For a short period of time during the Obama administration, Americans could travel with approval to Cuba.  Bill and I took advantage of that opportunity and in January 2016 we flew into Montego Bay, Jamaica to board a cruise ship for a 7-day trip around Cuba stopping in Santiago de Cuba, Havana, Maria la Gorda, and Cienfuegos.

The natural beauty of Cuba simply intoxicates the visitor.  The colors, the smells, and the rhythm of life from the smaller towns to the city of Havana exuded a deep passion for being alive. What struck me was the absolute cleanliness of the island despite the dilapidation that was pervasive. Whether it was a simple stoop at the front of a modest cottage, or a large town square, neatness and orderliness prevailed.  I was amused by the locals as they discovered that our group was American.  They seemed as fascinated by us as we were by them.

In the early eighties when I lived in Bermuda, I had the good fortune to meet Joaquin Bacardi.  His family had fled Cuba for Florida to escape the Castro government.  They continued to produce their famous rum in Puerto Rico and their international headquarters is still located in Bermuda.