Friday, August 19, 2016
I hate lightning!
Engine checks complete and breakfast ready to eat while underway we pulled up anchor at Wrightsville beach with beautiful deep blue skies, and a skiff of white clouds passing over as we headed further North. Our destination Dudley's marina in Swansboro. The tide table had changed so tides were with us for our travels North on the ICW. That was a good thing as nervous norvus, as Tom calls me would be able to relax a little more and do something other than watch my IPAD for the marked shoals. There were storms predicted for this afternoon but we thought if we just slowly cruised they would pass out to sea in front of us. The closer we got to Swansboro the darker the skies became. We could see rain and lightning ahead. We slowed down to 5 knots from our usual running speed of 7 thinking it would be close but we would pass behind it. We could see it pass over the ICW BUT it seemed to be a never ending line of storms on my phone radar and we were going to run right into it. AND WE DID! With running lights on, Tom watching the chartplotter to follow the magenta line and me watching the water, when I could see passed the bow in the rain, we inched forward. Only three miles to go to Dudleys but what a horrible three miles. Even Peanut was scared, jumping on my leg, begging to be picked up.The lightning and thunder were simultaneous much of the time. My phone kept sending text alerts that lighting had hit 0 miles from our position, telling us to take cover! Does canvas count!? We called the marina to confirm the depths to cut across to the T dock and told them not to send out help. It was to dangerous with the amount of lightning that was taking place. I took over the helm and Tom went out to handle the lines. He secured the bow line. The wind and current pushed us up against the dock so my part was easy. Soon Tom was inside, stripped and wrapped in a towel drying off. The storm continued to rage and suddenly we were swinging away from the dock. I yelled OMG we broke loose. I immediately restarted the engines. Laughter turned completely around on the bow line so we were now facing the other direction but thank goodness back up against the dock. Tom went back out in the rain, retied the bow and tied our stern line to the dock. He had not tied a stern line as he thought the force of the storm and current would keep us up against the dock there until the lightning had subsided. A little shocked, all I could do is stare at him. REALLY, I thought. Now securely tied up we enjoyed a much needed cold drink while our boat litt up as if it were daylight for another thirty minutes. At least there was no one in their right mind outside to see him out there with his towel flapping in the wind, if you know what I mean. lol.
Saturday, March 5, 2016
Cuba, a few interesting facts that were not already included in our trip.
Many American boaters have been traveling to Cuba for years. They boated both ways through the Bahamas, the United States not ever knowing they were there.
Canadians and European travelers have been going to Cuba for years to enjoy an inexpensive vacation with beautiful beaches and blue waters. There are several all inclusive resorts in Varadaro.
Three million people live in Havana, which incorporates 270 miles and 15 municipalities.
Education is provided free through the PHD level. A person with a PHD will earn $30.00 per month,
A grill cook will earn $15.00 per month. Many collage graduates try to secure positions at resorts as waiters, bartenders and maids as these position afford them the chance at tips which adds to their income.
Food ticket allotments are provided to citizens for beans and rice. There are really no grocery stores for the commoner. They shop at government stores that carry the staples. We did walk through a grocery store for the affluent and were met with several people begging for us to buy milk for their children.
Cuba Libra is a rum and coke but the coke is an awful off brand. Many boaters take coke for gifts and tips, which is very much appreciated.
People of Cuba love their music. There are dance halls everywhere. They dance in the streets and in their yards. They are young and old. Salza is live and well!! We loved the music and how happy everyone seemed when dancing.
We were told that the cows we seen the farmer taking care in the field were not his but assigned to him by the government. He is responsible for their care and can be punished if he looses one.
We were also told that there are no homeless. That everyone is given a place to live even if it is an eight by ten room with a mattress. We were also told that the majority of people do not own their homes as most of them were taken away when the revolution took place.
They pay for the right to live in their home. Those that did not loose their home in the revolution receive much of their money for repairs from family in the US or other countries. If they want to paint their house they much pay the government for permission.
interesting fact, almost everyone has a cell phone and wait in long lines to buy phone cards for their minutes.
Beer ran $1,00-$2,50
Rum or Mojitos ran $3.00-$10.00 depending on how fancy the spot.
There were no advertising billboards only political
Citizens cannot stay in the resorts and cannot cross to another province without special tags. Our taxi driver had to stop when we crossed to another province and show his paperwork.
Supposedly Fidel owned 7 homes and moved every 2-3 days so that no one could keep track of where he was.
It looks like in 1959 the world stopped for Cuba and is still living in 1959
We stayed 23 days and were only supposed to stay 14. Tom wanted to stay another week to see Obama during his visit and the free Rolling Stones concert.
Just before we left we saw new heavy equipment repaving the main rode from the airport for the Obama trip.
We would like to go back but it wont be on our boat. The trips by cruise ship from the U.S. are unbelievably expensive for a few days visit. Three times what we spent for 23 days! Maybe one day we will get invited to go back on someone else's boat.
Canadians and European travelers have been going to Cuba for years to enjoy an inexpensive vacation with beautiful beaches and blue waters. There are several all inclusive resorts in Varadaro.
Three million people live in Havana, which incorporates 270 miles and 15 municipalities.
Education is provided free through the PHD level. A person with a PHD will earn $30.00 per month,
A grill cook will earn $15.00 per month. Many collage graduates try to secure positions at resorts as waiters, bartenders and maids as these position afford them the chance at tips which adds to their income.
Food ticket allotments are provided to citizens for beans and rice. There are really no grocery stores for the commoner. They shop at government stores that carry the staples. We did walk through a grocery store for the affluent and were met with several people begging for us to buy milk for their children.
