ/w640-h640/2023%20March%20trip%20collage%202.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnAQa-7Jbme5MncsvvxT9YzjcxJzhSp2cI6NM30ifD-igI1v3xqWcW8eIHMUPmR1Ks1sp6TGiLpyH331jsajb9yNoyxtDLriCF83OGWTBilS26lBUa8eA6zmnsMbU5A0OOeSmtl-dvRzh7ppVpRO1wZQSMf-UGUOGXWeGtb1x2pxUSH3uCWM8g1o44lA/s1275/2023%20March%20trip%20collage%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="1275" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnAQa-7Jbme5MncsvvxT9YzjcxJzhSp2cI6NM30ifD-igI1v3xqWcW8eIHMUPmR1Ks1sp6TGiLpyH331jsajb9yNoyxtDLriCF83OGWTBilS26lBUa8eA6zmnsMbU5A0OOeSmtl-dvRzh7ppVpRO1wZQSMf-UGUOGXWeGtb1x2pxUSH3uCWM8g1o44lA/w640-h640/2023%20March%20trip%20collage%203.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhraTtKCX3TAPaZotw3_qNS03XEL-AvgYo7UqLMqYtWmAkLxFQ9e_OrH6R57lzi6R4kJcc4XYoarJ2uGIzj2dws7sTYnvjkqA4WZlPU8RfgkrKfzOURkDzaobo6s61iI830FpLvmm1QVxg6H24Q0A0ejhimD6JStQJf6rke7g1meTUSFislu6tupSYpcQ/s2679/20230309_215759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2679" data-original-width="2679" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhraTtKCX3TAPaZotw3_qNS03XEL-AvgYo7UqLMqYtWmAkLxFQ9e_OrH6R57lzi6R4kJcc4XYoarJ2uGIzj2dws7sTYnvjkqA4WZlPU8RfgkrKfzOURkDzaobo6s61iI830FpLvmm1QVxg6H24Q0A0ejhimD6JStQJf6rke7g1meTUSFislu6tupSYpcQ/w640-h640/20230309_215759.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>jennicacubahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01075251997962909202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870459136778077892.post-14466121909058216972023-01-23T13:42:00.001-05:002023-01-23T13:42:45.945-05:00Do you have a relationship with the place known as Marea del Portillo?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAWuCJM_umwpjaEV-B7MmyvVQvrEEsydPrHX9oAP7LGXS1U4P6a55fpipLjnHMw1K9O7zPHexVhUzq0SX0x7j3tUwly4Qaov7ggZMUS1du_2fQsbscZp6ZLGDP_Qr29RfCFG5FHCsEBRB4pJKK2gss9k-EsXr6mvIqaTymRE4MJFyGhzlfUK4xIqiOjQ/s2379/Man%20raking%20beach%20-%20for%20petition.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1338" data-original-width="2379" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAWuCJM_umwpjaEV-B7MmyvVQvrEEsydPrHX9oAP7LGXS1U4P6a55fpipLjnHMw1K9O7zPHexVhUzq0SX0x7j3tUwly4Qaov7ggZMUS1du_2fQsbscZp6ZLGDP_Qr29RfCFG5FHCsEBRB4pJKK2gss9k-EsXr6mvIqaTymRE4MJFyGhzlfUK4xIqiOjQ/w640-h360/Man%20raking%20beach%20-%20for%20petition.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span><p style="color: #202020; line-height: 150%; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: small;">Human relationships are remarkable things. You never know where or when you'll encounter someone who will become a friend, and you may not even know why. Nor can you predict to what degree that friendship will develop. Connections can be incredibly random, yet strong as Gorilla Glue. <br /></span></span></p><p style="color: #202020; line-height: 150%; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: small;">I've sometimes noticed interactions between people on Facebook that are
heartwarming because I know they connected with each other at Marea del
Portillo, an obscure but beloved little resort in rural Cuba. Sometimes
these friendships were formed because the individuals were part of a
group I organized, which is particularly gratifying to me!<br />
<br />
As a tour leader, I've always seen a key aspect of my role as being to
help people make connections – with others in the group, with members of
the community we're visiting and, ultimately, with the country itself.
Over the years, with or without my involvement, many visitors to Marea
del Portillo have become connected to the place and its people.<br />
<br />
As you may know, Club Amigo Marea del Portillo was closed at the start
of 2020, due to COVID-19, and has not yet been reopened. Many people in
that area have now been out of work for three years! Since the resort is
key to the economic survival of numerous families, if not the community
itself, I accepted a challenge to create a petition, urging action by
those with the power to reopen the resort. It will go to Sunwing
executives and others.<br />
<br />You can read the petition by clicking <a href="https://www.change.org/OpenMareaNOW" target="_blank">HERE</a>. I hope you will sign it. </span></span></p><p style="color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 150%; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia,times,times new roman,serif;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: small;">Even if
the resort doesn't open this season, I remain confident that it will
open next winter. The people in that region need the opportunity to work
that tourism affords, both directly and indirectly.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, I'm working on putting together a little group (just a van
load) that would fly into Holguin, spend a night or two there and
explore the city, then wend our way through the Granma province,
visiting a few historic sites along the way to Marea. If the hotel is
not open, we would stay at casas particulares (Cuban B&Bs) in the
area. A few people have already expressed interest in this but I need a
couple more to make it viable; please contact me right away, if you
might want to go along in late March. </span></span><br /></span></p><span class="J-J5-Ji" id=":uo"></span>jennicacubahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01075251997962909202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870459136778077892.post-10461497015473454192023-01-23T11:47:00.000-05:002023-01-23T11:47:12.675-05:00We're bouncing into a "bunny" year...<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><b>Happy Year of the Water Rabbit! </b></span></span></p><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">According to what I found in a quick internet search: </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">"The Chinese Year of the Rabbit represents peaceful and patient energy. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">The water element suggests tapping into inner wisdom and trusting instincts. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Together, the Water Rabbit indicates focusing on relationships, diplomacy, </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">and building bridges in professional and personal relationships."</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">What will this year hold for you? </span></span></span></b></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> </span></span></span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTEBO_JSNBRuJmxb9GlPEtQF-i1oUGy3gLeGGCqLMPHEUYqEMHtyT8Rj2ct8LjT3WZTwPYekoMgS-T87dXuN0gJGpJq7vhX-F0_fd3BWQVCxu1T2hJ9gh42Xtwvyc8ul--Da40tXZYMhCynJGgaZYwZZHRVNuNFgMDZSMxedgR3gm3QzG9Ybt43xZwPg/s4133/f9592512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4133" data-original-width="2745" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTEBO_JSNBRuJmxb9GlPEtQF-i1oUGy3gLeGGCqLMPHEUYqEMHtyT8Rj2ct8LjT3WZTwPYekoMgS-T87dXuN0gJGpJq7vhX-F0_fd3BWQVCxu1T2hJ9gh42Xtwvyc8ul--Da40tXZYMhCynJGgaZYwZZHRVNuNFgMDZSMxedgR3gm3QzG9Ybt43xZwPg/w425-h640/f9592512.jpg" width="425" /></a></div><br /> </span></span></span></div></div>jennicacubahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01075251997962909202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870459136778077892.post-38417222142185935272022-12-31T18:05:00.003-05:002022-12-31T18:07:45.083-05:00My 2023 New Year's wish for you: <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhizej313Wos4UTp73EwK2Y76tHBLmAFmuWWUns4CCVfNOisV2DBMNUXSLnvfcAdioFg9XGylI4e_XKPNOx0ikddYsVlZskvc0rdZG7RJLSITPy6bBXJwRGOzDDw637ti8ayrDf4GHC7-kVfEmDW7OzFBQ1GNehmzApGOSd_2oqVEK-z8Z_b9UFPEEBoA/s1275/2022-23%20New%20Year's%20greeting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="1275" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhizej313Wos4UTp73EwK2Y76tHBLmAFmuWWUns4CCVfNOisV2DBMNUXSLnvfcAdioFg9XGylI4e_XKPNOx0ikddYsVlZskvc0rdZG7RJLSITPy6bBXJwRGOzDDw637ti8ayrDf4GHC7-kVfEmDW7OzFBQ1GNehmzApGOSd_2oqVEK-z8Z_b9UFPEEBoA/w640-h640/2022-23%20New%20Year's%20greeting.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> <p></p>jennicacubahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01075251997962909202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870459136778077892.post-21711199838464886582022-12-20T21:25:00.001-05:002022-12-20T21:25:33.254-05:00Season's greetings to one and all...<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQa-eqNOwky2XKAfG1XPapbAOL8g3roqXgrVL-yJcGVbj28xyfyeba-kfHuaRJ4DR7lhBxZUjgG-HnVLnAyV_qheMUqCSHwCnPM8dvuTkgUOt_TnrjXj-C09SdOWcg2i4NANuFlRB8mrj41DTVgomQE1MTaUA5icB2jyzX2S5zCRhe2t1b6DuMoedMQw/s1275/2022%20-%20Holiday%20greeting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="1275" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQa-eqNOwky2XKAfG1XPapbAOL8g3roqXgrVL-yJcGVbj28xyfyeba-kfHuaRJ4DR7lhBxZUjgG-HnVLnAyV_qheMUqCSHwCnPM8dvuTkgUOt_TnrjXj-C09SdOWcg2i4NANuFlRB8mrj41DTVgomQE1MTaUA5icB2jyzX2S5zCRhe2t1b6DuMoedMQw/w640-h640/2022%20-%20Holiday%20greeting.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p>jennicacubahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01075251997962909202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870459136778077892.post-82747923341045823622022-12-17T08:38:00.001-05:002022-12-18T14:36:21.827-05:00Update on Cuba & holiday greeting<h1 style="color: #202020; display: block; font-family: Helvetica; font-weight: bold; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 125%; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span><strong>Waiting for Cuba...</strong></span></i></span></h1><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrn4zjVnhLs63-ch0rXD6zHucu6cwo_VJsfNRF-5Rj_foKBofM8AeNkkqXt4NLvs6c8HPchf0sB-1rNlz6QDl0dYWnbLe70mI3LUArPKk3XR6nDs0IgHHVm2I2bkWqLX4rQve9sNjY7uLtHm-Dyr-8BFV043pkFWTDC-214TAF4UKQmAgrl_p3QB2XHQ/s5507/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3671" data-original-width="5507" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrn4zjVnhLs63-ch0rXD6zHucu6cwo_VJsfNRF-5Rj_foKBofM8AeNkkqXt4NLvs6c8HPchf0sB-1rNlz6QDl0dYWnbLe70mI3LUArPKk3XR6nDs0IgHHVm2I2bkWqLX4rQve9sNjY7uLtHm-Dyr-8BFV043pkFWTDC-214TAF4UKQmAgrl_p3QB2XHQ/w640-h426/5.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /></div><p></p><h1 style="color: #202020; display: block; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 26px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 125%; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 26px;"><strong>Ah, Cuba, when will you be able to soar?</strong></span></h1>
<p style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; color: #202020; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, Segoe, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 150%; margin: 10px 0; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">I'm
listening to some Afro-Cuban jazz (Telmary's "Libre" CD) and thinking
about what to tell you regarding my November trip to Cuba and the
current state of life there. I would say things, in general, are
incrementally better in most ways and places, compared to the past
summer of discontent. Prices, however, remain exorbitantly high for most
Cuban budgets.<br />
<br />
Havana and areas where tourists have begun to return in significant
numbers are doing the best – when tourism is thriving, there are more
spin-off opportunities for income, as well as employment within this key
industry itself. Tourism, in some ways, is both a blessing and a curse.
