Despite lying tantalizingly close to Florida, Cuba remains an enigma to most Americans. The United States embargo, one of the last remaining oddities of the Cold War, prevents most Americans from traveling to the island. Thankfully the embargo contains some significant loopholes making such a trip difficult to arrange but not beyond the realm of possibility. Indeed, it is not illegal for Americans to visit Cuba; it is against the law for them to spend money there. Originally designed to make life hard on Castro & Cuba's communist government, the American embargo today does nothing but impoverish the average Cuban citizen. This counterproductive policy should be scrapped at once. Cuba's charming people and unspoiled scenery await!

A couple enjoys a quiet moment along the Malecon, Havana's picturesque waterfront. The sight of Cuban couples laughing & holding hands is one of my most favorite memories of the city; the Cuban people have certainly not allowed economic hardships to spoil the finer things in life.

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Famed Morro Castle sparkles at the end of the Malecon.

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The quintessential Cuban photo showing an aged automobile, here in front of the gigantic Maine monument. The American economic embargo has created an enchanting time capsule on the island with most cars predating the embargo's inception. Needless to say, Cubans have become amazingly adept at keeping these vehicles running long beyond their usual lifespans.

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One thing I love to do after arriving in a foreign city is to spend a day walking from one end to the other. This allows me to see things as they really are, well away from areas typically seen by tourists. But as I soon discovered, there was no escaping Fidel Castro's ubiquitous portraits and proclamations.

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Two very different images of the island.
On the left, one of the countless anti-American displays found around town, this one a cheesy model missile with "This is our signal" scrolled in Spanish. On the right, the Cuban government recognizes a cash cow when it sees one; here a dancer at the Tropicana's racy revue sports an elaborate costume.

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The towering Jose Marti memorial, erected in honor of one of Cuba's most prominent patriots.

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Cubans are passionate about baseball.
Havana's streets are teeming with future Major League stars!

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Collectively known as Playas del Este, the relatively deserted beaches east of the city are absolutely stunning.
Here shimmering blues & greens light up the coast of Santa Maria del Mar.

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Off the southern coast of the island lies tranquil Cayo Largo.

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The sign below, found along the northern coast of the island, rather unconvincingly asserts, "I'm staying!"
Not coincidentally, this is a spot from which many people embark in rafts over the open ocean towards America and a new life.