Cuba Libra is a rum and coke but the coke is an awful off brand. Many boaters take coke for gifts and tips, which is very much appreciated.
People of Cuba love their music. There are dance halls everywhere. They dance in the streets and in their yards. They are young and old. Salza is live and well!! We loved the music and how happy everyone seemed when dancing.
We were told that the cows we seen the farmer taking care in the field were not his but assigned to him by the government. He is responsible for their care and can be punished if he looses one.
We were also told that there are no homeless. That everyone is given a place to live even if it is an eight by ten room with a mattress. We were also told that the majority of people do not own their homes as most of them were taken away when the revolution took place.
They pay for the right to live in their home. Those that did not loose their home in the revolution receive much of their money for repairs from family in the US or other countries. If they want to paint their house they much pay the government for permission.
interesting fact, almost everyone has a cell phone and wait in long lines to buy phone cards for their minutes.
Beer ran $1,00-$2,50
Rum or Mojitos ran $3.00-$10.00 depending on how fancy the spot.
There were no advertising billboards only political
Citizens cannot stay in the resorts and cannot cross to another province without special tags. Our taxi driver had to stop when we crossed to another province and show his paperwork.
Supposedly Fidel owned 7 homes and moved every 2-3 days so that no one could keep track of where he was.
It looks like in 1959 the world stopped for Cuba and is still living in 1959
We stayed 23 days and were only supposed to stay 14. Tom wanted to stay another week to see Obama during his visit and the free Rolling Stones concert.
Just before we left we saw new heavy equipment repaving the main rode from the airport for the Obama trip.
We would like to go back but it wont be on our boat. The trips by cruise ship from the U.S. are unbelievably expensive for a few days visit. Three times what we spent for 23 days! Maybe one day we will get invited to go back on someone else's boat.
Thursday, March 3, 2016
Leaving Cuba- Flat water does not necessarily mean smooth trip!
March 3, 2016
Travel to Cuba in your own as a United States Citizen is limited to 14 days. Tom and I were approaching day 23! Tom was leaning toward staying another two weeks. We had learned that President Obama and the Rolling Stones were coming and the Rolling Stones concert was going to be free. Toms thought, we are already over the limit so why not stay and enjoy ourselves. I was extremely tempted, BUT, funds were running low and I was afraid we would run short. I did not want to end up in a Cuban jail because we ran out of money! I was also a little nervous about what we were going to face when we checked back in at the Key West Coast Guard Station and not sure we needed to push the envelope. In Cuba there are only three places you can check in and out of and Ciao La Visa was not one of them. Now we had another choice to make. Do we boat 65 miles back to Havana to check out or do we just leave. If we just left it would hurt our chances to return to Cuba because our passports would be tagged, or so we were told. We did talk to a boater who said he doesn't always come all the way back to Havana to check out and he has not had any problems returning. This was enough for Tom, we would leave from Ciao La Visa. Of course I envisioned being chased by Cuban boat police as we tried to leave but I'm not very good about taking these kind of chances. We confirmed with several other boaters our weather findings, calm seas and winds.
Timing our departure so that we would arrive in Florida just after day break we carefully made our way back through the reef. This time we could follow the line we made but it was still nerve racking! Just before we reached open water we noticed two men in a homemade raft fishing. They waved and I waved back. One of them picked up a huge lobster out of a burlap sack. Tom put the boat in neural and I waved them over. How in heavens name that little raft held their weight and stayed afloat was mind boggling. It was a basic design, two pieces of Styrofoam with pieces of wood nailed crosswise. The homemade oars were attached to nails with rope. Unbelievable! The one young man held up three fingers indicating the price. I held up four fingers indicating the number of lobsters we wanted. He handed me the lobsters in a plastic bag and I handed him sixteen CUC's. He smiled from ear to ear with the extra and hurriedly began paddling away from Laughter. What a great way to spend the last of the Cuban CUCs that we had. Soon we were out on the open water. I enjoyed the beauty of the seas as Cuba faded away in the background. I wasn't looking forward to nightfall. Traveling alone on open water with no AIS and lots of tankers was not my idea of a relaxing trip. It was a dark night but the lights of freighters lit up the horizon more often than I would have liked. At one point we had one on every side of our boat that we had to monitor. Our radar indicated they were a minimum of two to three miles away but to the naked eye it seemed as if they were much closer. I found myself, pacing and checking the time often, wishing it away. I would not relax until first light. About four thirty a.m. our auto pilot started to act up again squealing and sending Laughter on a sharp turn to port. I shut it off , waited and tried again and again we turned sharply, this time nearly three hundred sixty degrees. After several attempts we just left it off. Just about then I saw flashing blue lights in the distance. Where they heading towards us? We kept our course and they were definitely getting closer. About that time a call came over our radio. This is coast guard cutter ....... please identify yourselves. I got on the radio and told them our boat name and our names. I asked if they were hailing us because we looked like drunken sailors on the water. The captain returned with a little giggle, yes mam, we did notice you were driving erratically. I explained the issue with our auto pilot and that we had turned it off. They never came along side just asked us to maintain our course at minimum speed. We provided all of the information they requested and were told to be sure to check in before we came in to port.