Food and energy resources must be directed to resorts, in order to keep
guests happy, local people employed and money coming in. This means, as
I interpret it, that less touristy parts of the country must make do;
there doesn't seem to be enough of everything to go around all the time.
Supplies come and go, including food staples and fuel. But, everyone is
getting by and nobody's starving.<br />
<br />
In planning my November trip, I'd originally booked a stay at Club Amigo
Marea del Portillo, my beloved second home, which hasn't been open
since the onset of COVID. Unfortunately, as I found out today, it will
not be opening at all this season. Or, more correctly, Sunwing is not
offering packages or flights to that location at this time. I certainly
hope they will deign to return service there next winter! I also hope,
most fervently, that the resort will be able to open for "off-the-road"
guests, without flights. Even if people must fly into Holguin and travel
4-5 hours to get to Marea del Portillo, I think some would, and I'd be
happy to help facitlitate such an adventure!<br />
<br />
When Sunwing cancelled my booking at Marea del Portillo (it was on their
website and they were taking reservations earlier this year), I opted
to rebook at a similarly small, laid-back resort called Don Lino, which
I'd heard good things about and had been wanting to visit for years.
But, the stars did not align. Don Lino's generator had a problem and,
since it was vital for supplying fresh water, they had to abruptly
close. Four days before I was scheduled to fly to Holguin, expecting to
stay at Don Lino, Sunwing advised me that the resort would not be
re-opening until the <em>end</em> of November. They offered to refund my
money or upgrade my reservation to a pricier hotel in the area and,
since my bags were already packed, I chose the latter.<br />
<br />
At the beginning of November, I spent my first week at Brisas
Guardalavaca, which literally translates to "Breezes Keep the Cow." I
didn't see any cows while I was there, but there was often a nice
breeze! Compared to what I'm used to, it was pretty posh and
significantly larger, but it was very welcoming, the staff was top notch
and the ocean setting was lovely. If you have a Sunwing voucher to use,
I can certainly recommend it!</span></p><p style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; color: #202020; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, Segoe, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 150%; margin: 10px 0; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"> <br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-IoGBr13uIixF6RHv8iC97ZMXY70slwHKe-BskGSuYH4k1TM8NjnNNCqLNWBhIpsXuiYxkAqcuNLSrMCjEiKzia3-rRFgLUjjKIxo9vdZ9FJmGL3tuDdmvGBRjlzi1EkIypIr9vtGy7Di00yabUc9ap2wr9LNCwUPs3HTQPllrzQIbkP2ItDOQPe2HA/s635/two%20photos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="299" data-original-width="635" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-IoGBr13uIixF6RHv8iC97ZMXY70slwHKe-BskGSuYH4k1TM8NjnNNCqLNWBhIpsXuiYxkAqcuNLSrMCjEiKzia3-rRFgLUjjKIxo9vdZ9FJmGL3tuDdmvGBRjlzi1EkIypIr9vtGy7Di00yabUc9ap2wr9LNCwUPs3HTQPllrzQIbkP2ItDOQPe2HA/w640-h302/two%20photos.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; color: #202020; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, Segoe, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 150%; margin: 10px 0; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"> <br /></span></p><p style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; color: #202020; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, Segoe, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 150%; margin: 10px 0; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: tahoma,verdana,segoe,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">After
being purely a tourist at an easy-breezy resort, I was eager to shift
gears and get on with the real reason for my trip – to visit my Cuban
friends! I was armed with a suitcase and a half of gifts to share, and
my arms ached to share their warm hugs. I started in the charming and
historic city of Holguin, moved on to Bayamo and Manzanillo, then
finally, I landed in Pilón, where I stayed for a fortnight. With Casa de
Noel (a Cuban B&B) as my home base, I visited friends in the
villages of Marea del Portillo, Mota and Niquero. It was all quite
delicious, as was the food.<br />
<br />
Everywhere I went, whether at the resort, in cities I visited or the
homes of friends, I ate well. There wasn't as much variety as at some
times but there was enough, and it was prepared very well. I'm lucky to
have good friends who look after me, and often feed me too much! Since I
knew my friends would go the extra kilometer whenever I dined with
them, I made a point of taking food for their households, in addition to
other things like acetaminophen, which is the best thing to take if you
contract dengue fever. </span></span><br />
<br />
Dengue fever was on the uptick in some regions due to the lack of
consistent electricity, which had been a problem for several months.
When I visited Pilón earlier in the year, the power supply had been
somewhat erratic. The situation worsened over the summer but, by late
November, the pattern of outages was more regulated, at least. It was,
essentially, 4 hrs. on/4 hrs. off. Since I knew this on/off cycle would
be happening, I took a rechargeable fan, which I grew quite fond of
during my stay.<br />
<br />
It's hard to fathom how people have been coping with this current issue,
among others, over the past few months. I'm glad things have improved
in this rural part of Granma, though it can only be defined as <em>modest</em>
improvement. They are not out of the proverbial woods yet, and they
can't really see edge of the forest, but there is a faint path. So, they
keep moving forward, with all the poise and aplomb they can muster.
