UPDATE - Day 10: Just got back from Cuba, first trip

[rshacklefordiv]

Day 5 was amazing. How you liked the Flan?

It was great. When it came out, my wife was not super excited, but we both ate all of it. Much better than any flan I'd ever had before. Thanks!

[rshacklefordiv]

Day 7

http://bonvivantva.com/?p=2997 (Finca La Vigia (Ernest Hemingway's home in Cuba), Tropicana revue show)

[rshacklefordiv]

Day 8

http://bonvivantva.com/?p=3155 (cemetery, Almacenes de San José, Sloppy Joe’s, Yank Tanks, Hotel Nacional, Jazz Club)

I have a draft of each day finished. Working out some kinks, and I'll have the whole trip up shortly!

[rshacklefordiv]

Day 9

http://bonvivantva.com/?p=3366 (cigars, flight to Miami, Little Havana)

[Franko]

Man im jealous, jealous!! Good for u brother.

[rshacklefordiv]

Thanks, it was amazing. I can't wait to get back.

[rshacklefordiv]

Day 10

http://bonvivantva.com/?p=3483 (flight home, souvenirs, wrap up)

[rshacklefordiv]

I just wanted the thank everybody for the interest. I haven't been a FOH member long, but I've definitely enjoyed the forum. Thanks again!

[rshacklefordiv]

Since Cuba has been in the news so much, I thought I'd bump my post. Get down there before things change.

[matt123]

Since Cuba has been in the news so much, I thought I'd bump my post. Get down there before things change.

Nice!! Heading down there this Saturday for 2 weeks!

[matt123]

Loved all your pics by the way.

[peterk814]

Since Cuba has been in the news so much, I thought I'd bump my post. Get down there before things change.

I am glad you did this. I have been interested in some time to visit cuba. Your posts were inspiring and helpful.

I m going to try to find a short 3-4 day tour if possible soon!@

[wabashcr]

Thanks for bumping this, as I wasn't around here when it initially aired. If I didn't have work to do today I bet I could spend the entire day just looking through pics of the Cuba trip. I'd love to visit before it takes on too much American influence. I imagine it's a fascinating sociological experience, with such a rich and warm culture, yet subjected to an isolationist, authoritarian regime.

If I ever have the opportunity to visit, I'd love to find a trip like yours to see as much of the island as possible, including the remote areas. I'm sure the tourist sections of Havana are beautiful, but I'd like to experience "real" Cuba. From what I've seen so far, it looks like you had that experience and much more.

[rshacklefordiv]

Thanks for bumping this, as I wasn't around here when it initially aired. If I didn't have work to do today I bet I could spend the entire day just looking through pics of the Cuba trip. I'd love to visit before it takes on too much American influence. I imagine it's a fascinating sociological experience, with such a rich and warm culture, yet subjected to an isolationist, authoritarian regime.

If I ever have the opportunity to visit, I'd love to find a trip like yours to see as much of the island as possible, including the remote areas. I'm sure the tourist sections of Havana are beautiful, but I'd like to experience "real" Cuba. From what I've seen so far, it looks like you had that experience and much more.

I was in a LCDH at the Melia Habana talking to some Canadiens I met down there about my trip. At first, they were joking on me about my strict and ambitious itinerary. They said the way to do Havana is slow and without plans. That does sound relaxing, and I'll definitely try to get back and do it that way at some point. However, I really got to see a lot of things they never had, despite going at least yearly for over a decade. I saw tobacco farms, small towns, played with a baseball team, saw local businesses, and experienced all kinds of culture. For Americans, an approved tour is still pretty much your only option. But what a first way to see Cuba. There are a lot of operators that offer many different kinds of trips. One I saw a while back that interested me was a jazz tour that stays in Havana the whole time. That would give you a lot more time to explore the city on your own, but wouldn't give you quite the perspective that my tour did. For non-Americans, I'd really think about going on a tour (or at least getting off the beaten path) next time you go down. Now is the time to experience the real Cuba.

Also, I really appreciate all the interest in my blog. Bookmark it if you like, or just the cigar category. Also, I tweet my updates, so follow me on twitter if you're so inclined.

[iahawk36]

Fantastic stuff!! Thanks for sharing!!