Just before dawn another coast guard cutter hailed us. I explained that we had already been stopped about 2 hours previous to this but I would be happy to provide all the information he needed. Again we were asked if we had checked in. I responded that we would call at first light. He said just be sure we do. The sunrise was beautiful and the seas were so calm. What a beautiful day it was going to be. Tom suggested we keep going to Marathon rather than stop in Key West and risk getting weathered in and the mooring field there is not pleasant. A slight change in course and we were headed to Marathon. No one answered the phone when we tried to call and check in so we waited until anchored in Marathon to try again.. This time we were told we had 24 hours to report to KEY WEST, to check in!! We explained that we didn't have a car. Not our problem we were told. So we rode out bikes to the airport in Marathon the next morning, rented a car and drove down to Key West. With paperwork in hand we walked up to the door. Not a soul around!! They are closed on Sunday!! All that for nothing! We drove back to Marathon and of course they were closed as well. Now we are both fuming!! Back to the airport with the car and then the 4 mile bike ride back to the boat.
On Monday I called the Marathon office and told the officer there the entire story. He asked me for the numbers on my permit to travel to Cuba and my email. He apologized for what we went through. Two hours later I received an email saying we were all checked in and again apologizing for the inconvenience.
We called the couple that had gone with us and they said they made two attempts left two voice mails and let it go never to hear back from anyone. My guess? They are a bit busy with the Cubans trying to sneak in and the drug runners.
Travel to Cuba in your own as a United States Citizen is limited to 14 days. Tom and I were approaching day 23! Tom was leaning toward staying another two weeks. We had learned that President Obama and the Rolling Stones were coming and the Rolling Stones concert was going to be free. Toms thought, we are already over the limit so why not stay and enjoy ourselves. I was extremely tempted, BUT, funds were running low and I was afraid we would run short. I did not want to end up in a Cuban jail because we ran out of money! I was also a little nervous about what we were going to face when we checked back in at the Key West Coast Guard Station and not sure we needed to push the envelope. In Cuba there are only three places you can check in and out of and Ciao La Visa was not one of them. Now we had another choice to make. Do we boat 65 miles back to Havana to check out or do we just leave. If we just left it would hurt our chances to return to Cuba because our passports would be tagged, or so we were told. We did talk to a boater who said he doesn't always come all the way back to Havana to check out and he has not had any problems returning. This was enough for Tom, we would leave from Ciao La Visa. Of course I envisioned being chased by Cuban boat police as we tried to leave but I'm not very good about taking these kind of chances. We confirmed with several other boaters our weather findings, calm seas and winds.
Timing our departure so that we would arrive in Florida just after day break we carefully made our way back through the reef. This time we could follow the line we made but it was still nerve racking! Just before we reached open water we noticed two men in a homemade raft fishing. They waved and I waved back. One of them picked up a huge lobster out of a burlap sack. Tom put the boat in neural and I waved them over. How in heavens name that little raft held their weight and stayed afloat was mind boggling. It was a basic design, two pieces of Styrofoam with pieces of wood nailed crosswise. The homemade oars were attached to nails with rope. Unbelievable! The one young man held up three fingers indicating the price. I held up four fingers indicating the number of lobsters we wanted. He handed me the lobsters in a plastic bag and I handed him sixteen CUC's. He smiled from ear to ear with the extra and hurriedly began paddling away from Laughter. What a great way to spend the last of the Cuban CUCs that we had. Soon we were out on the open water. I enjoyed the beauty of the seas as Cuba faded away in the background. I wasn't looking forward to nightfall. Traveling alone on open water with no AIS and lots of tankers was not my idea of a relaxing trip. It was a dark night but the lights of freighters lit up the horizon more often than I would have liked. At one point we had one on every side of our boat that we had to monitor. Our radar indicated they were a minimum of two to three miles away but to the naked eye it seemed as if they were much closer. I found myself, pacing and checking the time often, wishing it away. I would not relax until first light. About four thirty a.m. our auto pilot started to act up again squealing and sending Laughter on a sharp turn to port. I shut it off , waited and tried again and again we turned sharply, this time nearly three hundred sixty degrees. After several attempts we just left it off. Just about then I saw flashing blue lights in the distance. Where they heading towards us? We kept our course and they were definitely getting closer. About that time a call came over our radio. This is coast guard cutter ....... please identify yourselves. I got on the radio and told them our boat name and our names. I asked if they were hailing us because we looked like drunken sailors on the water. The captain returned with a little giggle, yes mam, we did notice you were driving erratically. I explained the issue with our auto pilot and that we had turned it off. They never came along side just asked us to maintain our course at minimum speed. We provided all of the information they requested and were told to be sure to check in before we came in to port.
Just before dawn another coast guard cutter hailed us. I explained that we had already been stopped about 2 hours previous to this but I would be happy to provide all the information he needed. Again we were asked if we had checked in. I responded that we would call at first light. He said just be sure we do. The sunrise was beautiful and the seas were so calm. What a beautiful day it was going to be. Tom suggested we keep going to Marathon rather than stop in Key West and risk getting weathered in and the mooring field there is not pleasant. A slight change in course and we were headed to Marathon. No one answered the phone when we tried to call and check in so we waited until anchored in Marathon to try again.. This time we were told we had 24 hours to report to KEY WEST, to check in!! We explained that we didn't have a car. Not our problem we were told. So we rode out bikes to the airport in Marathon the next morning, rented a car and drove down to Key West. With paperwork in hand we walked up to the door. Not a soul around!! They are closed on Sunday!! All that for nothing! We drove back to Marathon and of course they were closed as well. Now we are both fuming!! Back to the airport with the car and then the 4 mile bike ride back to the boat.