And, let me affirm, the Cuban people I've encountered are not lacking in
poise, aplomb and a whole lot of other admirable qualities!<br />
<br />
They have not given up, and I won't give up on them. I will keep
thinking about possibilities, ways to support and encourage them. One
thing I've done since returning to Canada is to set up a Facebook group
for my friend's B&B, Casa de Bárbara, in the village of Marea del
Portillo. She and a mutual friend in Holguin will arrange transportation
from the airport and back, along with a night in Holguin before/after
the flight, and a tour of the city, guided by an English-speaking young
man who's studied local history. I'm also considering a version of this
trip for a small group (maximum of 8), perhaps in late March. If you're
interested, please let me know by the end of this year, if possible, or
early January at the latest.<br />
<br />
Since the year's end is fast approaching, let me close this email with
my heart-felt wish that 2023 will be better for everyone in Cuba and
elsewhere! The people of that beautiful island deserve the opportunity
to <em>thrive</em>, not just survive. When given the chance, they will soar.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, hug your family and friends, stay healthy, savor life and enjoy the holidays!<br />
Peace and joy to all,<br />
Jenny <br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWtk-OdOG8IpI-jMk6Yb7WZc-3akmZJ8cemckOdhS3okKTcnpfd-SvTAxtZuS1BRtqHJvPPYM5Ffn8owMg7Nl2pKFF5O7ni0eWVnst_zDtCTD9Q8oVPdfr4ir5KJCPl2Cdewh7ryUxPWcIDFE1NB3P09yDmtAzPF3hdFujTL9pnPrEDVJGsfrxKQH9Jw/s5905/18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3937" data-original-width="5905" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWtk-OdOG8IpI-jMk6Yb7WZc-3akmZJ8cemckOdhS3okKTcnpfd-SvTAxtZuS1BRtqHJvPPYM5Ffn8owMg7Nl2pKFF5O7ni0eWVnst_zDtCTD9Q8oVPdfr4ir5KJCPl2Cdewh7ryUxPWcIDFE1NB3P09yDmtAzPF3hdFujTL9pnPrEDVJGsfrxKQH9Jw/w640-h426/18.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p>jennicacubahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01075251997962909202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870459136778077892.post-86358975789406305472022-11-03T16:42:00.000-04:002022-11-03T16:42:04.799-04:00My May trip report & November plan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx6kmsmukA2kKqYiavruuNWS7OUjkhN8CBpD26bXtir6z4zyB6sr2pPhO5Nzuwtqi4vgLBVNi-t9smsF7Df443WYYnB_Xmlswu0AMUV4M2BoWtHIwOEbIHKsbvnsFZd7AQppnmn542Vk400JTzNklcmi1Q8bHhQD4CGMqVqLEZ0MTS0Ckho31vFg42Nw/s4977/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3318" data-original-width="4977" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx6kmsmukA2kKqYiavruuNWS7OUjkhN8CBpD26bXtir6z4zyB6sr2pPhO5Nzuwtqi4vgLBVNi-t9smsF7Df443WYYnB_Xmlswu0AMUV4M2BoWtHIwOEbIHKsbvnsFZd7AQppnmn542Vk400JTzNklcmi1Q8bHhQD4CGMqVqLEZ0MTS0Ckho31vFg42Nw/w640-h426/5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h1 style="color: #202020; display: block; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 26px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 125%; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 24px;">I owe you an apology...and an update on Cuba!</span></h1>
<p style="color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 150%; margin: 10px 0; padding: 0; text-align: left;">I've
been remiss. I posted a bunch of photos on Facebook following my May
2022 journey to Cuba but I neglected to provide a report on that trip
via this venue or on my website. What can I say except, I'm sorry! I had
a busier summer and fall than expected and, now, I'm heading off to
Cuba again (tomorrow!), suitcases fully loaded with vital items for
friends there who are struggling more than ever.<br />
<br />
I didn't ask for donations this time for two reasons: 1.) Thanks to the
generosity of those who donated in the spring, I still had some supplies
left over; 2.) Things had been rather up in the air regarding this
trip. When I finally got all the details sorted out, I scrambled to fill
the suitcases, quickly purchasing what was needed. On this trip, I will
be taking more food than anything else because friends in the rural
areas where I'll again be going have identified that as a particular
need – protein sources, especially. During my May trip, I gave out bags
of basic medical/health supplies to many families.<br />
<br />
On that tour, too, I had the opportunity to attend the 2022 book fair,
hosted in Bayamo, the capital of the Granma province. It was very
interesting to see the wonderful outreach and literacy promotion
activities associated with this annual event, as well as to meet other
writers. You can find photos of the "<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://jennicacuba.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D845f8a3daa5b7e70f730a267f%26id%3De6725c521c%26e%3D988548c18c&source=gmail&ust=1667593547132000&usg=AOvVaw2ujnoyXV0epM98nqdzWkZE" href="https://jennicacuba.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=845f8a3daa5b7e70f730a267f&id=e6725c521c&e=988548c18c" style="color: #007c89; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Feria del Libro de Granma</a>" among my Facebook albums. You'll also find an album featuring "<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://jennicacuba.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D845f8a3daa5b7e70f730a267f%26id%3D5874eb7db1%26e%3D988548c18c&source=gmail&ust=1667593547132000&usg=AOvVaw0BIKOEAqdKUs5llXtaP9Bz" href="https://jennicacuba.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=845f8a3daa5b7e70f730a267f&id=5874eb7db1&e=988548c18c" style="color: #007c89; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Casa de Noel</a>," the B&B in Pilón where I'll again be staying for the last part of my trip.<br />
<br />
The first part of the coming junket will be spent at a resort called
Brisas Guardalavaca, on the opposite shore from Marea del Portillo,
where I had originally been booked to stay. My favorite little resort,
which has been closed since the start of COVID, was supposed to re-open
Nov. 2, but Sunwing pushed back the opening to Dec. 14. Many of the dear
people who normally work have been unemployed for close to three years
now. Some former staff have had to move to other parts of the island to
find work and others have left the country.<br />
<br />
To say that times are tough in Cuba seems like an understatement. When I
was there in May, some people said things were as bad as they were
during the so-called "Special Period," but others disagreed. Now,
however, I think everyone would say things are as bad or worse than they
were in the early '90's, following the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Without that key trading partner, Cuba's economy tanked. Currently, the
lack of tourism is the biggest factor in the nation's present financial
problems. Things are starting to pick up in some areas, though,
including the one I will soon be visiting – Holguin.<br />
<br />
When I return from this trip, I promise to give you a report in a more
timely fashion! And, to all those who generously donated to assist with
my trips earlier this year, thanks again for your wonderful support.<br />
<br />
Shalom,<br />
Jenny</p><p style="color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 150%; margin: 10px 0; padding: 0; text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5sl-0jnMaQ5_UhUmaFqKNElOTL1BH-lDK-vl2AeTtEegF3CrHioZ_C6EwOCuFBh8qW-Omqm6f_UmjH_hTS4bTcnrbjgrsco4aUzcRKbrEbwLPqm8yjDF9T4xpIv23qx8PvaNNsLbJpvlpCWrei4P2B7l11qkNgOAsRc_H7mwZBWGdPuOgeUfkxtg_Zw/s6000/17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5sl-0jnMaQ5_UhUmaFqKNElOTL1BH-lDK-vl2AeTtEegF3CrHioZ_C6EwOCuFBh8qW-Omqm6f_UmjH_hTS4bTcnrbjgrsco4aUzcRKbrEbwLPqm8yjDF9T4xpIv23qx8PvaNNsLbJpvlpCWrei4P2B7l11qkNgOAsRc_H7mwZBWGdPuOgeUfkxtg_Zw/w640-h426/17.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> <p></p>jennicacubahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01075251997962909202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870459136778077892.post-20212524412822373602022-11-02T10:06:00.001-04:002022-11-02T10:08:46.480-04:00Cuba breaks my heart more every day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4xIRChUlFLBBF6NSlybn5pf6mflgKt04OG2fPupUXdoSmDW1pBMvhR8dWuLmGq0qWqiHi7OJ7r4NaBo384O8_2meu7yAfY4JfeiN-WHN4-tWs9D9jdvM2CEila3Sdcl5pSd2Y-LNwvKToLdyqODjFFuNeaXxuYHQS517_xKiPt5qOCiBXNsqEbthEZw/s600/unnamed.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4xIRChUlFLBBF6NSlybn5pf6mflgKt04OG2fPupUXdoSmDW1pBMvhR8dWuLmGq0qWqiHi7OJ7r4NaBo384O8_2meu7yAfY4JfeiN-WHN4-tWs9D9jdvM2CEila3Sdcl5pSd2Y-LNwvKToLdyqODjFFuNeaXxuYHQS517_xKiPt5qOCiBXNsqEbthEZw/w640-h640/unnamed.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><h1 style="color: #202020; display: block; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 26px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 125%; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span face="lucida sans unicode,lucida grande,sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 24px;"><b>Cuba breaks my heart. I want to help. Do you?</b></span></span></h1>
<p style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; color: #202020; font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode", "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 150%; margin: 10px 0px; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span face="lucida sans unicode,lucida grande,sans-serif">I
don't usually use images that are not my own but this one grabbed my
heart and squeezed. It seems so emblematic of Cuba right now. The people
are struggling. They need support more than ever.<br />
<br />
In February, I took about 100 lbs. of "humanitarian aid" to people in a
rural, remote part of the country, as you may already know. This aid was
made possible by friends and family members (you know who you are!) who
responded to an appeal I put out prior to that trip. Your support gave
my heart wings! And, it allowed me to lift the spirits of many people.<br />
<br />
I have a strong connection with the southern part of the Granma
province, particularly to families in Marea del Portillo, Mota, Pilón
and Niquero. Many folks there h</span><span face="lucida sans unicode,lucida grande,sans-serif"><span face="lucida sans unicode,lucida grande,sans-serif"></span>ave b</span><span face="lucida sans unicode,lucida grande,sans-serif"><span face="lucida sans unicode,lucida grande,sans-serif"></span>een out of wo</span><span face="lucida sans unicode,lucida grande,sans-serif">rk since the onset of
the COVID-19 pandemic, since much of that region's employment is tourism
based. So, that's where I've been directing my assistance.<br />
<br />
On May 17, I plan to return there with another load of medical/health
supplies, but I need your support. Medicine-cabinet items like
