As someone who has traveled legally to Cuba and led twenty-five workshops since 2001, I can attest it is almost as easy for U.S. citizens to travel to Cuba today as it is to visit Mexico. Almost, as there are still regulations in place, paperwork to be filled out, and forms to be signed. But these have become mostly superfluous.
“The embargo on Cuba is the most comprehensive set of U.S. sanctions on any country, including the other countries designated by the U.S. government to be state sponsors of terrorism.”
To understand the significance of what is happening in U.S./Cuba relations it is important to know one thing: no President of the U.S. can unilaterally lift the embargo. Under the provisions of the 1996 Helms-Burton Act only an act of Congress can lift the embargo.
Analysis for the New York Times By David Gonzalez: "If you spend enough time talking with people in Cuba, there is a phrase you are sure to hear: No es fácil — it’s not easy."
The following is a letter from Lee Marona, president of Vaya Sojourns,U.S. licensed travel provider to Cuba.
I was in Cuba in December when Raul Castro and President Obama made their joint announcements regarding rapprochement. It was noted by many that Fidel was uncharacteristically silent on the issue.
In 1959, Fidel Castro rose to power in Cuba. He has been one of the most controversial figures in the world ever since.
New York Times: "After more than a half-century of Cold War estrangement, the United States reopened its six-story embassy in Havana on Monday, and Cuba raised a flag outside its own stately embassy in Washington."
NPR: "President Obama announced today the most significant change in U.S. policy toward Cuba in more than 50 years, paving the way for the normalization of relations and the opening of a U.S. Embassy in Havana."
Huffington Post: "U.S. President Barack Obama sat down with Cuban President Raul Castro on Saturday, the first substantial meeting between the countries' leaders in more than 50 years."
New York Times Travel: "As the United States reopens its Embassy in Havana, here’s what you need to know about traveling to Cuba."
Mashable.com: "MasterCard announced Friday it will begin handling U.S. credit card transactions in Cuba..."
New York Times: "The river where Jonas Echevarria fishes cuts through neighborhoods brimming with new fine restaurants, spas and boutiques, springing up in Cuba’s accelerating push toward private enterprise."
In 1999, UNESCO declared the Vinales valley a World Heritage Site, in the category of Cultural Landscape.
BBC: "Santeria (Way of the Saints) is an Afro-Caribbean religion based on Yoruba beliefs and traditions, with some Roman Catholic elements added. The religion is also known as La Regla Lucumi and the Rule of Osha."