On Monday I called the Marathon office and told the officer there the entire story. He asked me for the numbers on my permit to travel to Cuba and my email. He apologized for what we went through. Two hours later I received an email saying we were all checked in and again apologizing for the inconvenience.
We called the couple that had gone with us and they said they made two attempts left two voice mails and let it go never to hear back from anyone. My guess? They are a bit busy with the Cubans trying to sneak in and the drug runners.
Tom cleaning our lobsters
Lobster fisherman leaving as we head out to open water
Wednesday, March 2, 2016
March 2, 2016
Our second day at the beach we enjoyed the show as three locals tried to obtain coconuts that were near the top of a tree. Once down they loaded them in a cart and peddled them up and down the beach. Tom had learned in the Bahamas how to choose and cut open a coconut so he was not about to buy one.
I decided I wanted to wander down the beach the other way. This time Tom came with. Lol! We walked all the way to the point a distance of about three miles. As we approached the point we could see an opened walled structure with what looked like a man standing in it. As we got closer we could not believe our eyes! It was a bar, with a bartender!! There wasn't another sole around on the beach. The bartender spoke no English and we struggle with Spanish but somehow he and Tom were able to communicate a little. The bar was limited so Tom enjoyed a mojito while I wandered a little further beach combing. it seems this guy works for the resort and is there just in case someone walks that far down the beach. After all they might be thirsty after a 3 mile walk. He is there 4-5 days a week during the day. Many days no one comes by but once in a while he has a customer.
Tom hoping not to cut off his hand as he cuts the coconut
selling coconuts on the beach
The beach at the point was very different than in front of the resort
Approaching the bar out on the point
A very interesting pier
This fisherman just finished cleaning his catch on shore
Structures near the bar
Tom waving from the bar
Our second day at the beach we enjoyed the show as three locals tried to obtain coconuts that were near the top of a tree. Once down they loaded them in a cart and peddled them up and down the beach. Tom had learned in the Bahamas how to choose and cut open a coconut so he was not about to buy one.
I decided I wanted to wander down the beach the other way. This time Tom came with. Lol! We walked all the way to the point a distance of about three miles. As we approached the point we could see an opened walled structure with what looked like a man standing in it. As we got closer we could not believe our eyes! It was a bar, with a bartender!! There wasn't another sole around on the beach. The bartender spoke no English and we struggle with Spanish but somehow he and Tom were able to communicate a little. The bar was limited so Tom enjoyed a mojito while I wandered a little further beach combing. it seems this guy works for the resort and is there just in case someone walks that far down the beach. After all they might be thirsty after a 3 mile walk. He is there 4-5 days a week during the day. Many days no one comes by but once in a while he has a customer.
Trying to get them down off the tree
The bar and bartender. He walks the 3 miles to and from the bar to work.
Tuesday, March 1, 2016
Beautiful beaches of Caio La Visa the hard way!
March 1, 2016
Both wanting to see a beach before we left Cuba we talked with the Chens and decided to travel 65 miles and anchor behind a small island called Caio La Visa, a spot recommended by the Chens
One small problem, we chose not to purchase a chip of Cuba for our chartplotter so we had to do it the old fashioned way, using only paper charts. Because there is a reef that has a narrow opening through which you must pass Tom sat down with Mr. Chen to map out the path before we left. I thought we were buddy boating so I wasn't extremely worried. Tom and Addison decided we should go ahead. The old power is faster than sail factor. Now I'm worried! As we left the dock I was reminded that we had to be especially careful since our insurance did not cover our boat in Cuba. A small but important piece of information that I really didn't need to remember!
It was a beautiful day to be on the water and I tried hard to concentrate on the beauty around me and not the fact that we were headed for quite the challenge.. Soon we arrived at the point that we would have to maneuver through the reef ,WITHOUT ANY BOUYS! This is one of several times we were truly thankful for taking the navigation class at the Michigan City Power Squadron. Tom kept a close eye on the water while I read him the coordinates and kept a close eye on the depth finder. We shared responsibility of watching the compass. I of course was a nervous wreck. Are you kidding me,
1 mile at 50 degrees then 1/4 mile at another degree then......, you get the idea. I thought I was going to be sick! We zig zagged through the passage for what seemed like forever to me but of course it was only about 15 minutes. What a challenge!!! I was proud and pleased that Tom had the coordinates spot on!
Once safely through the reef and breathing somewhat normally again we headed to the anchorage. we selected a spot, dropped anchor and oogled our surroundings. Mountains behind us, an island in front of us, and clear blue waters beneath us. It was beautiful. We shut off all the electronics, followed our routines for anchoring and were about to lower the dingy to go to shore and check in when an old fishing boat pulled along side. It was four o'clock and the official wanted to go home so he came to us to check in. He indicated that we were taking to long to come check in and we politely apologized. Two men boarded us, the official and boat captain. Our information from Marina Hemingway was taken as well as the typical questions about what was onboard. I had an orbitz container of gum on my little table and the captain asked what it was. We gave him a piece. He was so excited about the taste I gave him the remainder of the container. He was very grateful. About the time we were done we heard yelling and honking from another boat. The weight of the officials boat tied to ours caused our anchor to drag and we were in danger of grounding. Tom ran to pull in some anchor chain while the captain and the official jumped on the other boat started engines and untied from us. They were gone in a flash and we were left to quickly pull ourselves in deep enough water to start the engines and re-anchor. It wasn't long before we were re-anchored and enjoyed a much needed cocktail before going ashore.