children's cough syrup, pain pills, anti-inflammatory aids, arthritis
rubs, antibiotic creams, etc. are expensive! In Cuba, however, they are
both <i>extremely</i> expensive and hard to find. If your kid has a cough and you have a headache you often just have to ride it out.<br />
<br /></span><span face="lucida sans unicode,lucida grande,sans-serif"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTAOL3w8scGWzG1aM_xsmixI7ueU-lt7zA0S-ICK0QJpcDVA2M7PjHCajPcdA_b2y9-bblv0953P_QfdF3Tf45YL90x2_05T8BfdbeG6JBNea1KvvKFGGbM-607H3UM3iAx9_mjN7K5jcilFoa4KJ_CNTcGYfLQ-vOMCWEv-OZFo6QmkckyH15cg1EXg/s563/unnamed2.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="563" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTAOL3w8scGWzG1aM_xsmixI7ueU-lt7zA0S-ICK0QJpcDVA2M7PjHCajPcdA_b2y9-bblv0953P_QfdF3Tf45YL90x2_05T8BfdbeG6JBNea1KvvKFGGbM-607H3UM3iAx9_mjN7K5jcilFoa4KJ_CNTcGYfLQ-vOMCWEv-OZFo6QmkckyH15cg1EXg/w400-h400/unnamed2.jpg" width="400" /></a>During my February/March visit, I saw first-hand how difficult daily
life has become. The gifts I took were very much appreciated by the
families who received them, and I'm confident they will share with
others in need. My friends are that kind of people. They will be helpin</span><span face="lucida sans unicode,lucida grande,sans-serif">g
me to distribute whatever I can manage to take in May.</span><br /><span face="lucida sans unicode,lucida grande,sans-serif"></span><span face="lucida sans unicode,lucida grande,sans-serif">
<br />
I want to take as much as possible to help the long-suffering people of
Cuba. Although I generally try to avoid political commentary, I will say
this: The government of Cuba has made some choices I do not agree with;
people are often not able to make their own choices but must live with
the consequences nonetheless.<br />
<br />
I don't expect to change the world. I'm not trying to do so. But, if I'm
able to make a difference in a few lives, I'm going to do it! I hope
you are with me in spirit. If you also feel able to support me
monetarily in this endeavor, I would greatly appreciate it. </span>You
can contribute via e-transfer to jennicacuba@gmail.com (in Canada) or
through PayPal (if you don't have your own account, I can send you a
"request" that allows you to use a credit card).<br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; color: #202020; font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode", "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 150%; margin: 10px 0px; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNkFcVU1wJXxoJMv8CWzlYaan0vAgKm59ZWh4TJnduPXx0G7OGc9DbwHq4-44UlW3rAitmW2KLaALeXtT38J8YwLQoluKDakEhiVKlVv15NxHKN1KjM1SguhMDU50qD_4fgBL7MyPH9AhIMfDZTw43SpnAQalogU-5kTcwQlhhimH7jBSQmJESn1Xo4g/s1200/unnamed3.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNkFcVU1wJXxoJMv8CWzlYaan0vAgKm59ZWh4TJnduPXx0G7OGc9DbwHq4-44UlW3rAitmW2KLaALeXtT38J8YwLQoluKDakEhiVKlVv15NxHKN1KjM1SguhMDU50qD_4fgBL7MyPH9AhIMfDZTw43SpnAQalogU-5kTcwQlhhimH7jBSQmJESn1Xo4g/w400-h400/unnamed3.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
I hate to ask for money but, quite frankly, my budget is already being
stretched quite a bit for this trip. However, I feel it is important to
take more humanitarian aid while I can – and while the Cuban government
is offering a duty-free exemption for suitcases filled with
health/medical supplies. The deadline for this tax waiver is fast
approaching, which factored into the trip's timing. I'm following my
heart to Cuba.<br />
<br />
If it is in your heart to assist me, I will be very appreciative, as
will the Cuban people I'll be able to help. If you don't feel
comfortable donating money, you can be supportive by sending good vibes!<br />
<br />
XO ~ Jenny</p><p dir="ltr" style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; color: #202020; font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode", "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 150%; margin: 10px 0px; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"> <br /></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; color: #202020; font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode", "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 150%; margin: 10px 0px; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"> </p>jennicacubahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01075251997962909202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870459136778077892.post-55190176868968256242022-04-15T21:33:00.000-04:002022-04-15T21:33:07.688-04:00Wishing the world well...<br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLe1BaB4BYzCjWcO28MTzClKsxj57hT2_anwu4C5UlkGGK92Ycw93MBz3GHtyTelH2ot8u9STr0rnHyjbviuX2SkzaCa6_6AS3Cwo8Zw7VS7le074mJJ_pGAv9PiDtGdDeV9imx3g_HVZ3HJmWcv_6Qc1S0U3JHCZpww0fx_bOA8QmUY9brG_JbHx0Sg/s1275/2022%20Easter%20greeting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="1275" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLe1BaB4BYzCjWcO28MTzClKsxj57hT2_anwu4C5UlkGGK92Ycw93MBz3GHtyTelH2ot8u9STr0rnHyjbviuX2SkzaCa6_6AS3Cwo8Zw7VS7le074mJJ_pGAv9PiDtGdDeV9imx3g_HVZ3HJmWcv_6Qc1S0U3JHCZpww0fx_bOA8QmUY9brG_JbHx0Sg/w640-h640/2022%20Easter%20greeting.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> <p></p>jennicacubahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01075251997962909202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870459136778077892.post-84215874363452616502022-03-27T20:38:00.000-04:002022-03-27T20:38:25.388-04:00It's always fun to chat with Marilyn!<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="break-words"><span dir="ltr"></span></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBG6hkY1oTIl2NQr4fs8LlhkFq5PGx26RzZteANcsnPhvUhdRiw44NeQkCJdmI8KjReYhnj8VZFXuB8W3Neew8cky2P-YKc5-hpMM1Pc7dn--YTXsWx6U4oF4oKvp0GJpdDt0TSa9QE2ovEsjI4_ngJTSGx0ozXWbCgdCYlQALTPR7mKWquLhyCiXC0w/s2559/IMG-1753-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1919" data-original-width="2559" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBG6hkY1oTIl2NQr4fs8LlhkFq5PGx26RzZteANcsnPhvUhdRiw44NeQkCJdmI8KjReYhnj8VZFXuB8W3Neew8cky2P-YKc5-hpMM1Pc7dn--YTXsWx6U4oF4oKvp0GJpdDt0TSa9QE2ovEsjI4_ngJTSGx0ozXWbCgdCYlQALTPR7mKWquLhyCiXC0w/w400-h300/IMG-1753-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="break-words"><span dir="ltr">I've been interviewed by Marilyn Ball on her show, "Speaking of Travel," several times over the years, and we always have a great time chatting – both on and off the air. One of
these days, we both have vowed, she and I will travel to Cuba together! I'm very much looking forward to it.<br /></span></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="break-words"><span dir="ltr">This <a href="https://speakingoftravel.buzzsprout.com/18461/10327180-humanitarian-aid-to-cuba-helps-support-the-people-and-provides-hope?fbclid=IwAR2HxfqFqZSxXj1FJg0eiVxKSickGcc1IPsylyBf43JOZKjGi0ju0J88iYw" target="_blank">LINK</a> lets you travel to a podcast of the March 27 show. <br /></span></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://speakingoftravel.buzzsprout.com/18461/10327180-humanitarian-aid-to-cuba-helps-support-the-people-and-provides-hope?fbclid=IwAR2HxfqFqZSxXj1FJg0eiVxKSickGcc1IPsylyBf43JOZKjGi0ju0J88iYw" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="621" data-original-width="479" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhveIuxsesdpAeQhY5rOlMmPr20862vYz20eQnu2ezQgzX5t9ObHns3wparIbGtJ238SqTy67YMDUFJ_Hz4lF5aIKlCp-CBIRXOVMC5riFlFfpblree65NNbDO8Hn_Zx6SlL3X_4YfMFna-iw1XwFmUy9kKoawup0DmyMMU5lLWRSUlXcs6nBYlQfKRNQ/s320/Marilyn.jpg" width="247" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>jennicacubahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01075251997962909202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870459136778077892.post-79743027213367524122022-03-23T09:32:00.008-04:002022-03-23T10:08:22.550-04:00My most recent Cuban adventure!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3rzEjOf6k-XICcFMV0pvKY55l9U-_IYcJJ_NZh0mKlKDRXFN6TfOVsdJn3Wb_iScRmn4Qt_Q9ZwvLh89SKNYWfbBEzOExFrGZl0SvEj-9aU6YVTrI38M1cuUfIHCuuoVRBTC8CKSDocZzUV71t6v2D2btrYEvW6P3R-m2bGq-dfYxWjnzPtz48cUT1Q/s3024/Dayam's%20car%202.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3rzEjOf6k-XICcFMV0pvKY55l9U-_IYcJJ_NZh0mKlKDRXFN6TfOVsdJn3Wb_iScRmn4Qt_Q9ZwvLh89SKNYWfbBEzOExFrGZl0SvEj-9aU6YVTrI38M1cuUfIHCuuoVRBTC8CKSDocZzUV71t6v2D2btrYEvW6P3R-m2bGq-dfYxWjnzPtz48cUT1Q/w640-h640/Dayam's%20car%202.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Yes, that's some of my luggage on the roof – there wasn't enough room in the trunk!</i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i> </i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i> </i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i> </i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i> </i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><h1 style="color: #202020; display: block; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 26px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 125%; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 24px;">TRIP REPORT: My most recent Cuban adventure <br /></span></h1><span dir="auto"><span style="color: navy;">Hola! I've been thinking about what to say in a "trip report" on my recent two-week stay in Cuba...</span> That's how I began a Facebook post with a semi-brief report. It will serve as a base (original text in <span style="color: navy;">blue</span>),
which I will add to below. I have to warn you, though, I have a lot to
say! So, grab a drink and snack, to tide you over as you read. Here we
go...</span><br />
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: navy;"><span dir="auto">Life
in Cuba is difficult and expensive. Food and other basic necessities
are randomly and inexplicably unavailable. When things suddenly appear
in a store after a long absence, word spreads like wildfire and lines
form. If you're lucky, you may get to buy what you've been needing. </span></span><span style="color: black;">If
you can't get to the store or don't want to stand in line, you can
usually find things "on the street" later, due to the efforts of
re-sellers. The black market is thriving in Cuba these days! But, of
course, street prices are significantly higher than store prices; you're
paying for not having to stand in a line for hours and for being able
to use paper money (national currency) instead of a credit card. </span><br />
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: navy;"><span dir="auto">For
example, one of the largest stores in Pilón, where I was staying, was
converted to an MLC ("freely convertible currency") store and reopened
with a fresh supply of stock while I was there. The line-up to get in
reminded me of a queue for concert tickets for a popular band. </span></span><span style="color: black;"><span dir="auto">Cubans
are used to standing in lines, and they have it down to a fine art.
