Charter flights from Tampa to Cuba could begin in September

[Ruby the Liberal]

Source: Tampa Bay Online

TAMPA Flights from Tampa International Airport to Cuba could begin as early as Sept. 10, as Cuban government approval has been given to a Miami-based charter company.

ABC Charters has received the first landing rights to Cuba from Tampa International, airport officials announced this afternoon.

"This is the last piece of the puzzle," said U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor of Tampa, who has been pushing for Cuba travel from Tampa. "This is fantastic news for the Tampa Bay community."

The service could increase from one to two flights a week in October, said Tessie Aral, president of ABC Charters.

Read more: http://www2.tbo.com/news/politics/2011/jul/27/9/charter-flights-from-tampa-to-cuba-could-begin-in--ar-246686/

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What did I miss - we can legally travel to Cuba now?

[dipsydoodle]

1. legally travel to Cuba now?

I can because I'm UK. I don't think you can yet. I think that service is for the Miami Mafia.

[OmahaBlueDog]

2. One can "legally" travel to Cuba

It's not advised, and they theoretically don't honor our passports. One can get a visa, and then fly to Canada or Mexico and get a connecting flight to Havana.

The embargo has not worked. I'd like to end it so we can sell some ag products they desperately need, and we can buy some rum and cigars. From a practical standpoint, this won't happen until Fidel Castro passes on.

[dipsydoodle]

5. They have no real interest in either of our passports

only that you have an entry permit and you don't try to import any of the products on a prescribed list.
They do not stamp passports on entry.

Its not the Castros who maintain the barrier : its the US government.

btw - I was there for 3 weeks last October.

[Ruby the Liberal]

6. Would love to hear what you thought of the visit

I'd love to have the ability to go.

[dipsydoodle]

8. See my reply #7 below

I'm sure you'd enjoy it given the chance. I can go back anytime - just a matter of finding time to do so.

[KansDem]

3. Check out this hotel in Havana!

Nh Hotel Lobby--




Not bad!

[flamingdem]

11. I thought those were slot machines in the first picture! nt

[elfin]

4. I would like to visit

more to see the unspoiled nature, due to lack of development -- there are many species there, which have been eradicated in other areas.

Also to see all the vintage cars still running due to their ingenuity in harsh circumstances.

Would like to quaff a real mojito here and there along the way.

But, am of an age (in my "prime", according to me), that I would like to go on an organized venture with naturalists who like mojitos.

[dipsydoodle]

7. I toured the island for nearly two weeks

from Havana down to Santiago de Cuba using more or less the reverse route of the Revolution and learning its history along the way. It was an organised tour and I was banged up with a load of retired right wing civil servants and guys retired from the oil industry some of whom I argued with constantly. They all flew back after 2 weeks and I stayed in a beach resort for the 3rd week - all inclusive with food and booze 24/7. The afternoon they left I pal'd up with two Dutch girls anyway. :) I also got to know a girl with direct uninterupted slave lineage.

Its refreshing to be a country where there are no signs of racism whatsoever. Cubans come in all shades and to each other they are all just Cubans.

The pre-1959 Yanks are there in abundance - they've even restored / got going cars they'd dug out of fields. You seemingly cannot go anywhere in Cuba without seeing them to extent that in the end you stop taking notice.

In some respects the whole country is unspoilt because they can't afford to restore it. That will now change with time - hopefully.

They are truly lovely people. I generally feel safe here in the UK but it was only on reflection when I returned home that I realised I felt even safer there.

I think from what I've subsequently read that naturalists might be better touring the area to the west of Havana which I didn't see.

[elfin]

9. sounds good - except for the winger part

Also - no mention of mojitos, but who cares? Would like to see somewhere not infiltrated completely with our strip mall inhabitants.

That will come all too soon, I fear.

To think that the price Cubans pay for our tourism dollars is many years of privation and lack of civil rights and discourse (despite good health care) boggles this geezer's mind.

I really would like a naturalist's tour, along with some architectural history before all is redeveloped and "rehabbed" to meet western lack of tastes.

I remember the glitter and glamour and corruption and oppression of the Batista days, as seen in old movies.

Time stopped for them, but I think things are changing so quickly, that I want to see the vestiges along with the nature.

[Ruby the Liberal]

10. Oh cool! Thanks for sharing

Hopefully some day very soon we can help prop their economy and enjoy their beautiful beaches and hospitality.