The wooden dock. Boat on the right is the one that caused us to drag
our view from the anchorage
Both wanting to see a beach before we left Cuba we talked with the Chens and decided to travel 65 miles and anchor behind a small island called Caio La Visa, a spot recommended by the Chens
One small problem, we chose not to purchase a chip of Cuba for our chartplotter so we had to do it the old fashioned way, using only paper charts. Because there is a reef that has a narrow opening through which you must pass Tom sat down with Mr. Chen to map out the path before we left. I thought we were buddy boating so I wasn't extremely worried. Tom and Addison decided we should go ahead. The old power is faster than sail factor. Now I'm worried! As we left the dock I was reminded that we had to be especially careful since our insurance did not cover our boat in Cuba. A small but important piece of information that I really didn't need to remember!
It was a beautiful day to be on the water and I tried hard to concentrate on the beauty around me and not the fact that we were headed for quite the challenge.. Soon we arrived at the point that we would have to maneuver through the reef ,WITHOUT ANY BOUYS! This is one of several times we were truly thankful for taking the navigation class at the Michigan City Power Squadron. Tom kept a close eye on the water while I read him the coordinates and kept a close eye on the depth finder. We shared responsibility of watching the compass. I of course was a nervous wreck. Are you kidding me,
1 mile at 50 degrees then 1/4 mile at another degree then......, you get the idea. I thought I was going to be sick! We zig zagged through the passage for what seemed like forever to me but of course it was only about 15 minutes. What a challenge!!! I was proud and pleased that Tom had the coordinates spot on!
Once safely through the reef and breathing somewhat normally again we headed to the anchorage. we selected a spot, dropped anchor and oogled our surroundings. Mountains behind us, an island in front of us, and clear blue waters beneath us. It was beautiful. We shut off all the electronics, followed our routines for anchoring and were about to lower the dingy to go to shore and check in when an old fishing boat pulled along side. It was four o'clock and the official wanted to go home so he came to us to check in. He indicated that we were taking to long to come check in and we politely apologized. Two men boarded us, the official and boat captain. Our information from Marina Hemingway was taken as well as the typical questions about what was onboard. I had an orbitz container of gum on my little table and the captain asked what it was. We gave him a piece. He was so excited about the taste I gave him the remainder of the container. He was very grateful. About the time we were done we heard yelling and honking from another boat. The weight of the officials boat tied to ours caused our anchor to drag and we were in danger of grounding. Tom ran to pull in some anchor chain while the captain and the official jumped on the other boat started engines and untied from us. They were gone in a flash and we were left to quickly pull ourselves in deep enough water to start the engines and re-anchor. It wasn't long before we were re-anchored and enjoyed a much needed cocktail before going ashore.
Two days on the beach in Cuba
March 1, 2016
Dingy down we headed to the Ferry dock. We tied up as close to shore as we could get. The last thing we needed was the Ferry or Customs boat crushing our dink! A wooden walkway through the mangroves led us to the resort and beach. WOW! The resort consisted of two main buildings that had a restaurant and outside bar with tables and about 50 individual cabins along the beach. The cabins were adorable!! they each had a hammock on the front porch and most were situated in the shade of palm trees. The beach was 3 miles long. There were lounge chairs in the area in front of the cabins. Our first day was spent sitting on the beach enjoying the beautiful blue water. My wandering nature got the best of me and I headed down the beach to explore. We had noticed immediatly upon arrival that a large number of vacationers were from Europe and especially France. As I reached a large group of vacationers about a 1/2 mile down the beach I realized why they were so far away from most. They were topless. Can you say awkward! Speak, don't speak? UGH! Upon my return I reported to Tom what he missed. He of course wanted to go for a second walk. A little obvious wouldn't you say! I declined. We found this little resort to be a busy spot. The ferry carried visitors back and forth from the mainland daily. So busy and popular that 50 more cabins were being built. For $10.00 you could eat at the all you can eat buffet at the resort. We decided to try it for dinner. Not bad but nothing to write home about. We spent the evening enjoying the beautiful sunset and scenery around the boat. We celebrated our decision to come here! Scary but worth every tense moment!
One of the cabins
better photo of the dock
more of the cabins
Chess game under the veranda
Dingy down we headed to the Ferry dock. We tied up as close to shore as we could get. The last thing we needed was the Ferry or Customs boat crushing our dink! A wooden walkway through the mangroves led us to the resort and beach. WOW! The resort consisted of two main buildings that had a restaurant and outside bar with tables and about 50 individual cabins along the beach. The cabins were adorable!! they each had a hammock on the front porch and most were situated in the shade of palm trees. The beach was 3 miles long. There were lounge chairs in the area in front of the cabins. Our first day was spent sitting on the beach enjoying the beautiful blue water. My wandering nature got the best of me and I headed down the beach to explore. We had noticed immediatly upon arrival that a large number of vacationers were from Europe and especially France. As I reached a large group of vacationers about a 1/2 mile down the beach I realized why they were so far away from most. They were topless. Can you say awkward! Speak, don't speak? UGH! Upon my return I reported to Tom what he missed. He of course wanted to go for a second walk. A little obvious wouldn't you say! I declined. We found this little resort to be a busy spot. The ferry carried visitors back and forth from the mainland daily. So busy and popular that 50 more cabins were being built. For $10.00 you could eat at the all you can eat buffet at the resort. We decided to try it for dinner. Not bad but nothing to write home about. We spent the evening enjoying the beautiful sunset and scenery around the boat. We celebrated our decision to come here! Scary but worth every tense moment!
Lobsters at dinner
Monday, February 29, 2016
Revisitng Wilbert at his home.