They don't actually need to be in a physical line, in fact! When someone
new arrives, they will ask who is last in line. Thus, they know who to
follow and, so, they can all relax and sit in the shade... if there is a
place to sit, and if there's shade! </span></span><br />
</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjgEtQuDkaKWlAc8wFw5RSfZFD4wUj3JJnZmUc2YX4-O2R8nlZbPt_GsSWVsi3WgMsd9cnKOgvucvgV3Ce8OaaWbceE-OZTn2P3tUvnubxBtMdi6RgnTxnTqTUIjQorEP7T6V11t8U424jge4wtviKITY8CkR7_laypGKannCu1Q2quNgFCZjwVnyZNQ/s6000/Cafe%20Serrano%201.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjgEtQuDkaKWlAc8wFw5RSfZFD4wUj3JJnZmUc2YX4-O2R8nlZbPt_GsSWVsi3WgMsd9cnKOgvucvgV3Ce8OaaWbceE-OZTn2P3tUvnubxBtMdi6RgnTxnTqTUIjQorEP7T6V11t8U424jge4wtviKITY8CkR7_laypGKannCu1Q2quNgFCZjwVnyZNQ/w640-h426/Cafe%20Serrano%201.jpg" width="640" /></a> <br /></div></div>
</div>
<div><span style="color: navy;"><span dir="auto">On
opening day, one of my friends traveled from Mota (a village approx. 15
km away) and stood in line from about 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. before being
able to enter. His goal was to buy shoes for his young daughter. By the
time he got inside, however, all the girls' shoes in the appropriate
size were gone. At least there were some boys' Crocs in her size. "She
won't care that they are for boys," her parents said. They were just
happy to have shoes that fit her. </span></span><span style="color: black;"><span dir="auto">Shoes like Crocs (or knock-offs)</span>
are popular in Cuba because they are easy to clean, okay in rain and
the loose fit means they will fit a growing foot longer than other types
of shoes. If you are able to take footwear as gifts, they are a great,
lightweight option for children or adults.</span><br /><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: navy;"><span dir="auto">The
MLC stores are now pretty much the only option and, in order to shop
there, one must have a credit card. For Cubans, this means opening a
special bank account where money (foreign or domestic currency) can be
deposited and applied to what is essentially a pre-loaded credit card.
Unfortunately, obtaining an MLC card is not a quick process, and it can
be daunting as well as time consuming. Not all Cubans have MLC cards
(especially in rural areas) and, if they don't, they cannot shop at
these new government-run stores, since cash is not accepted. </span></span><span style="color: black;"><span dir="auto">The
MLC stores were instituted shortly before COVID began; discontinuing
the use of the CUC ("tourist pesos") came hot on the heels of both. </span>These
three things occurred within such a short time frame that it was like a
financial triple whammy for many families. Cubans are still paid in
CUP, the national currency, but they now have to purchase most things
with MLCs, which creates daily challenges.</span><br />
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: navy;"><span dir="auto">If
you have cash, you can buy things from other outlets but prices have
increased astronomically. Produce is still available at street markets
and roadside stands, as usual, but costs can be crazy. For instance, one
vendor was selling a pineapple for 140 pesos (CUP); previously, it
might have cost about 10 pesos. Everything has gone up, up and up in
price – if the items are even available. </span></span><span style="color: black;"><span dir="auto">During
my recent visit, friends frequently commented on the price increases.
Another graphic example of the insanity of current costs is this: a
single plastic disposable razor (the kind you can buy in a bulk package
at a Canadian dollar store) is now being sold for $2. I didn't ask if
that would $2 CAD or $2 USD; the price is horrific either way.<br />
<br />
Officially, the exchange rate at a bank is 24 pesos = $1 USD. But, if
you're comfortable having your money changed on the street, you can get
as much as 100 pesos for your American dollar in some places. Canadian
money, of course, is less valuable but, even so, the street rates are
better than a bank's. I started using a general calculation of 500 pesos
= $25 dollars, with it being slightly over/under, depending on whether
you prefer to think in CAD or USD. When I was out and about in Pilón,
the cheapest rum I saw for sale was a bottle of Pinella for 500 pesos.
Havana Club was significantly more! Wine is priced much higher (I saw
one kind for 1,000 CUP), if you can find it, and beer is simply not
available in that area at this time. </span></span><br />
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: navy;"><span dir="auto">Challenges
pertaining to food supply are most worrisome, especially regarding
protein sources; for that reason, more people than ever are raising
their own pigs. When possible, people are also growing their own
vegetables. In this respect, those living in rural areas have an
advantage because they have more space for gardens. </span></span><span style="color: black;"><span dir="auto">I
noticed quite a few patches of squash, both in yards of country homes
and in town, as well as more backyard plantain trees. It was also the
right season for tomatoes, so they were plentiful everywhere. These are
great, of course, but protein is important. Rice and beans are staples
of the Cuban diet and they do seem to be available now (a few months
ago, they weren't), but they are more costly than "normal" – the new
normal is pricey!<br />
<br />
Since the places I visited (Pilón, Marea del Portillo, Mota and Niquero)
are all along the coast, fish would seem like a natural option. When I
was there, unfortunately, the fishing hadn't been good because of the
unsettled weather. Wind and turbulent seas make it more difficult to
catch fish! And, as with everything else, the price of fish has gone up,
making a balanced diet on a tight budget a very big challenge. I took
some cans of tuna with me, for the family I stayed with, but the weight
of canned goods adds up quickly. </span></span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: black;"><span dir="auto"> </span></span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: black;"><span dir="auto"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsacq8auVg5SuYVjySjWnmlzOHWDBg2dG1l3VdeWRJLHY9ifb3xIEeTygfSQz4XnVr6J89T4HRaNpvpArjFu07syrtdgqRYO1HwupTybI6U_ZYlzbIx0UCIyY6sPH1cOXS5t7kPGvfzLhfe3gDof1ga2zA0ipYz87f6y1JA0ezexW92Bo1GD5pXzba2g/s5532/24.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3688" data-original-width="5532" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsacq8auVg5SuYVjySjWnmlzOHWDBg2dG1l3VdeWRJLHY9ifb3xIEeTygfSQz4XnVr6J89T4HRaNpvpArjFu07syrtdgqRYO1HwupTybI6U_ZYlzbIx0UCIyY6sPH1cOXS5t7kPGvfzLhfe3gDof1ga2zA0ipYz87f6y1JA0ezexW92Bo1GD5pXzba2g/w640-h426/24.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /></div></span></span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: black;"><span dir="auto"><span style="color: navy;"><span dir="auto"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-3LhE0SShiSCT4ZPxDsfbDsLA2Yp5boEzPue6Ssg4NLdFvPKz22Jbl055y7Xh52VUBOcRzp1iQk2ii15u4zYuvD-2ist87Le3jOsuL8naBIT5IdQkhmhJdFbKYPTDhf-_LUUoxltsxb1Ahn7mSRyw9UEadl_wKaBEOUoYy8tA7daIPdDEIIZYRdMSYg/s6000/11.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-3LhE0SShiSCT4ZPxDsfbDsLA2Yp5boEzPue6Ssg4NLdFvPKz22Jbl055y7Xh52VUBOcRzp1iQk2ii15u4zYuvD-2ist87Le3jOsuL8naBIT5IdQkhmhJdFbKYPTDhf-_LUUoxltsxb1Ahn7mSRyw9UEadl_wKaBEOUoYy8tA7daIPdDEIIZYRdMSYg/w320-h213/11.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Mota Playa (above) and the road near Marea.</i><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i> </i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Those
living in the rural region to the east of Pilón (Marea del Portillo and
Mota), also have a special challenge to contend with: the roads. In
that part of Granma, you can't drive for 2 seconds without seeing a
"bache" (pothole). And, some of these craters are so large, you can't go
around them – you have to drive right into them and hope you will
emerge safely on the other side, muffler intact. Instead of 30-40 mins.
to travel from Pilón to Mota, it now takes an hour, and it's difficult
to find a taxi willing to make the arduous trip. For this reason, as
well as the high cost of fuel, taxi prices have also risen
significantly. </span></span>
</span></span><div>
<div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span dir="auto">The day I visited the Marea
del Portillo resort and village, my taxi rides cost 600 pesos each way.
My trip to Mota, on a different day, cost 1600 round trip; on that
occasion, I had the same driver for both directions. You can sometimes
find a driver willing to do it for less but it's difficult. Most taxi
drivers simple don't want to deal with that nasty stretch of road and,
after seeing it, I understand. Some government officials recently
visited the region and promised to repair the road from Mota to Pilón
this year. People are skeptical, since they've heard this song before.
