We were pondering the Cuba issue while we were in the Western Caribbean. We were going to bring the boat,,, then we were just going to fly, then bring the boat. In the end we decided not to go based on the reports of other cruisers that went. What we came away with was that everyone who went loved the people of Cuba. Everyone was treated well by authorities. The biggest discourgement was that it was just a lot of trouble. Everything from paperwork to personal paronia on the entire experience. The second thing was people, they had a lot of spirit, had good values and worked hard. Even with all their efforts their future was minimal. They didn't seem to mind that much, it was just a matter of fact and something to prevail through. The cruisers I met felt badly for Cuba's people and I felt they came away with a bit of a saddening experience.

Both the Admiral and I are working on not adding any more emotional burdens to our live's at this time. We decided not to go.