Feb. 29th
Wilbert came to see us at the boat. He talked about growing up in the states, serving in the U.S. army, meeting his wife in Germany and moving to Cuba where she was originally from. He talked about how poor the people are and when he goes to the States every six months to see his sister and get his pension that he keeps in an account in the states he brings back as much as he can. He asked that if we returned could we bring baseballs bats and gloves. Cubans love their baseball and there of course is a shortage of such items for the poor.
He insisted that we come and visit his home and family so Tom and I rode our bikes to his home the next day. In his home is he and his wife, grandma, Aunt and husband and Aunts special needs adult daughter!! He gave us a tour of the second floor he is adding so that he and his wife could have their own private space to live. They have several pit bulls and a young man was cutting up the throw away meat from the market to feed them. Dog food is hard to come by.
They have an interesting religion that involves highly decorated statues around the home. Wilbert told us the name but after asking twice and still not understanding what he said I let it go. Since Tom had so much fun playing dominos in the yard when we met Wilbert we brought our dominos to show the family how to play chicken foot. No Im not kidding, they cleaned off the table and we set up the dominos. Even grandma wanted to learn to play and was so excited when she could yell "chicken foot"! After a rousing game and Auntie doing the dance of joy for winning we headed back to the boat on our bikes.
This photo and the next are examples of the alters throughout the house
Can you say Chicken Foot!
Wilbert came to see us at the boat. He talked about growing up in the states, serving in the U.S. army, meeting his wife in Germany and moving to Cuba where she was originally from. He talked about how poor the people are and when he goes to the States every six months to see his sister and get his pension that he keeps in an account in the states he brings back as much as he can. He asked that if we returned could we bring baseballs bats and gloves. Cubans love their baseball and there of course is a shortage of such items for the poor.
He insisted that we come and visit his home and family so Tom and I rode our bikes to his home the next day. In his home is he and his wife, grandma, Aunt and husband and Aunts special needs adult daughter!! He gave us a tour of the second floor he is adding so that he and his wife could have their own private space to live. They have several pit bulls and a young man was cutting up the throw away meat from the market to feed them. Dog food is hard to come by.
They have an interesting religion that involves highly decorated statues around the home. Wilbert told us the name but after asking twice and still not understanding what he said I let it go. Since Tom had so much fun playing dominos in the yard when we met Wilbert we brought our dominos to show the family how to play chicken foot. No Im not kidding, they cleaned off the table and we set up the dominos. Even grandma wanted to learn to play and was so excited when she could yell "chicken foot"! After a rousing game and Auntie doing the dance of joy for winning we headed back to the boat on our bikes.
Wednesday, February 24, 2016
Wednesday- Thursday-Friday
Feb. 24-25-26
Tom wanted to change the oil on the boat so I headed to the pool. There were three people near me that spoke English with Canadian accents so I seized the opportunity to ask about the accommodations and food at the resort. They indicated it was definitely not a 4 or 5 star as represented in the travel guides but it was ok. The food not so good except for breakfast. Soon Tom joined us and we spent the afternoon together. Because it was an all inclusive they would bring us drinks from the outside bar. Like the Bahamas soft drinks are expensive and rum cheap so the Cuba Libras(rum and cokes) were really strong. Also because they do not have coke or Pepsi products the coke was not very tasty. I quickly switched to Mojitos .
On Thursday the two gals and I hopped on the bus to go to an indoor market that I had not been to nor new about. Evidently it is adjacent to the French cruise ship dock. We got off the bus at the main stop to have an appetizer and drink at a local bar. We were joined by about six cats when our appetizer came to the table. I was shocked at the size of the market. It was basically a very large warehouse that was being used tourist shopping. The vendors consisted of t-shirts, nationals baseball team hats, lots of wooden items and paintings. Most of the booths had the same things so once I had gone up and down a few isles I could pick up speed. The majority of the paintings contained an old car in front of one of Hemingway's favorite bars, the fort, or scenes of the city. There were some beautiful nudes, and female faces that were beautiful. What did I buy? One of the car paintings of course a few wooden items and a Nationals baseball hat for Tom.
Thursday evening we all took a cab to the Japanese restaurant in Jamanitas that Tom and I had been to before.
On Friday two of the Canadians left for home but Kathy was staying an extra day. She stopped by the boat to give us a surprise gift from her friends, their wrist bands. We could now eat and drink at the resort and ride the buses for free. Kathy and I went to lunch while Tom continued to work on the boat. Friday evening we took Kathy to the yacht club to enjoy the inexpensive dinners and music. Lobster dinner $10.00. To bad I don't care for lobster! No worries, my $5.00 fish dinner was excellent!
Kathy from Canada and I hanging out at the resort
Feb. 24-25-26
Tom wanted to change the oil on the boat so I headed to the pool. There were three people near me that spoke English with Canadian accents so I seized the opportunity to ask about the accommodations and food at the resort. They indicated it was definitely not a 4 or 5 star as represented in the travel guides but it was ok. The food not so good except for breakfast. Soon Tom joined us and we spent the afternoon together. Because it was an all inclusive they would bring us drinks from the outside bar. Like the Bahamas soft drinks are expensive and rum cheap so the Cuba Libras(rum and cokes) were really strong. Also because they do not have coke or Pepsi products the coke was not very tasty. I quickly switched to Mojitos .