But, a long section of the same road has already been repaired,
beginning in Santiago and heading west toward Granma. So, the roadwork
machines are moving in the right direction!</span></span><br />
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: navy;"><span dir="auto">And
yet, life goes on. Schools are in session and public events are
beginning to happen. People smile and welcome guests into their homes
(paying attention to COVID protocols). There are some cases of COVID in
Pilón, as there are here in Ontario, but the concern is much less than
it was; things are improving in that respect.</span></span><span style="color: black;"><span dir="auto">
Current Cuban regulations still require people to wear masks in all
public places – riding in taxis, sitting in parks, walking along any
street or road. The only time you're allowed to remove your mask in
public is when you are "actively" eating or drinking. Most people are
triple-vaccinated with one of Cuba's home-grown vaccines. </span></span><br />
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: navy;"><span dir="auto">I
was pleasantly surprised to find some new restaurants open in Pilón,
though I didn't have a chance to try them all out. There were also
several casas particulares (B&Bs) open in Marea del Portillo and
Punta Piedra, as well as Pilón – I stayed at Casa de Noel, near the
town's "malecón"... </span></span><span style="color: black;"><span dir="auto">I've finally sorted most of my photos, some of which I've added here. If you want to see more, please check <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://jennicacuba.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D845f8a3daa5b7e70f730a267f%26id%3D6754dee5ad%26e%3Dc5388a6989&source=gmail&ust=1648125170556000&usg=AOvVaw2uEzzlqefixLd_LdC75ZRf" href="https://jennicacuba.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=845f8a3daa5b7e70f730a267f&id=6754dee5ad&e=c5388a6989" style="color: #007c89; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">my Facebook page,</a> where I'll post additional photos as I get them organized and processed.</span></span><br />
<br />
Now we're in the home stretch of this lengthy report! In conclusion, I
want to tell you about the humanitarian aspects of my trip. Thanks to
the support of many wonderfully generous friends, I was able to purchase
a LOT of medical/health supplies to take with me to Cuba. MUCHAS,
MUCHAS GRACIAS! I want to give a special shout out to Denise, who was my
personal shopper at Costco. She was able to get large bottles of
ibuprofen, acetaminophen, naproxen, children's Tylenol, etc., etc.<br />
<br />
I also took several packs of masks and an assortment of vitamins and
pain meds. for arthritis and muscle strains. I distributed everything as
equitably as possible, giving extra supplies to nurses and large
families, who will share with each other (I took small zip-bags, so they
could divvy up the large bottles as needed). All of these gifts were
very much appreciated. I wished I could have taken more!<br />
<br />
Since the Cuban gov't is currently offering an exemption on a suitcase
filled with medical/health supplies and food, I took a 23 kg/50 lb.
packed-to-the-gills duffel bag (topped up with rolls of toilet paper,
when the weight limit was almost reached). As well, my other large
suitcase and my carry-ons were stuffed with more medicine-cabinet items
and other gifts – some of the things I'd been waiting to take for over
two years. I felt like a Sherpa but, thankfully, I wasn't headed for a
mountain of snow!<br />
</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3IV10Ft6KCkzykS5w2bwAnrkHi5550bTiaunzotrqgGrxDB6ulRkmI6co4Y_jBs0toXDPL8nBxAAasU-fwxBAr-eA6pGBceGZl4-Aq0eav-FMF-6kZCqwA_HrfO69YAfjYM9mU7CpQTVR_iGoUugvZdM2AjoqzrVAvc6XkdxO8FucY2JUmKToGv9-BA/s6000/L6.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3IV10Ft6KCkzykS5w2bwAnrkHi5550bTiaunzotrqgGrxDB6ulRkmI6co4Y_jBs0toXDPL8nBxAAasU-fwxBAr-eA6pGBceGZl4-Aq0eav-FMF-6kZCqwA_HrfO69YAfjYM9mU7CpQTVR_iGoUugvZdM2AjoqzrVAvc6XkdxO8FucY2JUmKToGv9-BA/w320-h213/L6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Well, that's my report. If you've read to the end, you deserve some
chicharitas (fried plantain chips) – one of my favorite Cuban snacks! </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Thanks again to everyone who was with me in spirit on this adventure in
Cuba. The boat name in the photo below expresses my feelings: Shalom.<br />
<br />
XOXO<br />
Jenny</div>
</div> </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: black;"><span dir="auto"><br /></span></span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: black;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxkKtPy0ZoX4qSAbXSAInPihIeXlNSYrHFlmrzIQRTUG4pDUZKeN4u9UfnK2gkYSaQ5RzwiRjXMyiOSlBAevpbMZxENVZw_cxiZRWHW8LKbqiotyugCqSiNXJdxEHDNCDXiC9ELQuwiML6YxLuDgSuemAtcV1iXrbTvo8DfeLO5IjKn-crlshIRvpYZA/s5568/DSC00279.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3712" data-original-width="5568" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxkKtPy0ZoX4qSAbXSAInPihIeXlNSYrHFlmrzIQRTUG4pDUZKeN4u9UfnK2gkYSaQ5RzwiRjXMyiOSlBAevpbMZxENVZw_cxiZRWHW8LKbqiotyugCqSiNXJdxEHDNCDXiC9ELQuwiML6YxLuDgSuemAtcV1iXrbTvo8DfeLO5IjKn-crlshIRvpYZA/w640-h426/DSC00279.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span dir="auto"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>jennicacubahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01075251997962909202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870459136778077892.post-40227480863131855052022-02-15T17:11:00.003-05:002022-02-15T17:53:00.784-05:00Where can you get CUBAN KISSES? <p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Hello! Hola!</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Welcome to Jenny Cressman's "JennicaCuba.com" website! This is primarily intended as a travel-related site but, since Jenny's travel business has been disrupted by COVID, there are not currently any group trips planned. Hopefully, that type of customized travel to Cuba (or elsewhere) will be viable again soon.</span></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiNGTfUkz4zhkQRJVK_-dZMHzXoLOZ2AxUh05gUVkmtbXPefcBnJwmZsnF-VlHfeD6H9WSesM2KI1R6rfgh0XcpQ7smmdB19cO_q7nILEGsZH0bSODoiOyu5k457F4hJU-vbMrBTkBsPOTPGJ37ORURAeNIyST3AWBiqoodtdlURZ_lw6xSgvlFJL7ygg=s2805" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2805" data-original-width="2805" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiNGTfUkz4zhkQRJVK_-dZMHzXoLOZ2AxUh05gUVkmtbXPefcBnJwmZsnF-VlHfeD6H9WSesM2KI1R6rfgh0XcpQ7smmdB19cO_q7nILEGsZH0bSODoiOyu5k457F4hJU-vbMrBTkBsPOTPGJ37ORURAeNIyST3AWBiqoodtdlURZ_lw6xSgvlFJL7ygg=w320-h317" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In the meantime, you may want to <i>read</i> about travel to Cuba! Jenny Cressman has written a series of novels that are mainly set in a small, out-of-the-way resort in rural Cuba – a fictionalized version of the resort she has been taking groups to for the past decade. The first two books in the trilogy are <i>Cuban Kisses </i>and <i>Cuban Wishes</i>. </span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The author's writing-related website, "JennyLovesWords.com," is having some technical difficulties, so it's not possible to order books through that site at this time. However, you can purchase both novels from the following outlets:</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>• <a href="https://muskokaunlimited.com/contributors/jenny-cressman/" target="_blank">Muskoka Unlimited</a> </b>– order one or both books online and have them shipped directly to you or arrange to pick them up within Muskoka (Ontario); shipping costs will vary, depending on your location. <br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>• A Different Booklist </b>– 779 Bathurst St., Toronto, ON<br /></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>• Algonquin Outfitters </b>(3 stores carry <i>Cuban Kisses </i>and <i>Cuban Wishes</i>) – <b>Oxtongue Lake</b>, 1035 Algonquin Outfitters Rd., Dwight, ON; <b>Huntsville</b>, 86 Main St. East, Huntsville, ON; <b>Bracebridge</b>, 60 Manitoba St., Bracebridge, ON<br /></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>• Georgian Bay Books </b>– 247 King St., Midland, ON</span></span> <br /></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"></span></span><b>• The Great Vine </b>– 36 Main St. East, Huntsville, ON</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>• Worth Repeating</b> – 31 Manitoba St., Bracebridge, ON</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">You can also contact Jenny's agent, <b>Brenda Paterson</b>, regarding the purchase of both books or about publishing the third book. A new publisher is currently being sought, since the original publishing company has closed. Brenda can be reached by phone,</span></span><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> 705-640-1054, or email: info@grovepark.ca.</span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgh874gfsr1TLbqlTbpZTYHpBbg6O72OOQ5JRVhHtii5n8m89lK5qFFvLzJzTIvt-CS-pD8dv0INpeg6-0UxUe5v5Kn5xEVxea5r2ZqNWySvlQxYe-T8-8BQMk6W45hM_wyynGzuLOJl62JsaALUJl4BkKB9inexJn-JaAmVHknqfTiw_XcDHTegt7zJQ=s1650" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1650" data-original-width="1275" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgh874gfsr1TLbqlTbpZTYHpBbg6O72OOQ5JRVhHtii5n8m89lK5qFFvLzJzTIvt-CS-pD8dv0INpeg6-0UxUe5v5Kn5xEVxea5r2ZqNWySvlQxYe-T8-8BQMk6W45hM_wyynGzuLOJl62JsaALUJl4BkKB9inexJn-JaAmVHknqfTiw_XcDHTegt7zJQ=w494-h640" width="494" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><p><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></p>jennicacubahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01075251997962909202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870459136778077892.post-84801379620386971592021-12-23T11:39:00.001-05:002021-12-23T11:39:27.740-05:00Looking for light . . .<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgH7lw1VzEcdnFlTCAXIcWXE3d5nbqlcq07fgcCksvsup7V-p454_r6zO3R532F5vkWaLgDPn0d_FjfDUBimaZJiuccoTUDLYTFkpegUkcy91pK6QLgO4qdxoYgKqeHEQAf-fuqG7T5cO_pfbQyH2iaYbKkSkN-zonGoBGIvguvupS4vUMO_o-lpQd7DA=s1650" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="1650" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgH7lw1VzEcdnFlTCAXIcWXE3d5nbqlcq07fgcCksvsup7V-p454_r6zO3R532F5vkWaLgDPn0d_FjfDUBimaZJiuccoTUDLYTFkpegUkcy91pK6QLgO4qdxoYgKqeHEQAf-fuqG7T5cO_pfbQyH2iaYbKkSkN-zonGoBGIvguvupS4vUMO_o-lpQd7DA=w640-h494" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><h1 style="color: #202020; display: block; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 26px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 125%; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 30px;"><span style="font-family: tahoma,verdana,segoe,sans-serif;">There's light beyond the mountain!</span></span></h1>
<p style="color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 150%; margin: 10px 0; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: tahoma,verdana,segoe,sans-serif;">Since
the advent of COVID-19, much has been in flux regarding so many aspects
of life, particularly travel. And now, here we are in the Advent
season, according to Christian tradition, looking for light and
expecting something good to come. </span>But, when?<br />
<br />
"When will we be there?" is a question that echoed off the windows of
our family car more than once while I was growing up. It has also
silently bounced between my ears on many occasions, especially when I've
been aboard a plane and arriving at my destination seems to take longer
than my clock says.<br />
<br />
When will this pandemic end? I'd be happy with a little benign
pandemonium instead, that's for sure! I've just had my Jan. 26 trip to
Cuba cancelled. If you've heard the phrase, "third time's the charm," I
can tell you it's not always so. Not counting the original April 2020
cancellation due to the onset of COVID, this was my third attempt to
return to my "second home." I've been trying to go in order to take a
suitcase full of much-needed medical/health supplies, as well as to do
some reconnaissance, prior to offering a group trip.<br />
<br />
At some point in 2022, I WILL make it to Cuba! The duty-free exemption
for a suitcase of supplies (including food) is currently in place until
the end of June, and I very much want to take advantage of that offer.
The Cuban government has extended the exemption deadline once but
there's no guarantee they will do so again.<br />
<br />
There's no guarantee about anything, of course. That's been driven home
like a hard-hammered nail in the past two years. I haven't been able to
travel to Cuba, where my heart is drawn, or to the U.S., where much of
my family resides. Nor have I been able to host physical launches for my
two novels, <em>Cuban Kisses</em> and the sequel, <em>Cuban Wishes</em>.
The third book in the trilogy will be out in the early part of the new
year, hopefully, so we plan to officially launch all three at once.
(I'll be sure to announce everything, don't worry!)<br />
<br />
I do feel hopeful about my writing projects, just as I do about making
it to Cuba before my friends forget what I look like! As well as
much-needed medicine and such, I have books to deliver to those who were
particularly supportive of my writing as I was doing it. I guess you
could say that I AM expecting good things to come, and I DO see light
beyond the mountain. The dark clouds will pass and the sun will blaze
brilliantly once again, both here and there – in Cuba, where support is
very much needed due to issues beyond COVID.<br />
<br />
I will let you know how my ventures go, regarding both my forthcoming
novel and my upcoming trip to Cuba. Meanwhile, let me know if you want
copies of either<em> Cuban Kisses </em>or <em>Cuban Wishes</em> – $20
and $25, respectively, or $40 for both, when ordered at the same time
(CAD for all prices). I can mail them to you in either Canada or the
U.S.; payments can be made by e-transfer or PayPal.<br />
<br />
This letter, however, should not end with a sales pitch! So, let me just
reiterate that I AM feeling cautiously optimistic about the coming
year! (Okay, those of you who know me would probably say it's my normal
state but, dagnabit, that's been a challenge of late.) But, really and
truly, I do see a warm glow on the horizon, amid the majestic Sierra
Maestra mountains, and I intend to go toward it as soon as I possibly
can. After all, I have a new manuscript in the works, along with ideas
for special travel experiences, and I need to do some on-the-sand
research!<br />
<br />
Take care, stay safe and enjoy the holidays!<br />
Hasta luego & shalom,<br />
Jenny<br /> <br /></p><p> </p>jennicacubahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01075251997962909202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870459136778077892.post-12993701498402992882021-11-11T08:15:00.002-05:002021-11-11T08:15:50.611-05:00What's up with Cuba... & Jenny's CUBAN KISSES novel series?<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCV4Rx01pQLTlMPrZlFzBbprsing5iFUHwhGR-deoB7DtDldRCq2WT9eCtabPRG4jJcmUVysmTEJgJWU3DQhrhsb0B5zZ6XWYEr2GuJFp9mR2_AwsJI2I4UAnLIJHBUSludeDT9H42X4cM/s1650/Jenny+Loves+Words+LOGO+%252B+image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="1650" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCV4Rx01pQLTlMPrZlFzBbprsing5iFUHwhGR-deoB7DtDldRCq2WT9eCtabPRG4jJcmUVysmTEJgJWU3DQhrhsb0B5zZ6XWYEr2GuJFp9mR2_AwsJI2I4UAnLIJHBUSludeDT9H42X4cM/w640-h494/Jenny+Loves+Words+LOGO+%252B+image.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><h1 style="color: #202020; display: block; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 26px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 125%; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 23px;"><span style="font-family: georgia,times,times new roman,serif;">Here's an update about Cuba, me & my novels</span></span></h1>
<p style="color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 150%; margin: 10px 0; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia,times,times new roman,serif;"><em>Hola!
I recently sent out an email (below the line) to people who'd purchased
one or both of my novels, just to let them know the current status.
But, I would be remiss if I did not check in with my JennicaCuba travel
friends too. So, I'll give you a quick update on Cuba: it's gradually
opening up! They are madly vaccinating the populace and, as of Nov. 15,
will begin welcoming more tourists with fewer COVID-related
restrictions. I will send more information about what's going on there
soon. For now, please peruse the text below about my novels and keep
Cuba in your hearts! </em></span></p>
<p style="color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 150%; margin: 10px 0; padding: 0; text-align: center;">------------------------------<wbr></wbr>------------------------------<wbr></wbr>------------------</p>
<p style="color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 150%; margin: 10px 0; padding: 0; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia,times,times new roman,serif;">This
is the synopsis of what's been going on during the past few months,
regarding me and my writing. As some of you may know, the Ripple Press
Publishing Corp. decided to close, primarily blaming COVID. I ended up
buying the remaining physical copies of my novels, both <em>Cuban Kisses </em>and <em>Cuban Wishes,</em>
which I'm now selling on my own under the banner of "Jenny Loves Words"
(website coming soon). A new publisher is being sought. Hopefully, the
third novel in the trilogy, <em>Cuban Missus</em>, will be available in
the first half of the new year – it's written, edited and ready to go!
In fact, the photo above is the one I have in mind as a cover image.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, you can purchase both <em>Cuban Kisses</em> and <em>Cuban Wishes</em>
from me directly, or from a growing list of stores that now carry both
books – mainly in the Muskoka area at this point. As well, if you are in
Huntsville during the latter part of November, you are hereby invited
to stop by the 2nd Annual <strong>Winter Art Market</strong> to pick up a
signed copy! I'll be at the show intermittently and, if you're there
when I am, I'll be happy to provide a personalized inscription.<br />
<br />
The <strong>Winter Art Market</strong> is being presented by Muskoka
Unlimited, in conjunction with the Huntsville Festival of the Arts, at
the HFA studio, 58 Main St. East, Unit 2 (the entrance is at the rear of
the building, across from Huntsville's River Mill Park, near the town
docks). The show will take place on three consecutive weekends, <strong>Nov. 12-14</strong> (Fri./Sat./Sun.), <strong>Nov. 18-21</strong> & <strong>Nov. 25-28 </strong>(Thurs./Fri./Sat./Sun.). The hours are 2-6 p.m. on Thursdays & Fridays, noon-6 p.m. on Saturdays & Sundays.<br />
<br />
If you can't make it to Muskoka, you're welcome to contact me via Facebook or email (<a href="mailto:jennyloveswords@gmail.com" target="_blank">jennyloveswords@gmail.com</a>).
I can mail copies to you and, if you order in the next few weeks, they
should arrive in time for Christmas! Payments can be made through PayPal
or, for Canadians, by e-transfer. If you buy both at the same time, the
price is $40. Autonomously, <em>Cuban Kisses</em> is $20 and <em>Cuban Wishes </em>is
$25 (it's bigger!). Shipping costs vary according to where the books
are being sent but, in most cases, Canada Post fees seem to be around
$20 for the set. That's all in Canadian funds, of course!<br />
<br />
I hope to see you, if you're in the Huntsville area in the coming weeks.