On Thursday the two gals and I hopped on the bus to go to an indoor market that I had not been to nor new about. Evidently it is adjacent to the French cruise ship dock. We got off the bus at the main stop to have an appetizer and drink at a local bar. We were joined by about six cats when our appetizer came to the table. I was shocked at the size of the market. It was basically a very large warehouse that was being used tourist shopping. The vendors consisted of t-shirts, nationals baseball team hats, lots of wooden items and paintings. Most of the booths had the same things so once I had gone up and down a few isles I could pick up speed. The majority of the paintings contained an old car in front of one of Hemingway's favorite bars, the fort, or scenes of the city. There were some beautiful nudes, and female faces that were beautiful. What did I buy? One of the car paintings of course a few wooden items and a Nationals baseball hat for Tom.
Thursday evening we all took a cab to the Japanese restaurant in Jamanitas that Tom and I had been to before.
On Friday two of the Canadians left for home but Kathy was staying an extra day. She stopped by the boat to give us a surprise gift from her friends, their wrist bands. We could now eat and drink at the resort and ride the buses for free. Kathy and I went to lunch while Tom continued to work on the boat. Friday evening we took Kathy to the yacht club to enjoy the inexpensive dinners and music. Lobster dinner $10.00. To bad I don't care for lobster! No worries, my $5.00 fish dinner was excellent!
Kathy from Canada and I hanging out at the resort
Tuesday, February 23, 2016
A mini tour by a Michigan missionary.
Tuesday, Feb. 23.
Our drive back to Hemmingway from Vinales on Monday afternoon was a nice recap of all the sites we passed going. Farmers in their fields behind oxen pulled plows. Locals on the highway selling eggs or hoping for a ride. When we arrived back at the marina Vic realized the winds had finally changed. They were coming in from the South after 10 days of sometimes fierce North Winds. After checking the weather forecast for the next week he announced that they were crossing back over to Key West on Tuesday. I explained that we had made arrangements to meet the missionary who I had contacted in Michigan on Tuesday. She was going to pick up all the supplies we had brought over. Some she had specifically requested. Vic was adamant that they were leaving otherwise they would be stuck here another week and surpass the 14 day limit imposed to U.S. citizens by the U.S. government. We were just as adamant about not leaving until we had met with the church lady. So Tuesday morning Kathy and Vic met the missionary, who had also brought the minister from a local church with her, gave her the items they brought and prepared to depart. We loaded the back of the church van with the items we brought, three boxes of school supplies, tools, clothing, steak knives and more. I was a little disappointed to find out that these items were going to a central office for distribution and not directly to the church and Pastor I had been in contact with, something I didn't know before hand. Thankfully I kept back a couple of bags of school supplies and other items. There were five of us. The driver, the missionary, the minister, Tom and I. Because she has been coming to Cuba for 25 years to start churches and support them through her church at home we learned some things that we would not have known had we left.
This is the American Embassy, the U.S. actually gave Switzerland permission to use it after we pulled out. We had one gentleman who continued to serve as a nonpolitical liaison in the office.
At least 100 Cubans a day line up in hopes of obtaining a Visa to enter the United States.
President Bush ordered the top level of the embassy display an electric sign that made statements to the Cuban people such as, "Don't you wish you could leave"? Cuban people should have individual rights. They were turned on at night and the Cuban dictator thought they were non threatening until.......
A religious display was put on the roof and the sign read; Have a merry and blessed Christmas. Since Castro was an atheist and promoted it in the country he was furious. He had 148 flag poles put up to block the sign. Black flags were put on the poles representing the 148 Cubans killed in the Bay of Pigs. President Bush removed the revolving sign and decorations and Castro removed the black flags. Now during special occasions the Cuban flag is flown on each pole.
The structure is over a large cemented area used for rallies and such.
This is the plaque that Castro put in front of the flag poles. I need to have it interpreted for me.
Here is another view of the area near the embassy used for rallies
This is the church we visited with the pastor and missionary. it is only 2 blocks from the capital in downtown Havana. If you didn't spot the little sign hanging over the double steel doors you wouldn't know it was a church.
We received a tour of the church and the upstairs children's Sunday school area. Tom and I returned on Sunday to attend a service. It was in Spanish of course. When the pastor announced that we were from the states a gentlemen in front of us used his phone to show us in English, the readings and Gospel. The pastor was very lively giving his sermon about loving God and dismissing the evils of drugs and alcohol( I was able to figure it out though words and gestures). Several different members got up to speak as well. One who offered a special blessing for us and our visit.( The pastors wife explained it to us. After the service many of the members approached us to shake hands, give hugs and blessings. We really enjoyed ourselves and were so glad we went.
This chart shows the families who have committed to tithing.
The wall to the right is actually where the island ended during the Spanish era. The cannons that remain are the original that were used to protect the city.
Another views shows you that the road, trees and wall on the other side were not originally there. The water was all filled in to enlarge this area following the Spanish.
One of many posters still up from the Popes visit last month
Hemingway had two favorite bars in Havana. La Bogadita, and The Floridita. He said La Bogadita had the best Mojitos and The Floridita had the best daiquiris. This is La Bogadita. It was very small and packed. We had to weasel our way around to go upstairs . We added our names to the thousands already on the wall.
The original Mojito is served here
12 mint leaves with stems
1 tsp sugar
2 oz white rum
2 oz fresh lime juice
2 oz soda water
ice
In a tall glass, place fresh mint leaves and a teaspoon of sugar. Crush the mint using a muddler. Add rum and lime juice. Mix again with muddler. Finish with soda water and crushed ice.
Our names
one of the former homes of Chai
After our tour of the downtown with the minister and missionary we traveled to the other side of the bay up to the top of a big hill, or small mountain. not sure which to see the statue of Christ and enjoy the beautiful view of the city.
This statue was designed and built by a French artist as a gift to Cuba. It came during the revolution and Castro didn't really want it but was afraid of making France angry so he accepted it. We were told he nearly had to be restrained when a French Bishop also came to the dedication to bless the statute.
One of the views from in front of the statue
Left to right; The van driver, the pastor, me and the missionary from Grand Rapids.
This was our last stop of the day before heading back to the marina. Although it was a short tour we really enjoyed it and new that the driver and missionary had to get back to the main headquarters which was a four hour drive.
Our drive back to Hemmingway from Vinales on Monday afternoon was a nice recap of all the sites we passed going. Farmers in their fields behind oxen pulled plows. Locals on the highway selling eggs or hoping for a ride. When we arrived back at the marina Vic realized the winds had finally changed. They were coming in from the South after 10 days of sometimes fierce North Winds. After checking the weather forecast for the next week he announced that they were crossing back over to Key West on Tuesday. I explained that we had made arrangements to meet the missionary who I had contacted in Michigan on Tuesday. She was going to pick up all the supplies we had brought over. Some she had specifically requested. Vic was adamant that they were leaving otherwise they would be stuck here another week and surpass the 14 day limit imposed to U.S. citizens by the U.S. government. We were just as adamant about not leaving until we had met with the church lady. So Tuesday morning Kathy and Vic met the missionary, who had also brought the minister from a local church with her, gave her the items they brought and prepared to depart. We loaded the back of the church van with the items we brought, three boxes of school supplies, tools, clothing, steak knives and more. I was a little disappointed to find out that these items were going to a central office for distribution and not directly to the church and Pastor I had been in contact with, something I didn't know before hand. Thankfully I kept back a couple of bags of school supplies and other items. There were five of us. The driver, the missionary, the minister, Tom and I. Because she has been coming to Cuba for 25 years to start churches and support them through her church at home we learned some things that we would not have known had we left.
The Russian Embassy
The Embassy is supposed to resemble the mighty Russian sward. If you look at it and think of the old very heavy Viking type it does. When the United States imposed the embargo the Russians were going "to save the day". Instead they took advantage of Cuba, realized there was no profit in it for them and pulled out.. The Cubans now refer to the building as the "Stab in the Heart Building"
This is the American Embassy, the U.S. actually gave Switzerland permission to use it after we pulled out. We had one gentleman who continued to serve as a nonpolitical liaison in the office.
A religious display was put on the roof and the sign read; Have a merry and blessed Christmas. Since Castro was an atheist and promoted it in the country he was furious. He had 148 flag poles put up to block the sign. Black flags were put on the poles representing the 148 Cubans killed in the Bay of Pigs. President Bush removed the revolving sign and decorations and Castro removed the black flags. Now during special occasions the Cuban flag is flown on each pole.
This is the upstairs where meetings and Sunday School are held. Notice all the fans on the walls.
No air of course.
While on the tour the Pastor invited us to have lunch with his family if we did attend service. Following the church service so we all crowded into the little family car and rode about 20 minutes to their home. We really had a chance to see the disrepair of the homes and streets through the city. Their home is owned by the church. Your first impression up entering is that the house is not clean. In reality it was. In fact it was immaculate. What makes it seem unclean is the old paint on the walls, giving the home a dingy look. Paint is in very short supply in Cuba. I wish I could send them some!
Our lunch was a typical Cuban family lunch. Fried pork, black beans and rice, and sliced tomatoes.
The youngest cried, refusing to eat. Not understanding Spanish I wondered whether he was complaining that he was tired of the same ol same ol food. Cubans are not starving. They have enough to eat there is just no selection. In fact we were told at the dinner table that sometimes they are lucky and for a change can get red beans rather than black. I wanted to cry! I also wanted to say take us to the boat and I will load you up with all types of canned veggies! When dinner was over I brought out a package of American cookies. The two older boys each took one and retreated to their room. Soon the youngest reappeared and announced he was hungry! He ate and then happily got his cookie. Knowing that we were coming to visit I put together goodie bags for each of the boys and mom and dad. We gave the boys baseball hats, candy, minion and star wars stickers and coloring books. I gave mom two different perfumes, nail polish, lotion, and a large cutting knife. Pastor grabbed the large knife and announced this is mine! He held it to his chest and we swore there were tears in his eyes. He repeatedly thanked us for the knife. We had learned that sharp knifes were not available. in fact before we left the states sharp knives was one of the requests when I asked what we could bring to help the church. The boys had their gummy bears and cookies about eaten before we left. I also took sweet and spicy chocolate. The kids didn't care for it but dad loved it. He said he missed the chili spices he used to be able to get. Pastor insisted on driving us home rather than us catching a bus. I was glad because this gave me an opportunity to make up another bag of goodies. When we arrived at the marina we asked Pastor to wait for a few minutes. I loaded a sack with spices, more cookies, more gummy bears, more steak knives, a box of macaroni and cheese(I hope they can figure it out as it is in English) some applesauce for the boys, etc. Once he left of course I thought I could have done much more.
St. Marys Catholic Church. One of the few that survived the revolution
The original Mojito is served here
12 mint leaves with stems
1 tsp sugar
2 oz white rum
2 oz fresh lime juice
2 oz soda water
ice
In a tall glass, place fresh mint leaves and a teaspoon of sugar. Crush the mint using a muddler. Add rum and lime juice. Mix again with muddler. Finish with soda water and crushed ice.
The walls are lined with photos of very famous people who have been here to eat and or drink.
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