If we don't cross paths here, perhaps we will in a more southerly
location, such as Cuba, southern Ontario or Scottdale, PA! </span></p>
<p style="color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 150%; margin: 10px 0; padding: 0; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia,times,times new roman,serif;">~ XO Jenny</span></p><p style="color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 150%; margin: 10px 0; padding: 0; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia,times,times new roman,serif;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWoS69t2ZkZ5P2AZx9kxSdjHpx85XmSy7108MZSojFlLJvHDFd_KqUh2GGVha7jfcZ3SqGSOTImm4xavCHs4etPC8gjNtIaWhQYI8o0TfytRPAC0D2h0riEuzz8KvXPudNqGGf37R4oT_O/s1650/2021+-+POP+flyer+-+CHRISTMAS+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1650" data-original-width="1275" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWoS69t2ZkZ5P2AZx9kxSdjHpx85XmSy7108MZSojFlLJvHDFd_KqUh2GGVha7jfcZ3SqGSOTImm4xavCHs4etPC8gjNtIaWhQYI8o0TfytRPAC0D2h0riEuzz8KvXPudNqGGf37R4oT_O/w494-h640/2021+-+POP+flyer+-+CHRISTMAS+2.jpg" width="494" /></a></div><br /> <p></p>jennicacubahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01075251997962909202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870459136778077892.post-71880263731937832722021-08-17T16:34:00.001-04:002021-08-17T16:34:35.566-04:00Sad news from Cuba...<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNEZQLdJh0nXO1nfaSwLl4eB4onxs9DhhRlBpNqajv3udX-p3L2Uojja24Nt6B4EoWB9uh-BQ9-dMH_goetcDdINOEBKT7zSej7jRVDKxzIzMUt9C-gXGEOGTQaOF1GIvDCE50m2ClwTMa/s1650/1+-+Ramo%25CC%2581n+Cisnero.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="1650" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNEZQLdJh0nXO1nfaSwLl4eB4onxs9DhhRlBpNqajv3udX-p3L2Uojja24Nt6B4EoWB9uh-BQ9-dMH_goetcDdINOEBKT7zSej7jRVDKxzIzMUt9C-gXGEOGTQaOF1GIvDCE50m2ClwTMa/w640-h494/1+-+Ramo%25CC%2581n+Cisnero.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><h1 style="color: #202020; display: block; font-family: Helvetica; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 125%; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>Some of you will remember meeting Ramón...</span></span></h1>
<div dir="auto">
<div id="m_-6731523661168107118jsc_c_2yg">
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: tahoma,verdana,segoe,sans-serif;"><span dir="auto"> </span></span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: tahoma,verdana,segoe,sans-serif;"><span dir="auto">I
first met Ramón Cisnero in 2013, when he was visiting Toronto with our
mutual friend Felix Naranjo, who had arranged a show featuring Ramón’s
paintings. At the time, I didn’t realize what a small sample of the
artist’s vast array of work that was! I subsequently learned that he had
created many of the wonderful sculptures I’d seen in Manzanillo de
Cuba, along with numerous paintings that decorated the walls at Club
Amigo Marea del Portillo y Farallón del Caribe. He was incredibly
prolific and diverse in his artistic media and subject matter, although
the importance of preserving historic architecture was often a theme in
his work. </span></span><br />
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: tahoma,verdana,segoe,sans-serif;"><span dir="auto">A
few years after meeting Ramón, I had the pleasure of introducing this
amazing artist to participants in several “Manzanillo Art Tour”
excursions I organized with the help of Felix. Despite his well-earned
acclaim, however, Ramón always retained a gentle, sincere humility. On
Aug. 16, 2021, he succumbed to COVID-19, not long before his 53rd
birthday. He will be sorely missed by his numerous friends and admirers
in Cuba and beyond. His soft smile will live on in many memories, just
as his exceptional body of work will provide a magnificent legacy. [You can find more photos in my Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set?set=a.4254225691313533&type=3" target="_blank">albums</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/jennicacuba" target="_blank">JennicaCuba</a> group.]<br /></span></span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: tahoma,verdana,segoe,sans-serif;"><span dir="auto"> </span></span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: tahoma,verdana,segoe,sans-serif;"><span dir="auto"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhSCSDUKXnCs3ZD2NrexClN0dHYfWiWdK5LtHEK4A-rYOM0sk5gJbE_TICIYvFbxI6TUx9A_hQdVONezl6wi8FqLYGIkWFNa1UBFwTTOKcTM1WOhRUonhbrH6rcxHSn3jVMPkucohzOaDI/s1650/2021+-+sample+of+Ramo%25CC%2581n%2527s+work.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="1650" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhSCSDUKXnCs3ZD2NrexClN0dHYfWiWdK5LtHEK4A-rYOM0sk5gJbE_TICIYvFbxI6TUx9A_hQdVONezl6wi8FqLYGIkWFNa1UBFwTTOKcTM1WOhRUonhbrH6rcxHSn3jVMPkucohzOaDI/w640-h494/2021+-+sample+of+Ramo%25CC%2581n%2527s+work.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> </span></span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: tahoma,verdana,segoe,sans-serif;"><span dir="auto"> </span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>jennicacubahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01075251997962909202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870459136778077892.post-67518418463867915432021-06-17T11:05:00.002-04:002021-07-09T10:03:28.741-04:00Are you getting ready to travel yet? <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguuuYfr7MayBhsc9kWAmwZwwajN1l59ZvwnAWDSOnYOSpofBG8K_A8h2RkQv_xS00H8P78LVOlT9VexYKMYe5BlzVYtS4fAw7zEEUroimdWZvyHvKZWQsVyccV3P381u2UuMz9AnGpAoNe/s2048/CK+%2526+CW+against+Cuban+landscape.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguuuYfr7MayBhsc9kWAmwZwwajN1l59ZvwnAWDSOnYOSpofBG8K_A8h2RkQv_xS00H8P78LVOlT9VexYKMYe5BlzVYtS4fAw7zEEUroimdWZvyHvKZWQsVyccV3P381u2UuMz9AnGpAoNe/w640-h640/CK+%2526+CW+against+Cuban+landscape.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><h1 style="color: #202020; display: block; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 26px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 125%; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 24px;"><span face="tahoma,verdana,segoe,sans-serif">Wishing to travel? Here's something to read...</span></span></h1>
<p style="color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 150%; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span face="tahoma,verdana,segoe,sans-serif">I'm delighted to announce that my second novel<i> </i>is finally in print! If you liked <i>Cuban Kisses</i>, you'll love <i>Cuban Wishes</i>
– and I'm not saying that simply as a promotional hook. If authors are
like parents, we're not supposed to have favorite "offspring," but I
can't help feeling partial to the sequel.<br />
<br />
<i>Cuban Wishes</i> is my big, fat baby. It's significantly larger
than the first book (120 more pages!) and the story is more complex.
Although it would still be considered an adventure-romance novel,
there's also some murder and mayhem, a few mysterious happenings and, of
course, more information about Cuban culture and history. It continues
the protagonist's journey of self discovery as she faces new challenges
and ethical dilemmas in both Cuba and Canada. If you want to be
transported to my beloved island via my novels, you can order them by
clicking <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://jennicacuba.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D845f8a3daa5b7e70f730a267f%26id%3D185f900994%26e%3D988548c18c&source=gmail&ust=1624028162558000&usg=AFQjCNHa-KIFUdcH0GbG0abObIqUNar__A" href="https://www.ripplepress.ca/rppc-store" style="color: #007c89; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">here</a>. The publisher, Ripple Press, will ship books anywhere in Canada, the U.S. or wherever.<br />
<br />
Also, if you want to hear me talking about my books, you can tune in
Saturday, July 10, to Chat & Spin Radio. I'm scheduled to be
interviewed "live" on this Internet station at 12 noon, </span>Eastern Standard (Daylight Savings) Time. You can click <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://jennicacuba.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D845f8a3daa5b7e70f730a267f%26id%3Deb380a0361%26e%3D988548c18c&source=gmail&ust=1624028162558000&usg=AFQjCNEoWYrPwrIrRza2jpQSg5AuysMqeQ" href="https://chatandspinradio.com/" style="color: #007c89; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">here</a>
to listen in. During my interview with them last month, there were a
few technical difficulties, so I hope everything goes smoothly this
time!</span></p><p style="color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 150%; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">UPDATE: The July 10 interview on Chat & Spin Radio had to be rescheduled. I'll let you know the new date when I have it – likely some time in August.</span> </b></span><br />
<br />
I'm always happy to talk about Cuba, as well as write and read about it,
but I'll be even happier when I can travel there again! Although the
country is gradually reopening to tourism, it's difficult to know what
to advise. Some people are beginning to book trips; others prefer to
wait. I've decided to wait until the new year to organize a group trip
and, for now, my JennicaCuba travel business is still on hiatus.<br />
<br />
However, if you want to travel without my personal assistance, my
colleagues at P&G Travel will be glad to help with any booking,
going anywhere. For those of you who have credit vouchers from Sunwing
due to the April 2020 trip cancellation, you don't have to wait for my
next group trip to use them! My friends at P&G can assist you with
using the vouchers to travel anywhere that Sunwing currently offers
travel packages. In fact, if you want to use a Sunwing voucher from that
trip, you will need to go through this agency to book a trip; that's
just how the system works.<br />
<br />
Virgil Palermo, owner of P&G Travel, is aware that some of my
clients may want to use their vouchers for bookings before I'm back in
business. He advised me that people should contact him directly by
email: <a href="mailto:virgil@pgtravel.ca" target="_blank">virgil@pgtravel.ca</a>.
He or one of his associates will adeptly assist you with any booking!
They're fully up to date regarding COVID insurance and other travel
concerns. Here's a <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://jennicacuba.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D845f8a3daa5b7e70f730a267f%26id%3D7539e34dfb%26e%3D988548c18c&source=gmail&ust=1624028162559000&usg=AFQjCNHzBJvCJS8gF6NSvZuKrf6iHkZnYw" href="https://www.pgtravel.ca/" style="color: #007c89; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">link</a><a href="https://www.pgtravel.ca/" target="_blank"> </a>to their website.<br />
<br />
Until we can travel together, I wish you happy trails wherever you may go!<br />
Keep smiling, Jenny</span></p><p> </p>jennicacubahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01075251997962909202noreply@blogger.com0